Riding off-road is one of the many things that dirt bikes are known for. From trail riding to racing, nothing beats a dirt bike. However, one question that arises is whether or not you can ride a dirt bike without fork oil.
Here’s how oiling your dirt bike forks will ensure your ride is enjoyable rather than frustrating.
What is fork oil?
Fork oil is a lubricant used inside a dirt bike’s conventional front forks tubes. Each dirt bike brand has specifications for the oil grade to be used in a particular model and the amount. You need to change or replace the oil on each fork leg periodically.
Is fork oil necessary? What does fork oil do?
The fork is a crucial component of a quality ride on your dirt bike. Each fork has valves that control the rebound and compression of the fork going in and out or up and down. The fork oil works with the valves to offer consistent damping when riding. It controls the fork spring’s energy and changes it to heat which the fork oil absorbs.
The function of fork oil is to make the dirt bike stop bouncing around after the compression of the spring then rebound. Fork oil plays a crucial role in the shock absorber in a car. But in a dirt bike, the shock and spring are built into one unit.
How do I know if my forks need oil?
Forks connect the dirt bike’s frame to the front wheel. The forks need a good suspension to absorb the vibrations from the front tire to ensure that it doesn’t get to the rider. If the fork oil is old, the riding will not be smooth and comfortable.
You will notice increased vibrations on the handlebar with bad fork oil, and the riding experience will not be comfortable. If you experience these issues, you need to check the front forks.
What can I use instead of fork oil?
You should never substitute dirt bike fork oil for anything else. Fork oil is specially formulated to work well with different fork components. These moving parts are prone to constant impacts and abrupt movements. Some types of oils have a high probability of foaming and cavitations.
Therefore, you should not use anything else apart from the recommended dirt bike fork oil.
What happens if you don’t change the fork oil?
Old fork oil cannot reduce the vibrations in the spring of a bike. If you don’t change the fork oil, you’ll experience the following:
- The dirt bike’s front end gets “bouncy” when you hit bumps. Sometimes it can get squeaky.
- Contaminated and old fork oil can break your fork seals, leading to oil leakage.
Broken fork seals can make things worse. If you’ve upside-down forks, then your oil will leak out quickly. Good fork oil is clear and can last for years to come.
If the fork oil looks dark and gross, this is a clear indication that it’s time for a change.
How often should you change fork oil?
The bike’s manual tells you the exact replacement time for your dirt bike’s fork oil. Generally, the change interval depends on the model and manufacturer. As a thumb rule, the bike fork oil should be replaced every 10,000 miles or annually.
Although other bike manuals may recommend different intervals, the distance frequency will still lie between 10,000 to 20,000 miles. Changing the fork oil as recommended will ensure that your front suspension and forks are in excellent condition.
FAQs
Can I use engine oil as fork oil?
Engine oil can work for a short while, but it’s not recommended. Engine oil is supposed to lube, and fork oil works more like hydraulics.
What viscosity is fork oil?
The oil viscosity influences how slow or fast the oil flows through the shock valves. If you prefer slow rebounds, use heavier fork oil. If you like quick rebounds, go for a lighter oil.
What is the difference between fork oil and shock oil?
Shock oils have a higher V.I because shocks have a larger swing in temperature than a fork. This is something you’ll not see in fork oil. Shocks also have longer service intervals compared to forks.
Does opened fork oil go bad?
Fork oil has a long shelf life. If the oil is not contaminated, it will function as a fresh bottle.
What color is fork fluid?
Fresh fork oil is clear. If it looks dark and gross, you need to change it.
Conclusion
Changing fork oil in your dirt bike will guarantee a comfortable and smooth riding experience. Fresh fork oils have higher dampening properties, thus promising better riding conditions.