Going to 15wt fork oil?

Ksm1000

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Joined
Apr 23, 2020
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52
Location
Los Angeles
I had my suspension set up by a specialist a few weeks ago. He got it dialed in really nicely. He suggested I raise my forks by 8mm, which I did. I like the improved turn in. He also suggested I change my fork oil (likely long overdue) and go to a 15wt, then adjust compression and rebound to accommodate the higher viscosity. Seems like a big jump without changing or modifying other components of the suspension. Anyone have experience with 15wt?
 

jrusell

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Aug 23, 2017
Messages
460
Location
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
If you are still running the stock valving I would not go to 15wt.
Stock valves have very small compression ports and going to a higher weight oil will likely make them more harsh on the bumps.
I have generally gone to 10 wt on many stock valved forks so I tried 10 wt with the stock cartridges and found the front very harsh.

Now if you had the valves replaced with racetech, Penske or ohlins valves I would certainly give 10 wt a try if you find you are almost closed on the adjusters.
15 wt is too much in my opinion for a properly revalved cartridge.

I am still running 5 wt with racetech valves in stock cartridges.

Do you still have stock valves in the stock cartridges or have you switched to something else?
 

Ksm1000

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Joined
Apr 23, 2020
Messages
52
Location
Los Angeles
2014 non-ES, new to me in May. Pretty sure the original owner didn't make any changes to the suspension so presuming all stock. Maybe original fork oil.
Might just go to fresh 5wt and see what happens. Thanks.
 
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