GS1100E Fork Oil height?

[Tarbash 27]

I couldnt get a good answer by searching for this. Is the fork oil height on an 82 GS1100E's forks suppose to be 7.7 inches from the top with the forks compressed. I dont have a manual for this gs1100 since the forks are the only part of this on my bike. I fully rebuilt the forks by passing anti-dive and put in race tech emulators and progressive springs. I will be using 15 wt oil. Any knowledge would be gladly appreciated. Thanks.

[jabberjoe87]

what are emulators?

[mriddle]

7.7 inches from the top with the forks compressed

I don't have a manual but have seen these numbers on here before ..

[Tarbash 27]

what are emulators?

http://www.racetech.com/SubMenu.asp?cMenu=4&c=Yes&cSubMenu=11&showPage=vintagerr#15

[bonanzadave]

what are emulators?

$169. I hope thats a pair. Are they really worth it ?

[Guest]

With the Progressive springs, the directions IIRC call for using the factory manual height, as long as the oil is no higher than 5.5" from the top. I used a syringe type tool set at 6.5" from the top and sucked out the excess. Also used 15 wt oil, and the ride is firmer than stock, though not harsh by any means.
I didn't use emulators....I know some here speak highly of that mod, but I guess it depends on how you ride.....with the Progressive springs, I'm running Fox shocks, and since then have never felt that the suspension on my bike is the limiting factor, so I doubt I will mess with it more. I do enjoy corners, but don't sharpen the pegs at 90 mph either.

Tony.

[Don-lo]

Spring out, forks compressed

[rapidray]

You are correct on your statement. 7.7 inches, NO spring, fork compressed. Ray.

[Guest]

What's the difference between 10W and 15W fork oil. I bought 15W and was told to use 10W. He stated the 15W would make the front end too stiff.

[Tarbash 27]

$169. I hope thats a pair. Are they really worth it ?

I'll soon find out.

[rapidray]

What's the difference between 10W and 15W fork oil. I bought 15W and was told to use 10W. He stated the 15W would make the front end too stiff.

Bill, for ANYONE your size I would put no LESS than 15 wt. I've even gone 20 wt for some bigger guys. Ray.

[bwringer]

Didn't the emulators come with instructions?

The emulators might change the fork oil specs, so I'd go with their recommendations, if any.

[bonanzadave]

Bill, for ANYONE your size I would put no LESS than 15 wt. I've even gone 20 wt for some bigger guys. Ray.

From the Racetech web site......

Q: What is the difference between raising the oil level and changing the viscosity?
A: Raising the oil level increases the compression ratio in the front fork and therefore changes the progressiveness of the spring forces. This has nothing to do with the damping (key point). Changing the oil viscosity changes the damping. Both the compression and the rebound. The spring forces are sensitive to position in other words where it is in the travel while damping forces only care how fast the damper is moving.

[posplayr]

On my GS1100ED

I did:
progressive springs
no spacers
15 wt oil
stock oil height setting
no change to factory emulator settings (racetech)
anti-dive block offs (but emulators eliminate that anyway).

All is good, even excellent. for my weight at 200 lbs and Chef at 350 lbs.

pos

[Tarbash 27]

I also cut my springs about a 1/2 inch to compensate for the emulator. Its seemed like alot of preload without the cutting. But I always have the adjustment also. Ill probably put them together this weekend.