20 wt. Fork Oil ?

[bccap]

Has anybody used this ? My local shop recommended it.

[Nessism]

Why? 20 wt. is thick stuff and will make the bike ride rough unless it's a loaded touring rig, or you are over 250 lbs and ride aggressively.

[bccap]

I don't ride aggressively. But do weigh about 280.

[SVSooke]

As 10wt is what Suzuki recommends I would think 20wt is a bit to stiff.I like mine a little stiffer so I went with 15wt.I'm a pretty big guy,6'2" and 215#,much lighter and 10wt would be fine.Shop is probably trying to move the 20wt,very little uses it these days.

[makenzie71]

I used 20wt with my showa forks. They had a really short travel, though, and were bottoming out. If you're not bottoming out, then there's no need for it. I wouldn't think it'd be needed even for your weight...maybe 15w.

[bccap]

Thanx, I think I'll take it back and exchange for 15 wt. According to my calculations the air pressure should be around 3psi. Is that right ?

[Nessism]

Thanx, I think I'll take it back and exchange for 15 wt. According to my calculations the air pressure should be around 3psi. Is that right ?

3 psi is nothing. You can run much higher than that (check the owners and/or service manual for the actual spec). The airspring supplement system was a fad back when the GS bikes were being made and has since disappeared. You are strongly advised to get some Progressive fork springs, particularly for someone of your weight. This is one of the best upgrades you can make to your bike (other than maybe Teflon/stainless brake lines).

[bccap]

I did check my service manual and the recommended pressure is 20kpa which I get 2.9 psi from. I agree it doesn't sound like much. Am I converting it wrong ?

[Nessism]

Owners manual for the 850 says 8.5 psi is standard, with a max of 35 psi. GS1000 says standard is between 11 - 17 with 35 psi max.

You can download the factory Owners manuals and Service manuals from Basscliff's web site and have a look for yourself.

[bccap]

I have the factory service manual and 20kpa with maximum of 250 kpa is what they say. However as there is so much leeway to maximum pressure [36 psi] I think I can play with it without repercussions. Will use midpoint between the gs850 and gs1000 for starters . 9-10 psi. Thanx for the info.

[rapidray]

ACTUALLY............................... for YOUR weight, 20 wt oil WILL be the best choice. If you want, try the 15 & then if you don't like it, you can always do the forks again. Ray.