86 fork oil level height

[toolie]

I'm not 100% sure but can someone please confirm the fork oil level height.
It's for an 86 400xc. Obviously spring out.

My understanding is 100-125mm from top, 7.5-10wt?........is this correct

I can remember where I read this

Thanks
Bill

 

[Vinskord]

From the Owners Manual:

 

[toolie]

I've seen 500cc of oil per leg, but best way is to measure oil level height without spring fork compressed.

 

[ruwfo]

Posts from years back, but maybe worth a repeat.

#1) start with 6" , from top of fork to oil with forks compressed full. You can add a few ounces if need be, once the forks are back on the
bike. I mix 10 & 15wt 50-50 for 12wt?

#2) For more custom set up;

I loosely put a zip tie on the fork tube, so it can slide but then stays put, so i can check fork travel. As a starting point after i changed the fork
oil, i drop the bike off the stand & hammer the front brake as hard i can, standing next to the bike. If the zip tie only moves a couple of inches
it's too stiff. Do it a couple of times, sliding the zip tie back down to the fork boot every time, your bike got almost modern bike travel so use it
all.

#3) Having the bike aka the suspension, set up for you is oh so important.
An example is; too much oil or too heavy of a spring , beats the crap out of you as you ride. Now you can learn to live with this,
(dumb) or you can set the bike up correctly.

The manufactures do a decent job of getting the setting close for a average rider, lets say a 180lbs rider, but what if your 220, then the
suspension going to feel on the soft side and bottom easier, maybe too much. The reverse if you weight 150.

You need to fine tune things, oil weight, spring height, spring dampening etc to suit you. This can be done, by having a starting point,
with good working parts, aka no blown fork seals, leaking shock etc. Ride the bike, were you normal ride & feel what it's doing, are
the forks always near bottoming? (put a zip tie on your fork leg & see how much travel you using), does the back end hop up when
hitting ruts. Spent an afternoon, adding a little fork oil if there bottoming, take some out if it's too harsh, etc.
But remember change one thing at a time so you can more easily feel the differences your changes are making and right down what
your doing.

Also read up on what things like: ride height, suspension sag , etc are, learn the terms, so when you get to a point you need more help, calling someone like Drew Smith , can guide you & him to get you bike perfect for you.

Husky John

 

[toolie]

Fantastic thank you sir!

I'm on the light side at about 160lbs, more of a woods rider. I checked sag with gear and a full tank, but usually don't run it full. Sag seem good but might need fine tuning depending on how much water or tools I have with me. I have 10wt in it now but the rebound seem to fast, I'll try 15wt with the lower oil level and go from there. Rear turned the rebound in a couple of clicks to slow it down.

I have a vintage event coming up and not sure, might get a test ride before changing the front.....yikes!