Fork Oil Change

[Monster Dave]

Hey guys,

My bike's in the shop getting all gussied up and ready for the spring riding season, and I was wondering what noticeable effect I should expect from having my fork oil changed.

Thanks!

[ducpainter]

Depending on mileage, you may not notice at all.

If it's been more than 18K miles it will be a small improvement through increased damping.

In the long run, old oil in the forks can damage the shims in the stack leading to necessary rebuild.

[Howie]

Depends on how burnt/thick the oil got.  Like an automatic transmission in a car, optomum is to change the oil before it is needed.

[Monster Dave]

I'm at about 25,000 miles on my Monster and this will be the first time that the oil will be changed. I trust that it's time. But wasn't sure if it would be an obvious or negligible difference.

[ducpainter]

I'm at about 25,000 miles on my Monster and this will be the first time that the oil will be changed. I trust that it's time. But wasn't sure if it would be an obvious or negligible difference.

You may notice a difference.

What are you doing about the rear shock?

It only has about 1/3 the oil of one fork leg and there is no mention of freshening the oil in the manual. Do you suppose it magically doesn't need it?

[Monster Dave]

... ...hadn't thought of that....but then again, I've also not seen the subject come up...

Please excuse my lack of familiarity with this area of maintenance in asking if that's a common thing to do as well.

[Howie]

You may notice a difference.

What are you doing about the rear shock?

It only has about 1/3 the oil of one fork leg and there is no mention of freshening the oil in the manual. Do you suppose it magically doesn't need it?

My Ohlins shock oil was not too bad but not too good either after about 24K.

[ducpainter]

... ...hadn't thought of that....but then again, I've also not seen the subject come up...

Please excuse my lack of familiarity with this area of maintenance in asking if that's a common thing to do as well.

You don't see it come up because Ducati mysteriously leaves it out of service recommendations.

If your shop has the capability to freshen the shock I would strongly suggest it. It is more complex in that it requires a nitrogen gas charge in addition to the oil change.

It makes no sense to freshen a unit that has 3 times the capability (reservoir) and not do a unit that has less of a reservoir. Does it?

They both go over the same bumps.

[Monster Dave]

You don't see it come up because Ducati mysteriously leaves it out of service recommendations.

If your shop has the capability to freshen the shock I would strongly suggest it. It is more complex in that it requires a nitrogen gas charge in addition to the oil change.

It makes no sense to freshen a unit that has 3 times the capability (reservoir) and not do a unit that has less of a reservoir. Does it?

They both go over the same bumps.

Thanks for the tip - I appreciate it and will look into the seeing if the guys doing the work on my bike can do that.  [moto]

[CDawg]

+1 Thanks! Ducpainter...I'll be needing to get both done this summer.