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[HOGMIKE]

I have found out the hard way that there is a definite ride difference between the stock (from the factory) fork oil and the SE fork oil.
My dealer says that Harley will not tell them the weight difference between the two.
I also found out that the internals have changed radically since '09MY.
My dealer says that whenever they have to change the fork fluids they automatically put in the SE oil.
I had them change back to stock.
NOW the front does not "hammer" over poor roads.
Anyone else noticed a difference on the '09 or '10??

[Mrs Rooster]

I have found out the hard way that there is a definite ride difference between the stock (from the factory) fork oil and the SE fork oil.
My dealer says that Harley will not tell them the weight difference between the two.
I also found out that the internals have changed radically since '09MY.
My dealer says that whenever they have to change the fork fluids they automatically put in the SE oil.
I had them change back to stock.
NOW the front does not "hammer" over poor roads.
Anyone else noticed a difference on the '09 or '10??

  whats up with that?
Traxxion Dynamics  http://www.traxxion.com/

[erniezap]

I believe that the SE Oil is about 20W and stock is about 7W.  I run 15W aftermarket oil in both bikes.  Gives a firm, stable ride but isn't too harsh

[HOGMIKE]

I believe that the SE Oil is about 20W and stock is about 7W.  I run 15W aftermarket oil in both bikes.  Gives a firm, stable ride but isn't too harsh

Yeah, feels kinda like that's the case.
I use Bel Ray 10W in one of the other bikes, and like it just fine.
I'll have a good test today, going on a long ride with different road conditions.
 

[erniezap]

I use the Bel Ray 15W.  Bike doesn't dip as hard under braking and doesn't feel mushy anymore.

[Boatman]

The 09-10's have some sort of valve where as the 08 and older bikes were a lot simpler in the fork parts.

[grc]

The latest models have an updated cartridge damping system that doesn't require heavier oil like the damper rod systems or the hybrid damper rod/cartridge systems of earlier models.  

Standard type E fork oil is supposedly around 7 to 10 weight, regular SE approximately 20 weight, and the heavy duty racing SE is around 30 weight.  I think if I were changing the oil on a current model I would opt for 10 weight and stay away from the heavier stuff.  Also, since H-D has chosen to hide the actual viscosity ratings of their fluids I refuse to buy their products (the BS lack of proper labeling is strictly a ploy to try to force you to buy their products, and I find that to be unacceptable).  Go with the good stuff from folks like Bel-Ray, PJ-1, Silkolene, etc.  The older bikes with damper rods respond well to 15 weight.

Jerry

[Gone Fishin']

To "automatically" change to the heavier fork oil is plain wrong for '09 and later Touring bikes.  Even if the owner asks for it, a good service manager would point out the drawbacks, which include not only higher cost, but also a less comfortable ride.

In older bikes the heavier fork oil helped to keep the front more stable and it made sense, for people interested in a sportier ride, albeit with less comfort.

Ride safely,
Louis

[HOGMIKE]

To "automatically" change to the heavier fork oil is plain wrong for '09 and later Touring bikes.  Even if the owner asks for it, a good service manager

What's that?? Where do you find one??


would point out the drawbacks, which include not only higher cost, but also a less comfortable ride.

In older bikes the heavier fork oil helped to keep the front more stable and it made sense, for people interested in a sportier ride, albeit with less comfort.

Ride safely,
Louis

[Highjagger]

I was told that there are two different SE fork oils :
 The performance should have a weight of 15 and
 the Racing should have a weight of 20
( stock should be about 7 )
I also wanted to change to the performance (15w ) with the hope of improving the high-speed swimming in fast "curves" ( more than 100 mph ) of the front end .
now i am hesitating and will wait on the report of Larry B , he changed to the performance fork oil a few weeks ago and will tell us the difference ( i hope ) , when i remember correctly .

[Puzzled]

Fork Oil - 16oz. Type E 5wt. Type E is for "Showa" forks.Part # 99884-80

Fork Oil - 16oz. Type B 10w. Fork Oil - See owners manual for recommended style. Part # 99880-73

Screamin’ Eagle® Performance Fork Oil - A heavier oil (15wt) provides extra damping in performance application. Part # 99881-87 . Works well to take the dive out of the front end on breaking.

Screamin’ Eagle® Racing Fork Oil - Designed and blended for the severe conditions on the race track (20wt). Not intended for street use.
Part # 99909-93R

[Highjagger]

Fork Oil - 16oz. Type E 5wt. Type E is for "Showa" forks.Part # 99884-80

Fork Oil - 16oz. Type B 10w. Fork Oil - See owners manual for recommended style. Part # 99880-73

Screamin’ Eagle® Performance Fork Oil - A heavier oil (15wt) provides extra damping in performance application. Part # 99881-87 . Works well to take the dive out of the front end on breaking.

Screamin’ Eagle® Racing Fork Oil - Designed and blended for the severe conditions on the race track (20wt). Not intended for street use.
Part # 99909-93R

This means that i am right ?

[Indenial]

When I was reading Traxxion and Progressive's web sites, I got the idea that the oil has nothing to do with performance. It just lubricates the springs. The springs and sealed housing do all the work. Is this correct or wrong?

[HOGMIKE]

When I was reading Traxxion and Progressive's web sites, I got the idea that the oil has nothing to do with performance. It just lubricates the springs. The springs and sealed housing do all the work. Is this correct or wrong?

Wrong!
It has a lot to do with the performance!

 

[spydglide]

This means that i am right ?

yes.  I just changed to the SE fork oil and so far....so good.  It has really helped with the shock 'dive' on hard front wheel braking.  I'll let you know how it does in the handling dept. after I get a chance to head to the mtns. for some twisties.  spyder