Fork oil recommendation for 2000 Hornet 600

Anyone have any tips for fork oil change on a 2000 Hornet 600? Mate at work has one and has just replaced a fork leg, so he's changing the oil - He's been recommended by one dealership to use Auto Transmission Fluid which sounds a bit dodgy to me - but I've suggested he might wish to up the weight of the oil slightly from 10w to perhaps 15w.

Any suggestions, tips or pitfalls from the mighty knowledge of the .org?

[northwind]

Join the Hornet's Nest?

Originally Posted by northwind

Join the Hornet's Nest?

He's awaiting his membership to be approved apparently... and until it is we no see the forums.

if he's swapping his exiting fork oil it might be good to replace it with new fork oil, rather than something that's not fork oil

as to the weight, well, if he wants more damping then go heavier; less damping go lighter

Dr Weazlez
Fork Oil & Rocket Scientist

Originally Posted by weazelz

if he's swapping his exiting fork oil it might be good to replace it with new fork oil, rather than something that's not fork oil

as to the weight, well, if he wants more damping then go heavier; less damping go lighter

Dr Weazlez
Fork Oil & Rocket Scientist

Ever wished you didn't ask?

I don't think he's experienced enough to know whether he wants more or less damping, I just wondered if there was any standard recommendation to pass on.

[northwind]

Originally Posted by WRCSixtyThree

He's awaiting his membership to be approved apparently... and until it is we no see the forums.

Ah, that's no good. It's a good forum though, I nearly got a Hornet when I got the SV and I got a load of helpful advice on there.

[21QUEST]

Originally Posted by WRCSixtyThree

He's been recommended by one dealership to use Auto Transmission Fluid which sounds a bit dodgy to me -

WRC, Nothing wrong with Auto transmission fluid. Infact IIRC that is what Honda recommends for a couple of their bikes.
Thing with transmission fluid is the viscosity index is usaully quite high and so in theory less affected by temperature change.

Hornet's Nest probably best option without knowing what the original Honda recommendation is.

If it were me, I'll be inclined to ask a dealer(workshop) if they could have a look in the service manual and tell me what the OE fluid is. Then you have a known base line so to speak.


Ben