The BSA A7-A10 Forum

Technical (Descriptive Topic Titles - Stay on Topic) => Frame => Topic started by: gary on 07.04. 2021 01:13

Title: fork oil?
Post by: gary on 07.04. 2021 01:13

hi. any recommendations on type of fork oil for early plunger golden flash.was told to try a  fork oil instead of straight 30w. thanks

Title: Re: fork oil?
Post by: Black Sheep on 07.04. 2021 06:51

I use tractor universal 10W-30 in all my bikes. Not only a diesel engine oil, it's also a hydraulic oil (doesn't foam). It gives a smooth supple fork action and it's a whole lot cheaper than fork oil. Also excellent for primary chaincases. And tractors. 

Title: Re: fork oil?
Post by: berger on 07.04. 2021 08:59

and there you have it. the making of woodhenge  with the help of modern machinery. I thought those poles were for tossing only ;)

Title: Re: fork oil?
Post by: mikeb on 07.04. 2021 10:02

gary - unlike black sheep i don't own any tractors (yet) so had to buy some actual fork oil. I use Bel-ray as can buy it locally, but honestly go to a bike shop and anything that says fork oil will do. The grade matters - with standard forks, 20W is kind of normal / soft-ish, 30W if you prefer a firmer spirited ride. modern bikes often have lighter grades like 5W or 10W whcuh are too soft for our old tech.

Title: Re: fork oil?
Post by: scotty on 07.04. 2021 15:20

I’m using a 20W fork oil

Title: Re: fork oil?
Post by: Minto on 26.04. 2021 21:07

Black sheep
That is a properly cool toy you've got there, no idea what I'd use one for but I want one.
Jase

Title: Re: fork oil?
Post by: Black Sheep on 27.04. 2021 06:48

It's a cheap Chinese device, supplied flat packed in best IKEA manner. Very useful for all sorts of things from ploughing, raking, rolling, hedge trimming, whatever. Going strong after 20 years of abuse.

Title: Re: fork oil?
Post by: Russ on 04.05. 2021 12:14

My local bike mechanic uses 20W/50 mineral engine oil.

Title: Re: fork oil?
Post by: BSA_54A10 on 06.05. 2021 14:43

Dedicated fork oils are best & hydraulic oils come second because they are blended for use in things that do not get particularly hot and have rubber parts that need protection.
So they will not cause the fork seals to dry up, or swell & go mushy
They also contain a lot more corrosion inhibitors
With plain engine oils there are less of these additives 

Title: Re: fork oil?
Post by: Rex on 06.05. 2021 20:24

I tend to use some oil intended for the cars I've had over the years. Semi-synthetics and such. As long as it's not so thin or thick that the action or damping is compromised it works just fine but with no discernable difference.
We're not talking Moto GP here.