Fork Oil Change - Oil Refilling

The oil level is measured from the upper surface of the fork outer tube, with the fork fully compressed with the spring removed.

Fork oil level measurement cbyf_1

Fork Oil Level (fork fully compressed)

Fork Oil Level Chart

warning
The method for oil refilling and oil level setting is the same for both fork legs, however, the left hand and right hand fork assemblies differ internally and require different oil levels to be set.Any variation from the figures quoted in the fork oil level chart could result in an unsafe riding condition leading to loss of motorcycle control and an accident.

Fork Leg

Oil Level*

Oil Volume

Oil Grade

Left Hand

125 mm

560 cc

Showa SS47G

Right Hand

115 mm

475 cc

*Fork fully compressed with the spring removed.

  1. Fill the fork with the specified fork oil until the oil level passes the side holes in the fork inner tube.
    2. Fork oil filling

    1. Hole (one of two shown)

    2. Fork inner tube

  2. Pump the fork outer tube several times to expel any trapped air then fully compress the fork and support it in an upright position. Leave the fork for a few minutes to allow the oil level to stabilise.
  3. Refer to the oil level chart and set the scale on service tool T3880160 to the specified level.
    4. Fork oil filling cbyg_1 svg

    1. T3880160 - Fork Oil Filler/Evacuator

    2. Adjuster plate

    3. Scale area

    4. Hole (zero position)

    note
    Zero level on the tool is set at the small exit hole in the side of the scale tube, NOT AT THE END TIP. Do not attempt to block this side hole as this will cause the final fluid level to be incorrect.
  4. Insert the scale end of the tool into the fork inner tube.
  5. Hold the tool adjuster plate level with the upper surface of the fork outer tube and draw fluid into the syringe until fluid flow ceases (empty the syringe if the body becomes full before fluid flow stops).
  6. The fluid level in the fork is now set to the height set on the tool scale. Check the tool scale setting and repeat the process if incorrectly set.
    7. note
    The left hand and right hand fork assemblies differ internally.
  7. Assemble the following items to the fork leg:
    8. * For the left hand fork leg, install the spring and the top cap and joint rod assembly (see Left Hand Front Fork - Assembly).
    * For the right hand fork leg, install the spring, washer, spring spacer and top cap (see Right Hand Front Fork - Assembly).