I'm getting new fork seals tomorrow. What oil level should I use?

AgentCircus · July 30th, 2010, 10:23 AM

I'm taking my bike in tomorrow to get the fork seals changed. I've heard that the recommended stock oil level for our bikes is too low at 205mm, and I've seen 130mm and 115mm recommended as something that would work better.

For a rider like me who's 5'3", 125 lbs. what level would you guys recommend and what oil weight?

Thanks a bunch!

CZroe · July 30th, 2010, 11:01 AM

How much is this costing you? I think I need mine done.

Cuongism · July 30th, 2010, 11:13 AM

Oil weight depends on where you live (I'm on mobile so I can't see people's location). Warmer weather, lighter weight, colder weather heavier weight. I have a 08 new gen and my service manual says 8W (which I'm not sure it exists but you can mix 10W and 5W accordingly). I changed my seals today and used 10W which makes it a little stiffer but I also weigh more than you but I also know people who use 5W (I live in southern CA). If you're replacing the fork seals, you'll be disassembling everything and cleaning all the parts, so you can measure both forks by volume since it's dry weight vs measuring from the top of the tube. Just make sure both sides are the same. For my 08 version, the recommended by Kawasaki is 12.2 ounces dry, but I'm not sure for your version. I would imagine you would want softer suspension though since you're light.
Posted via Mobile Device

2WheelGuy · July 30th, 2010, 11:15 AM

I run 5" from top compressed, springs and emulators out on all my 250s. About 130mm.

I run 15w oil on my new-gen which is track only.

AgentCircus · July 30th, 2010, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by czroe

how much is this costing you? I think i need mine done.

$200

AgentCircus · July 30th, 2010, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2WheelGuy

I run 5" from top compressed, springs and emulators out on all my 250s. About 130mm.

I run 15w oil on my new-gen which is track only.

How much do you weigh?
For the street, do you think I'd be okay with 10w oil, 130mm?

AgentCircus · August 1st, 2010, 11:24 AM

After doing a little research, I think EX500 springs would be perfect for me. Labor won't cost me anything extra since they have to remove everything to change the fork seals anyway.

My question is, if I do change the springs - would I still add more fork oil? Is there anything else I need to buy besides the springs? Or is it a plug and play type of deal?

shortstuff · August 2nd, 2010, 08:13 AM

I'm 5'1, 125 and used 12.2 oz of 5W when I took my forks apart. I'd be curious what the front end would feel like with an 8W (pure or combined 5 and 10) but that's keeping it stock. After talking with some guys in the shop, you'd really feel the difference between 5W and 10W when you're doing heavy breaking. I'd think if you're putting in stiffer springs that you'd want to keep the oil on the lighter side unless you're going to be doing high-performance stuff (like racing)

longhorn · August 12th, 2010, 02:04 PM

For what it's worth; the official Kawasaki spec sheet calls for SAE 10W20 oil at 226+/-2mm.

July 30th, 2010, 10:23 AM	#1
AgentCircus ninjette.org member Name: Michael Location: Los Angeles Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 41	I'm getting new fork seals tomorrow. What oil level should I use? I'm taking my bike in tomorrow to get the fork seals changed. I've heard that the recommended stock oil level for our bikes is too low at 205mm, and I've seen 130mm and 115mm recommended as something that would work better. For a rider like me who's 5'3", 125 lbs. what level would you guys recommend and what oil weight? Thanks a bunch! Last futzed with by AgentCircus; July 30th, 2010 at 04:23 PM.

July 30th, 2010, 11:15 AM	#4
2WheelGuy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Craig Location: Silicon Valley, CA USA Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): '98 EX250, '02 EX250, '08 250r, '03 SV650, '98 GSXR750 '03 Hayabusa, '87 YSR50, '84 ZX900, +MORE Posts: A lot.	I run 5" from top compressed, springs and emulators out on all my 250s. About 130mm. I run 15w oil on my new-gen which is track only. __________________________________________________ CraigHarris.org Pacific Track Time CraigsWeb See you at 2014 MotoGP Laguna Seca! We'll be camping on Fox Hill. AFM #278

August 1st, 2010, 11:24 AM	#7
AgentCircus ninjette.org member Name: Michael Location: Los Angeles Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 41	EX500 Springs After doing a little research, I think EX500 springs would be perfect for me. Labor won't cost me anything extra since they have to remove everything to change the fork seals anyway. My question is, if I do change the springs - would I still add more fork oil? Is there anything else I need to buy besides the springs? Or is it a plug and play type of deal?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
DIY- Replace fork seals, dust seals and fork oil	shortstuff	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	212	November 6th, 2023 10:53 AM
Fork oil level	Sipper'	1986 - 2007 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	1	June 25th, 2014 04:08 PM
Fork / dust seals from EX500 D	Graugaard	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	2	February 4th, 2013 10:33 AM
Fork oil level: with or without springs?	RedOctober	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	5	April 16th, 2012 02:06 AM
Help Wanted: Fork Oil & Seals Replacement in San Jose, CA	rurugger	Group Rides and Local Events	5	October 18th, 2009 10:39 PM

July 30th, 2010, 11:01 AM	#2
CZroe CPT Falcon Name: J.Emmett Turner Location: Newnan, GA Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 CP Blue EX250J, '97 unpainted EX250F, 2nd '97 unpainted EX250F (no engine), '07 black EX250F Posts: A lot.	How much is this costing you? I think I need mine done.

July 30th, 2010, 11:13 AM	#3
Cuongism ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Cuong Location: San Diego Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r, 2007 Daytona 675 Posts: A lot.	Oil weight depends on where you live (I'm on mobile so I can't see people's location). Warmer weather, lighter weight, colder weather heavier weight. I have a 08 new gen and my service manual says 8W (which I'm not sure it exists but you can mix 10W and 5W accordingly). I changed my seals today and used 10W which makes it a little stiffer but I also weigh more than you but I also know people who use 5W (I live in southern CA). If you're replacing the fork seals, you'll be disassembling everything and cleaning all the parts, so you can measure both forks by volume since it's dry weight vs measuring from the top of the tube. Just make sure both sides are the same. For my 08 version, the recommended by Kawasaki is 12.2 ounces dry, but I'm not sure for your version. I would imagine you would want softer suspension though since you're light. Posted via Mobile Device

August 2nd, 2010, 08:13 AM	#8
shortstuff ninjette.org member Name: Stacey Location: Maryland Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 250 Posts: 32	I'm 5'1, 125 and used 12.2 oz of 5W when I took my forks apart. I'd be curious what the front end would feel like with an 8W (pure or combined 5 and 10) but that's keeping it stock. After talking with some guys in the shop, you'd really feel the difference between 5W and 10W when you're doing heavy breaking. I'd think if you're putting in stiffer springs that you'd want to keep the oil on the lighter side unless you're going to be doing high-performance stuff (like racing)

August 12th, 2010, 02:04 PM	#9
longhorn ninjette.org member Name: Nick Location: Tucson Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 20	For what it's worth; the official Kawasaki spec sheet calls for SAE 10W20 oil at 226+/-2mm.