ZX12R Fork Oil

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ross79
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ZX12R Fork Oil

Post by ross79 »

One of my fork seals has started leaking and the oil in the forks is due for a change. I've got the fork seals but don't know what fork oil to get.
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Re: ZX12R Fork Oil

Post by Gosling1 »

stick with the stock viscosity. Unless you do a lot of 2-up fully-loaded touring. Then, maybe go up a grade or 2.

For track-use only, you can drop as low as 5 weight, but you will need to ensure the rest of the fork set-up is good for the track as well.

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Re: ZX12R Fork Oil

Post by Blue14 »

Gos you know farking everything man.. Thats why you are the KSRC legend.. 8)
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Re: ZX12R Fork Oil

Post by Smitty »

ross79 wrote:One of my fork seals has started leaking and the oil in the forks is due for a change. I've got the fork seals but don't know what fork oil to get.
stock is 5W oil however
you can go 7.5 W or 10w (max)

I would recommend 5W or maybe 7.5W if you do a lot of hi speed stuff
given the amount of adjustability in the 12's front legs stick maybe
with 5w and get the suspension right

hth

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ross79
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Re: ZX12R Fork Oil

Post by ross79 »

Thanks for the responses. I think I'll go with the 5W as I mainly ride to work and back. I do the odd bit of 2 up riding now that Kristy's bike is sold.
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Re: ZX12R Fork Oil

Post by Slow and wobbly »

Here is a question for discussion.
If the oil in a fork leg is sealed from the outside environment, there are no contaminents such as friction material from the clutch, carbon deposits and unburnt fuel to mess with it like engine oil suffers. How come it "ages" and requires replacing? - Dud fork seals not withstanding.
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Re: ZX12R Fork Oil

Post by Neka79 »

Slow and wobbly wrote:Here is a question for discussion.
If the oil in a fork leg is sealed from the outside environment, there are no contaminents such as friction material from the clutch, carbon deposits and unburnt fuel to mess with it like engine oil suffers. How come it "ages" and requires replacing? - Dud fork seals not withstanding.
heat...friction would cause heat....age...
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Re: ZX12R Fork Oil

Post by Smitty »

Neka79 wrote:
Slow and wobbly wrote:Here is a question for discussion.
If the oil in a fork leg is sealed from the outside environment, there are no contaminents such as friction material from the clutch, carbon deposits and unburnt fuel to mess with it like engine oil suffers. How come it "ages" and requires replacing? - Dud fork seals not withstanding.
heat...friction would cause heat....age...
Nath

spot on

and yes...oil wears out (it stops doing its job)
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