KLR 650 Fork oil level

[Darren klr]

Hi everyone,

I just finished installing a Progressive shock and fork springs in the green meanie and had a little trouble with getting the correct fork oil level. I am hoping someone can clarify this from experience.

I drained the forks via the drain holes on the bottom of the legs and got roughly 355 cc of fluid from each leg. The Clymer manual states that in changing the fork oil without dissassembly , they require 355cc of fluid. "Everything peachy so far"

Now the part that hurts my little brain. The manual states that with the correct oil volume, it should have an oil level of 190mm below the top of the fork tube. I got a measurement of about 290mm (with the springs out and the forks collapsed as per the manual). Anyone got any ideas?? I am wondering if the 190mm in the manual is just a typo.

Took it for a quick tootle around the neighbourhood, and with the preliminary suspension settings I could not believe the difference . It is a different bike, and I havent even played with any settings yet!!!

Thanks Darren

 

[ZED]

imported post

imported post

The manual seems confusing on how to measure the level.

When I changed my fork oil, I got about 430ml from each one. I then put the stock amount in and tried it out. That didn't do it. There was no damping. I then added more until I had 400ml in each side. That seems to work.

Also, I used 15w oil, progressive springs, 10psi(g) for road, 0psi(g) for gravel and off road. I am about 190lbs (no gear).

Hope that helps.

 

[AViciousCycle]

imported post

imported post

You are doing it correct. The springs out and the forks fully collapsed.
What is important is the oil level, not the ammount that came out or went in. Pump the forks often during the adding of the oil so it can get into all the passages and force the air out.

10 W works well for most. If you need more damping you can also buy a bottle of 10 and 15 W and blend them for a 12.5W before going all the way to 15W. Something to keep in mind

Every set of Progressive springs we sell always come with positive comments from the owner. Usually we get a "I should have done this years ago!"

BTW I have spacers cut so you don't need to hack your stock units anymore.

Watch out for the springs that KLR650.com sells. They are a cheap copy of the Progressive units and are just not the same. We had them ship one pair to see the quality and we threw them in the trash can. Only buy the 'Larry Roeseler' Progressive Suspension spring. I don't care where you get them from, just warning, don't fall for the KLR650.com units.