Changing fork oil
Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2026 8:51 am
As ever, apologies if this has been covered before...
(R100, 1982)
My Haynes manual tells me to drain the fork oil and pump the forks to get the last of it out, then replace the drain plugs before removing the filler plugs and putting the new oil in. But, if I remove the filler plugs whilst the drain plugs are still out, loads more of the old oil pours out - presumably because the vacuum is released.
So, I don't understand why Haynes would give that procedure. Can anyone enlighten me?
Also, the level check with a 5mm welding rod: the only welding rod I've got is about 2mm. Does it have to be 5?
Cheers,
Jon
(R100, 1982)
My Haynes manual tells me to drain the fork oil and pump the forks to get the last of it out, then replace the drain plugs before removing the filler plugs and putting the new oil in. But, if I remove the filler plugs whilst the drain plugs are still out, loads more of the old oil pours out - presumably because the vacuum is released.
So, I don't understand why Haynes would give that procedure. Can anyone enlighten me?
Also, the level check with a 5mm welding rod: the only welding rod I've got is about 2mm. Does it have to be 5?
Cheers,
Jon
