Replacing fork oil - which oil for my weight?

Hi all

Weather/time permitting I am planning to replace my fork oil in my 02 Curvy SV this weekend or next - want this done before the AR really.

I have no evidance that the fork oil on this has ever been changed, at 24.5k miles. Rictus said it would probably be "like p1ss water" by now, and felt like it.

Granted, having no experience on bikes and on the SV, it feels "soft" to me. But I have nothing to compare to!

I'm 8st, prob ~9st with gear + odd bit of luggage.

So...

At my weight, what weight oil do I replace it with?

Wondering if the original weight oil will be ok as new, bearing in mind the bike was designed for someone my weight-ish. Or would I benefit from heavier oil regardless...

Do I really need to do springs as well? I want to make as much of an improvement right now as posible, but keeping costs down (v. important).

TY

[jambo]

Fresh 10w oil, or 12w oil (1 bottle of 10w and a bottle of 15w mixed) would do you fine I reckon.

First I've heard about mixing oil :O

Oh, the manual says something about replacing the o-ring seal.

Is this a must?

[andrewsmith]

if it needs it yes. Best to get a set of seals from wemoto 'just in case'. I'm expecting to have change the seals on my 2000 curvy (with 7k on it) when a do a rebuild

O, thanks.

Just made an order with wemoto yesterday, doh.

[jambo]

Unless the seals are leaking, or you are dis-assembling the fork for some reason, you shouldn't need fork seals or bushes to change the oil. That is, for the 20+ fork oil changes I've done I've never replaced an oil seal while just replacing the oil.

Make sure you read the instructions or get supervision, and don't just undo the damper rod bolt at the bottom of the fork, it's not a drain bolt...

Remove the forks, unto the caps and drain them properly.

Jambo

[Sid Squid]

Originally Posted by andrewsmith

if it needs it yes. Best to get a set of seals from wemoto 'just in case'. I'm expecting to have change the seals on my 2000 curvy (with 7k on it) when a do a rebuild

Unless the seals are leaking do not disturb them - the 'O' rings being referred to are the thin seals around the fork cap, not the fork seals, it is unusual for said 'o' rings to be damaged and need replacement, but of course they should be checked.

It is not necessary to dismantle the fork to change the oil, only the top cap needs to be removed.

[andrewsmith]

or get a mate who know what they're doing to do it

Originally Posted by andrewsmith

or get a mate who know what they're doing to do it

Hmm, I think I best get supervision for the first time doing this.

I'll stick a post up in my regional section when the time comes.

Thank you all.