What is Motorcycle Fork Oil?

Last night I was changing my fork oil and felt surprised that many riders still don’t know what motorcycle fork oil is and why they should pay attention to fork oil.

Like motorbike oil, the fork oil is a particular type of oil that you need to insert and change every 40,000 miles. Inserting motorbike forks oil ensures low resistance between motorbike forks walls and thus promotes fork longevity. Also, it reduces unnecessary bumps in rough terrain. 

However, motorbike fork oil changing frequency may depend on the motorbike you’re riding. 

Let’s look at what it means for you and what you can do about it.

What is Motorcycle Fork Oil? 

It’s not a hidden fact that oil helps to reduce friction and promote machinery health. 

Just like motorbike engine oil which reduces the friction between piston and cylinder, the motorcycle fork oil helps by reducing friction in between fork inner walls. 

Motorcycle forks oil not only promotes fork machinery but also ensures smooth riding, especially in rough terrain. 

Do you know that unnecessary bumps by your motorbike on rough terrain aren’t good for your motorbike tires? 

And here, the motorcycle fork oil comes into play. Motorcycle fork helps to reduce motorbike bums on rough terrain, thus promoting good tire health. 

How Do Motorcycle Fork Oil Work? 

So far, you understand what fork oil is. It’s high time for you to learn how motorcycle oil works. 

Motorcycle fork oil works by lubricating the fork wall, thus reducing friction and promoting good fork health. Also, the motorcycle fork oil works by making tiny bubbles in the fork, thus reducing the unnecessary bums and promoting good tire health. 

Motorcycle fork oil is one of the essential needs for your motorbike if you’re looking to extend the motorbike parts age. 

Also, don’t forget to change the motorbike fork oil every certain period to take full advantage of it. 

In the later section, I’ve mentioned how you can change your motorbike fork oil. 

Is Motorcycle Fork Oil Necessary? 

So far, you understand what motorcycle fork oil is and how it works. But one question which still persists is that is the motorcycle fork oil necessary? 

Motorcycle fork oil isn’t necessary if you’re an average city rider who doesn’t travel much in rough terrain. Because your motorbike manufacturers inserted the required amount of fork oil already. However, if you’re an off rider, you may be required to insert motorbike fork oil. 

It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider inserting a motorcycle fork if you’re an average rider. Even experts also recommend inserting motorbike oil, using all the oil advantages, to promote good tire and fork health. 

The need for motorbike fork oil increases even more if you ride on off terrain more frequently. 

What if there’s No Motorcycle Fork Oil? 

So far, you understand why motorcycle forks are necessary and how they work. But have you wondered what happens if there’s no motorcycle fork oil? 

Without motorbike fork oil, your motorbike will have to face many bums that severely affect your front tire health. Also, the lack of motorbike fork oil causes fork walls to create unnecessary friction, which isn’t good for motorbike forks. And that’s why the motorbike manufacturer already inserted fork oil. 

In simpler words, you can’t imagine peaceful riding without motorcycle fork oil. 

Additionally, without motorbike fork oil, you may suffer many shocks that may cause wrist and shoulder pain. 

Also, read my previous post where I’ve discussed, how a motorcycle cooler works? Click here to read.

Why Should You Change Motorcycle Fork Oil? 

Now it’s clear why it’s better to have motorcycle fork oil in between your motorbike forks. But do you know that you need to change motorbike fork oil? 

Like any oil, you also need to change motorbike fork oil. It’s because friction, dust enter the motorbike fork, and heat diminishes the efficiency of fork oil. And to avoid any unfortunate situation, you need to change the motorbike fork oil. 

You can choose any motorbike fork oil, and if you don’t know how to choose one, buying a guide in the later section will help you choose one. 

How Often Should You Change Motorcycle Fork Oil? 

So far, you understand why you should change motorcycle fork oil. Now the question arises, how often should you change motorcycle fork oil? 

According to experts, to protect your motorbike fork oil from the impact of dust particles, heat, and pressure, riders should change motorbike fork oil every 40,000 miles. However, if you do off-riding a lot, then this limit could be short. 

For more accuracy, you can also check your motorbike manual. Also, don’t listen to experts ‘ advice if you ever feel a lack of motorbike fork oil in the forks. 

How to Change Motorcycle Fork Oil? 

Undeniably you should change the motorbike fork oil every 40,000 miles, and to change fork oil, you should know how to change motorcycle fork oil. 

To change fork oil, follow the below steps: 

Step 1: Loosen all motorbike parts on the above forks, including brakes, wheel, and clip (if your motorbike has one). 

Step 2: Remove brakes, front fairings, and wheels carefully; you can also place your motorbike front part on the stand. 

Step 3: Now disassemble the fork from the motorbike. To do this, you need to remove the retainer clip and dust cap by losing the bolts holding them together. Don’t forget to remove the fork seal carefully. 

Step 4: Pour the fork oil carefully and clean them with brake fluid once you pour. 

Step 5: After cleaning, you need to reassemble the fork in the same order as you removed it. Don’t forget to use a new fork seal this time; it will ensure no dust enters the fork. 

Step 6: Reinstall a motorbike part like tire, brake, and clip in the same order. Also, don’t forget to ride a motorcycle for at least 3 miles to test all the fittings. 

What’re Some Things to Consider When Choosing Motorcycle Fork Oil? 

You can’t choose any motorbike fork oil, and there are many things you need to consider while selecting the motorbike fork oil. 

Fork Oil Viscosity: 

Viscosity is one of the critical things which you need to consider while choosing the motorcycle fork oil. 

Different motorbikes require different oil viscosity and no two motorbikes have the same viscosity.

That’s why experts always recommend checking motorbike fork oil viscosity in the manual and always choose one which your motorbike can support. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Words: 

What is motorcycle fork oil? Like motorbike oil, the fork oil is a particular type of oil that you need to insert and change every 40,000 miles. 

Inserting motorbike forks oil ensures low resistance between motorbike forks and thus promotes fork longevity. Also, it reduces unnecessary bumps in rough terrain. 

If you’re off riding a lot, then fork oil is crucial for your motorbike to protect the fork and boost overall tire health. 

On the other hand, if you’re an average city rider, changing the fork oil every 40,000 miles is optional.