fork oil change

[Bill Conquest]

Hi- I'm planning to change my fork oil but am having a hard time getting at the top cover on the right side because of the master brake cylinder. Should I take off the handle bars to do this?
Thanks for any ideas! Bill Conquest

[steve hawkins]

I would.  Trying to recall when my R65 had normal handlebars.

I certainly had to with my R100.

Steve

[montmil]

Loosen the bars enough to gain access. slide 'em over... No need to pull then off entirely. That's what I did to access fork tops on my euro-bar equipped 1981 R65.

Monte

[Bill Conquest]

Thanks Steve & Monte, i'll try to slide them over to one side. Also, should I use the sae5w recommended in my old clymers manual?
Bill

[montmil]

Thanks Steve & Monte, i'll try to slide them over to one side. Also, should I use the sae5w recommended in my old clymers manual?
Bill

My manual specs the BMW-branded fork oil at 7.5 wt. and that's what I run. I like it.  Opinions on fork oil brands and weights are like bung holes... everybody's got one. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Monte

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Thanks Steve & Monte, i'll try to slide them over to one side. Also, should I use the sae5w recommended in my old clymers manual?
Bill

My manual specs the BMW-branded fork oil at 7.5 wt. and that's what I run. I like it.  Opinions on fork oil brands and weights are like bung holes... everybody's got one. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Monte

Some people like 7.5 so much, they mix 5 and 10 to try and come up with it.  I am not that ambitious.  I will pay BMW's premium price for the 7.5.

[steve hawkins]

And I just put in the 10wt......whatever your personal choice and all that.

Steve H

[Bill Conquest]

Well, I guess it's 5 or 10 since thats all thats available here, unless I can mail order the 7.5 - is that possible(will they send oil in the mail?).
Thanks, Bill

[montmil]

Well, I guess it's 5 or 10 since thats all thats available here, unless I can mail order the 7.5 - is that possible(will they send oil in the mail?). Thanks, Bill

Same brand? You really can mix/blend to get a 7.5 wt. You were not getting your leg pulled.

Monte

[nhmaf]

My last fork oil change I mixed 5W and 10W Honda suspension oil 50/50%

[Bill Conquest]

Thanks - I've heard that oils can be mixed but wasn't totally sure.. so i'll get some of each from the honda dealer & go for it!
Bill