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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

[cyril]

I have recently changed from an 08 SEUC to an 09 . I have the rear pressure how i like it but the front is a much stiffer /harsh ride. Assuming the oil has not been changed by the previous owner what could i do to soften the front end a little ? The bike has 4000 miles and due to sciatica & bad weather this weekend was only my 2nd ride . Outside temp on Sunday 2 degrees .
Does this bike have different weight fork oil then the 08 ? Your comments welcomed

[HOGMIKE]

I have recently changed from an 08 SEUC to an 09 . I have the rear pressure how i like it but the front is a much stiffer /harsh ride. Assuming the oil has not been changed by the previous owner what could i do to soften the front end a little ? The bike has 4000 miles and due to sciatica & bad weather this weekend was only my 2nd ride . Outside temp on Sunday 2 degrees .
Does this bike have different weight fork oil then the 08 ? Your comments welcomed

Each of us has a different perspective on "ride quality".
It seems strange to ME that you are satisfied with the ride of the rear shocks!
BUT. if it works for you, do it!
The forks should NOT have been serviced with only 4000 miles, but, you never know if someone has gone into them.
I think if it was my bike, I'd change the oil in the forks, and measure in the correct amount, not that much $$$$, and you will be sure to know you have the right stuff.
My stock '10 fork oil in the stock forks works wonderful for ME, and I like my suspension (so does my BSR!!!)
You may have to do some trial and error before you get what you want.
I have heard that the '08 and '09 front forks are different internally, spring rate, valves, etc.
I hope this helps a little.

 

[cyril]

Thanks i will have it checked out

[Highjagger]

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

@Spyder : Any reports about the handling with the heavier fork oil ?

[480Ruger]

Indenial,
The new monotubes from Progressive have a cartridge and lower spring setup and like you said only use 10W fork oil to lube the lower section and springs.  Totally different from stock.  I used Bel-Ray 10W.  After just 6K the Harley oil looked terrible.  If I was still using the stock front setup I would change the fork oil every 10K at a minimum.  But what do I know I just like to tinker and by no means am I a mechanic.

[spydglide]

@Spyder : Any reports about the handling with the heavier fork oil ?

NOt yet, sorry.  Too hot to ride around these parts lately.  100 degrees in the shade is not comfortable sitting on a twin-cam in the sun.    har.  spyder

[reo]

NOt yet, sorry.  Too hot to ride around these parts lately.  100 degrees in the shade is not comfortable sitting on a twin-cam in the sun.    har.  spyder

I thought you were putting Ricor "Intimidators" in your front end?

[spydglide]

I thought you were putting Ricor "Intimidators" in your front end?

They're still in the box Roy.  Mixed reviews from others on the site have me dragging my feet on this one.  And I'm too 'cheep' to go 1st class w/ the Traxxion like my other friends on this wonder$ull site.  har.  spyder

[reo]

They're still in the box Roy.  Mixed reviews from others on the site have me dragging my feet on this one.  And I'm too 'cheep' to go 1st class w/ the Traxxion like my other friends on this wonder$ull site.  har.  spyder

I haven't seen mixed reviews on the Ricor product but can only explain my review from installing on my SEEG/SEFB. The SEEG has absolutely no bottoming and even when ridden in the absolute most aggressive fashion (maybe by me) it doesn't bottom. I have been up @ speed (80mph+) on one of those back roads hitting an unavoidable pot hole, (the kind that you know is going to go up your spine) and the Ricors just interpet the dampening just as you would like soaking up the bump without bottoming. At slow speeds they allow the correct dampening to ride in a smooth fashion allowing a smooth travel. The key is using the correct oil they suggest and getting the correct amount in as measured. I am very happy with these valves and considerer this to be one of the best additions to my SEEG.

The SEFB is a little softer maybe a little to soft for me, I don't even feel the curb at the end of my driveway when pulling in. The only issue I have is on a newly paved wavy road when riding non aggressively about 45mpg I feel like the front end is bouncy. Its a very slight unevenness most people wouldn't pick up and would probably like the softer ride but something in my picky kind of way will address when I get more time.

[spydglide]

I haven't seen mixed reviews on the Ricor product but can only explain my review from installing on my SEEG/SEFB. The SEEG has absolutely no bottoming and even when ridden in the absolute most aggressive fashion (maybe by me) it doesn't bottom. I have been up @ speed (80mph+) on one of those back roads hitting an unavoidable pot hole, (the kind that you know is going to go up your spine) and the Ricors just interpet the dampening just as you would like soaking up the bump without bottoming. At slow speeds they allow the correct dampening to ride in a smooth fashion allowing a smooth travel. The key is using the correct oil they suggest and getting the correct amount in as measured. I am very happy with these valves and considerer this to be one of the best additions to my SEEG.

The SEFB is a little softer maybe a little to soft for me, I don't even feel the curb at the end of my driveway when pulling in. The only issue I have is on a newly paved wavy road when riding non aggressively about 45mpg I feel like the front end is bouncy. Its a very slight unevenness most people wouldn't pick up and would probably like the softer ride but something in my picky kind of way will address when I get more time.

Good to know........I'll probably put mine in when I get a chance.....I was ready to before and got ready to drop 'em in and found out that they had sent the larger size (wouldn't fit).....now they're replaced w/ correct ones but I just dropped the SE Oil in and am trying that.  So far I like the non-diving aspect of it and it doesn't seem to ride too harsh.  Don't know how the high speed cornering is yet though.  My buddy Nite-Al tried them and took back out right away...said they  made his bike ride horrible...kinda like when a tire is over-inflated and you feel every pebble you run over.  Hard to get it all in one set-up.  spyder

[reo]

Good to know........I'll probably put mine in when I get a chance.....I was ready to before and got ready to drop 'em in and found out that they had sent the larger size (wouldn't fit).....now they're replaced w/ correct ones but I just dropped the SE Oil in and am trying that.  So far I like the non-diving aspect of it and it doesn't seem to ride too harsh.  Don't know how the high speed cornering is yet though.  My buddy Nite-Al tried them and took back out right away...said they  made his bike ride horrible...kinda like when a tire is over-inflated and you feel every pebble you run over.  Hard to get it all in one set-up.  spyder

Kind of wonder if he had the right oil in there, they recommend an Amsoil synthetic blend of shock oil #5.

The purpose of the lighter oil is to flow through the existing offices in the dampening rods easier allowing the Intimidator valves to change the rate of dampening when the speed of the bump increases, slick idea and it simply works. 

[spydglide]

Kind of wonder if he had the right oil in there, they recommend an Amsoil synthetic blend of shock oil #5.

The purpose of the lighter oil is to flow through the existing offices in the dampening rods easier allowing the Intimidator valves to change the rate of dampening when the speed of the bump increases, slick idea and it simply works. 

He said he used the Amsoil they sent with the valves & put in the correct amt.  Maybe he just didn't like the firmer feel, don't know.  I'll probably do the change this winter, just pleased with the heavier SE oil right now. Good to hear your feedback on them though.  spyder