Fork Oil DL650 (2013)

[Ian T]

Hi

I normally try and be as precise as I can with things on bikes, but I am just about to change the fork oil as it has never been done, so I thought I would do the seals as well, not that they need them, but the forks will be out.

My question is please, the good old book states 530cc in each fork, the oil comes in 1 litre containers, would the world end tomorrow if I just bung 500cc in each or is it that critical.

I will obviously be measuring the air gap, and if I wasn’t replacing the seals then I would assume some remnants of the old oil would remain thereby bolstering the volume. But as I will be taking the forks apart to do the seals I would assume a good clean up would remove any old oil.

So all things being equal and it takes 500cc in each leg and say the air gap is a fraction under, but equal in each leg, would that be OK. Or would I need to get it spot on and get over the 1 ltr bottle.

Cheers

Ian

[UK_Vstrom650]

I went by the book and bought two bottles, but the chap in the bike shop said they'd just put 500ml in each side if they were doing it.
I think if I was doing it again, I'd probably just split 1 bottle in half. As you said, just ensure the air gap on each side is equal 

[endintears]

It's only six percent less but as it specifically states five hundred and thirty then presumably it makes a difference.
Maybe save a bit of the old oil to make up the difference 

[Ianmc]

    It doesn't make any noticable difference,it just means the air gap at the top of the leg is slightly more which makes the suspension VERY slightly softer.
    I did this on my L2 and used 7.5w oil as well,it made the ride more subtle until I put A41 tyres on,mmm……never again they are really stiff on the sidewalls.

[sjrainsford]

I purposely put 500 in each side on mine to increase the air gap slightly.  And it's a worth while improvement.  Just dials back a little of the harshness over uneven surfaces.

[Ian T]

Thanks for all the replies all extremely helpful and something to think about.

Not sure which way I will go yet, I’ll probably bottle it and buy the extra and stick to book.

Ha ha I think being anal must be in me blood.

Cheers

Ian

[Gert]

Personally, I would rather use an oil level ruler measurement to that of a fork oil volume capacity, as a reference.  To me, it is easier to add a bit of extra fork oil to reach a specific dip stick measurement level than guess the exact volume of fork oil to add or subtract (siphon off) per fork leg / side.
It is worth remembering that not all oil weights are the same. Different brands are different even though they may claim to be 10w.  If memory serves, the oil measurement is taken with the fork tube fully collapsed, with the spring and spacer removed.

[Ian T]

Thanks everyone

Righto, I have googled to I’m boss eyed. Read more comparison charts than I should do in one lifetime and not understood any of them.

Given that allegedly all fork oil weights are not standard, can anyone please just tell me a reasonably priced fork oil that meets the specs of the stock OEM oil (10w).

I am going to put the correct amount in with the correct air gap, not interested in any deviation from stock, I just want to mirror it.

I’m getting old, probably ride like a fart and don’t understand all that table malarkey.

So what do you recommend as a replacement as I don’t fancy paying Suzuki prices.

Cheers

Ian

[UK_Vstrom650]

I can't say what's comparable to the OEM fork oil (it may depend what Suzuki/Dealer used).
I've been using 10w Putoline fork oil in mine as that's what the local shop had in. Seems OK to me.

[Gert]

Not sure whether you may find the following links of any value. Anyhow, have had a look through them and judge for yourself....
https://transmoto.com.au/comparative-oil-weights-table/, https://forum.ozvmx.com/index.php?topic=36800.0 and http://mahonkin.com/~milktree/motorcycles/oil-weight-script/oil-weight.pl

FWIW, I used Castrol fork oil.

[Ian T]

Very kind of you to post the links, however lost on me. I’m an ex Marine with three hammers, always found one size to fit.

Thanks really but not got a clue, it’s all lost on me.

Think I’ll just go with what ever the shop I will be using at the time is flogging.

Thanks again and much appreciated.

Cheers

Ian

[Lemonwizard]

I purposely put 500 in each side on mine to increase the air gap slightly.  And it's a worth while improvement.  Just dials back a little of the harshness over uneven surfaces.

Just for my understanding... Does this also lead to increased fork dive when applying the front brake?

[Gert]

To me, fork dive under braking, is normally due incorrect spring rate and / or the damping rate.
It is important to set the sag on both front and rear.
A discussion on suspension setting that may be worth a look at,  https://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php/topic,7132.0.html

[pichulec]

I am using Ohlins 1309 recommended for my springs (also Ohlins)

[sjrainsford]

Just for my understanding... Does this also lead to increased fork dive when applying the front brake?

I've not noticed an increase in fork dive in comparison to what I had before.

[The Doctor 46]

About a year and many miles of owning my DL650A I had an oil leak from the forks (great British roads) and took it into a garage to have it fixed. When I collected it the mechanic had two jars with the oil from each fork. They were both completely different?

As I had never ridden a V-Strom before I had no idea how it should handle so never noticed. The difference with the same oil in both legs was hardly noticeable.