Is it worth changing the fork oil out?
  • User avatar
    Gills
    Posts:4
    Joined:Sun Dec 09, 2007 3:57 pm
    Is it worth changing the fork oil out?

    by Gills » Wed Mar 19, 2008 5:07 pm

    I recently picked up a new 2006 CRF250X. I am new to dirt, not riding. I have a lot to learn. I do all of my own maintenance on all of my bikes. I am riding in the mountains of eastern North Carolina and weigh 180 lb without gear. I don't plan on racing, just having some fun. The only mods so far are a Flatlands skid plate and Acerbis Pro Rally hand guards.

    I noticed the owners manual recommending a change of the fork oil after a short time. Is this for the "non-competitive" as well as "competitive" bikes? How many of you actually have changed the oil just after break-in? Did you notice a change?

    I have searched the forum (great forum by the way), and along with the maintenance manual, can do the job if I felt it would be worth the work.

    Is it worth it?

    Thanks,

    Gills
    2006 Honda CRF250X
    2006 Honda VTX 1300C
    2007 Honda CBR600RR
    2007 Ducati Monster 695
  • nedirtbikr
    Posts:1261
    Joined:Thu Jan 06, 2005 12:28 pm

    by nedirtbikr » Wed Mar 19, 2008 6:01 pm

    I rode mine the whole first season I owned it without changing the oil. Not saying it's "right" or "wrong." Just sayin I had no problems. I do change it yearly now...along with the antifreeze.

    The first year was nothing but trail riding and learning the bike.
    2006 CRF450R (For Sale)
    A-47753 (Jumpin' dirt and clouds!)
    Proud member of the Hamster Nation!
  • Trail Addict
    Posts:79
    Joined:Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:06 pm

    by Trail Addict » Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:23 pm

    I was just think the same thing,I would think that they say that so the break in period oils are new and fresh also I would change the factory oil/rad fluid with some thing that you know is good.I just bought a new 06 450x and I`m going with Even rad fluid. check your dealer for a goooood oil .
  • Aussiecrf230
    Posts:1964
    Joined:Fri Jan 06, 2006 11:11 pm

    by Aussiecrf230 » Thu Mar 20, 2008 5:04 am

    Change it after you have ridden it a good bit.
    You would be surprised how much metal rubbings can come out with the old oil.

    You will also probably find the oil height from the factory isn't within spec (they do expect it to be changed remember) so you can sort that at the same time. Use a name brand fork oil at the weight recomended.

    Enjoy the trails
    Ray
    Australia

    CRF230F 2004
    C30F Power Up needle
    Mains 132
    Idle 45
    2 turns out
    Baffle out, Screens In

    It starts,it runs,it gets to where all CRFs can get to without the valve or valve plate dramas
  • User avatar
    mikey526
    Posts:1176
    Joined:Sun Apr 01, 2007 5:29 pm

    by mikey526 » Fri Mar 28, 2008 6:36 pm

    Supposedly the fork oil that comes stock isn't real oil... its fish oil :shock: :lol: :lol: :lol:
    Image
  • User avatar
    woodsman
    Posts:2065
    Joined:Mon Oct 30, 2006 9:00 pm

    by woodsman » Fri Mar 28, 2008 6:43 pm

    I know a couple folks, and some ofem still use the original oil after 7 years(2001 CR250R) And have had no problem. I will however, most likey rebuild my forks this year or have them totally done by RG3.
    Currently, 05 450X
    Previously, KTM 790 Adv R, Cbr600rr, Crf450R, Crf250X
  • User avatar
    poway450
    Posts:228
    Joined:Sat Oct 07, 2006 7:39 pm

    by poway450 » Thu Apr 03, 2008 12:47 pm

    I rebuilt my forks after a year and noticed a huge difference. I added a little more oil and know a thing or two bout how valving works so i changed how the oil is distributed between the damper and fork tube. Basically changes when your suspension gets hard. With a little research you can change your oil as a cheap upgrade in your suspension.
    06 CRF450r Rad braces, Endo Cap, did x ring quad chain and renthal sprockets, UNI Air Filter, Twin Wall Bars and Universal Top clamp set. SS valves.
  • Factory-MX
    Posts:24
    Joined:Tue Jul 01, 2008 11:19 am

    by Factory-MX » Tue Jul 01, 2008 1:44 pm

    You want to change the fork oil after about 5 hrs of riding when the bike is new. This will save your seals and bushings along with the internals. The factory oil sucks and when the suspension breaks in it contaminates quickly. It is a Honda after all and will run forever..... but its still a good idea to change it
  • Asmith
    Posts:14381
    Joined:Mon Apr 10, 2006 7:52 am

    by Asmith » Tue Jul 01, 2008 3:54 pm

    Factory-MX wrote:You want to change the fork oil after about 5 hrs of riding when the bike is new. This will save your seals and bushings along with the internals. The factory oil sucks and when the suspension breaks in it contaminates quickly. It is a Honda after all and will run forever..... but its still a good idea to change it


    It worked good in the fishes that it came from...you never hear them squeek. :lol:
  • Aussiecrf230
    Posts:1964
    Joined:Fri Jan 06, 2006 11:11 pm

    by Aussiecrf230 » Sun Jul 20, 2008 4:33 am

    I thought only mammals like dolphins and whales squeaked, not fish. With the noise whales make the need to learn to eat fish and not crill.

    Whale oil is only good for diffs so that might explain it.
    Ray
    Australia

    CRF230F 2004
    C30F Power Up needle
    Mains 132
    Idle 45
    2 turns out
    Baffle out, Screens In

    It starts,it runs,it gets to where all CRFs can get to without the valve or valve plate dramas
  • detox
    Posts:29
    Joined:Tue Dec 11, 2007 8:42 am

    by detox » Thu Aug 14, 2008 2:07 pm

    I'm thinking of changing my fork oil, but there are two chambers, and I don't want to touch my seals. Can both chambers be drained and filled without removing the fork seals?

    Thanks,
    06 crf450x
    00 zx1200-a1
    84 cb700sc
    04 outlander 400 ho
  • User avatar
    Four-Fifty-X
    Posts:872
    Joined:Sun Sep 10, 2006 2:15 pm

    by Four-Fifty-X » Sun Aug 17, 2008 8:00 am

    You will be amazed how contaminated it gets after the first few hours of riding.

    I change mine about every year along with seals while I'm in there--it's not hard after you do it few times.

    You can get away with never doing it at all, I suppose, but I would recommend doing it at least once after break in.

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