Fork oil

mark.mille · May 16, 2008

I need to replace my fork seals on my bike
and have Ohlins fork's
i am being told that the oil level is different to the original fork's :confused
is this true and if so how much different is this

The Ohlins have 150cc less fork oil in them to the original one's
that's what i have been told

Has anyone come across this before

Cheers

DaveRSV · May 17, 2008

I have Ohlins on my bike and have recently changed the oil in them. After much research the amount of oil should be 500cc. However, the critical measurement is how far the oil is from the top of the rim with the spring in place. There is an Ohlins fork document floating about on here somewhere that explains all. The Aprilia workshop manual recommends 85mm from the top, the Ohlins range is 80mm to 110mm.

Basically the less oil you have in the fork the more 'air' spring you have which is softer than oil damping. I used the 85mm level with 5w Agip oil and my forks now feel far more luxurious than they did before. It holds a line better, there is more feel through the bars and I had to back of the compression and rebound.

Hope that helps mate, PM me if I can help anymore :thumbup

mark.mille · May 18, 2008

Thanks for that Dave
will look for that on here but to save me time does any one no where it would be

Cheers

spoonz · May 18, 2008

Mark also bear in mind the Aprilia oil measurement is with springs in and damper rod extended but the Ohlins qouted figures are springs out.

It is much easier to measure the level with the spring removed anyway and equates to about 100mm air gap if you want to remain at the standard level.

DaveRSV · May 20, 2008

Here you go mate, couldn't be arsed to look so I uploaded it CLICK HERE

In response to Spoonz comments, I used 85mm with the spring in and it made the forks noticeably firmer, had to back off the compression and rebound. Obviously if you use 85mm with the spring out and then put the spring back in the fork is going to be extremely firm as the oil level would rise. Just food for thought :thumbup

mark.mille · May 20, 2008

Thanks for that any info, even to much :thumbup is welcome

Just need to get seals and oil then nervous weekend

DaveRSV · May 21, 2008

Mark, don't sweat it. I was the same, bit concerned about taking my bike SO to bits. Take your time and don't rush the job and it's rewarding to do.

spoonz · May 21, 2008

Mark if poss buy your seals from an Ohlins dealer as Aprilia are still sometimes supplying the original unrevised Ohlins seal which has a much shorter life.

i've done 5 or 6 sets now for various people and no 2 forks have come from aprilia with the same amount of oil in them and often different between legs which probably explains Dave noticing a difference after servicing his.

Ohlins also make a specific oil for the road and track fork which although 5 wt it is not the same as some off the shelf 5wt so i would recommend using it. Cartridge forks tend to foam the oil quite a lot so look for an anti foam variety.

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