Heavy Fork Oil?

[1550vt]

I learned long ago the worst thing you want a trike to do is nose-dive in a curve. I run max air pressure in the fronts and HD heavy duty (what they call racing) fork oil. I don't know what the weight is but I don't think its over 15....maybe 20 at the most. I have heard of people running ATF in the fronts, but the other day I had a guy tell me to run straight 30 weight non-detergent oil and no air and I would be amazed at the results. This guy is suppose to know what he's talking about.

I am more into handling than I am comfort when it comes to the curves and I want my platform to be as stable as possible. Not "wooden"...just very stable.

Has anybody tried this or any other "heavy" fork oil and if so...what were the results?

 

[Papa Zook]

Ive never run anything over 15 and cant say that Ive had any issues with the handling or dampening...but I dont ride a lot of twisties either. When I have though...no complaints. I just cant see using 30 weight for typical road use. Comments anyone??

 

[1550vt]

A little more to the story Bazooka.

I had those dreaded cleave blocks still in my swing arm and had an occasion to take the rear-end out...then decided that would be a good time to dump the cleave-blocks. I opted for the Sta-Bo Delrin bushings and called the company to talk about their product and wound up talking to the inventor/owner. This is the guy that recommended the 30w non-detergent in the forks. He acted like he knew what he was talking about and I just wondered if anyone else had ever used an oil this heavy in the forks and how it affected handling. Maybe the only way I will find out is just do it.

About the only time I am not on a curve around here is when I am on I-55. I am sure the new solid bushings will improve cornering (too much rain to go see yet) and I am looking for every possible thing I can to make this thing stick.

 

[Baz]

Ive never run anything over 15 and cant say that Ive had any issues with the handling or dampening...but I dont ride a lot of twisties either. When I have though...no complaints. I just cant see using 30 weight for typical road use. Comments anyone??

I'm with you. Shock oils have specific qualities that you won't get get with engine or transmission oils. If you think you need a 30wt oil then you have issues with fork valving or the wrong springs or both. Oil volume is more important than oil weight. Baz

 

[Gorilla]

VT Zook, I had a problem with my forks diving because of the conversion putting more weight on the front during breaking. Also I hit a really big pot hole and the forks gave very little resistance. Collapsed to the point of denting the top of the fender on the fairing. The oil was HD heavy Duty (which I have read is about wt) and the forks are in like new condition. I had them apart to put the black lowers on.

So I did a lot of read and decided to try 30 wt. I put it in just before Maggie Valley. Now have over k on the oil and am VERY Happy with the change. Hardly notice any difference on smooth roads but a big difference of twisties and bumps. I like the change.

 

[1550vt]

tmigala.....that's the information I was after. Apparently, this guy that told me to try the 30W may have known what he was talking about. I don't have any problems with my suspension now...just trying to help out exactly what you described. I plan to drain the oil I have in now and load her up with 11 ounces of 30W per tube. He said I would be very surprised with the results...apparently, you are pleased with it.

Thanks for the input!

 

[Gorilla]

Very Very pleased