Differences
This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.
| Both sides previous revision Previous revision Next revision | Previous revision Next revision Both sides next revision | ||
|
techtalk:ref:susp01 [2019/04/13 01:16] hippysmack [Fork Oil Viscosity Chart] |
techtalk:ref:susp01 [2024/01/20 19:40] hippysmack [HD Recommendations] |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Line 8: | Line 8: | ||
| * HD doesn't divulge the highly classified weight of their fork oil. \\ Some say type E is equivalent to 10W, some say it's equivalent to 15W oil or more from other manufacturers. \\ Just keep in mind when changing fork oil, you don't want to mix different used oils together with new oil. \\ Drain and clean all previous oil before installing new oil especially if previous oil is not known. | * HD doesn't divulge the highly classified weight of their fork oil. \\ Some say type E is equivalent to 10W, some say it's equivalent to 15W oil or more from other manufacturers. \\ Just keep in mind when changing fork oil, you don't want to mix different used oils together with new oil. \\ Drain and clean all previous oil before installing new oil especially if previous oil is not known. | ||
| * HD has, however, confirmed that type B (0-10W) fork oil is lighter than Type E (5-20). ((Q&A question 1 http://www.harley-davidson.com/store/fork-oil)) \\ That being said, if you want to stay with HD oils, you can mix B and E for an "X" weight of your choice to tune your forks. \\ All HD fork oils are petroleum based, non-synthetic oils. | * HD has, however, confirmed that type B (0-10W) fork oil is lighter than Type E (5-20). ((Q&A question 1 http://www.harley-davidson.com/store/fork-oil)) \\ That being said, if you want to stay with HD oils, you can mix B and E for an "X" weight of your choice to tune your forks. \\ All HD fork oils are petroleum based, non-synthetic oils. | ||
| - | * Also, the kinematic viscosity (at 40°C [mm2/s = cSt]) was mentioned on the HD site for Type E. ((Q&A https://www.harley-davidson.com/store/fork-oil-pa-17-9988480--1)) ((link provided by shanneba of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2039687&page=10)) \\ Mid-point -46, minimum- 41.4, maximum- 50.6 \\ (ISO 3448 Viscosity class ISO VG 46, ISO VG 46 = SAE 15) | + | * Also, the kinematic viscosity (at 40°C [mm2/s = cSt]) was mentioned on the HD site for Type E. ((Q&A https://www.harley-davidson.com/store/fork-oil-pa-17-9988480--1)) ((link provided by shanneba of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/forum-functions/sportsterpedia-com-admin/191119-send-a-note-to-sportsterpedia-admin/page10?t=2039687&page=10)) \\ Mid-point -46, minimum- 41.4, maximum- 50.6 \\ (ISO 3448 Viscosity class ISO VG 46, ISO VG 46 = SAE 15) |
| + | * Additional information provided by Tomcatt of the XLForum (through conversation with tech guys at Red Line Oils) | ||
| + | * Harley Davidson type "B" = 34.3cSt@40°C | ||
| + | * Harley Davidson type "E" = 39.2cSt@40°C | ||
| + | |||
| ===== Aftermarket Fork Oil ===== | ===== Aftermarket Fork Oil ===== | ||
| Line 19: | Line 22: | ||
| * Most of the data came from SDS or TDS as noted but that can be misleading also. \\ SDS says one viscosity, TDS says something different. \\ SDS viscosity weights obviously reversed (typo) on some. \\ Some TDS sheets look to be a cross or makeshift average between a brand's petro and synth weights. \\ There is incomplete or missing viscosity SDS data....it's enough to make you realize just how tough the oil business' competition is. \\ It is the intent of this article to fill in all the blanks on the fork oil chart, but what is missing was never written by the company(s) that made the product(s). | * Most of the data came from SDS or TDS as noted but that can be misleading also. \\ SDS says one viscosity, TDS says something different. \\ SDS viscosity weights obviously reversed (typo) on some. \\ Some TDS sheets look to be a cross or makeshift average between a brand's petro and synth weights. \\ There is incomplete or missing viscosity SDS data....it's enough to make you realize just how tough the oil business' competition is. \\ It is the intent of this article to fill in all the blanks on the fork oil chart, but what is missing was never written by the company(s) that made the product(s). | ||
| * Somewhere in some of the oil SDS data you'll find phrases like: \\ "The data presented herein is based upon tests and information, which we believe to be reliable." ((http://www.redlineoil.com/content/files/tech/830008_MEDIUM%2010WT%20SYNTHETIC%20SUSPENSION%20FLUID.pdf)) \\ "No warranty or representation, express or implied is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the data and information in this data sheet." (([[http://msdspds.castrol.com/ussds/amersdsf.nsf/Files/9D9FBAAFC91BE60A80257F6B00580DDD/$File/11067450.pdf]])) | * Somewhere in some of the oil SDS data you'll find phrases like: \\ "The data presented herein is based upon tests and information, which we believe to be reliable." ((http://www.redlineoil.com/content/files/tech/830008_MEDIUM%2010WT%20SYNTHETIC%20SUSPENSION%20FLUID.pdf)) \\ "No warranty or representation, express or implied is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the data and information in this data sheet." (([[http://msdspds.castrol.com/ussds/amersdsf.nsf/Files/9D9FBAAFC91BE60A80257F6B00580DDD/$File/11067450.pdf]])) | ||
| - | * So viscosity really is a 'buyer beware' subject. \\ And it's trial and error to fine tune to your specific needs/ wants/ riding style. \\ The figures on the chart below are subject to change by the respective manufacturers. \\ And they are meant as a learning tool of what you are actually buying as opposed to what you are being told you are getting. \\ Check the labels and current SDS/ TDS data before relying on the fact that "this works for the other guy". \\ Rely on what works best for you regardless of what the data sheets say. | + | * So viscosity really is a 'buyer beware' subject. \\ And it's trial and error to fine tune to your specific needs/ wants/ riding style. \\ The figures on the chart below are subject to change by the respective manufacturers. \\ And they are meant as a learning tool of what you are actually buying as opposed to what you are being told you are getting. \\ Check the labels and current SDS/ TDS data before relying on the fact that "this works for the other guy". \\ Rely on what works best for you regardless of what the data sheets say. |
| + | * Many aftermarket companies will publish their data version of Harley Davidson fork oil. \\ Although there may be some truth in their data, there also be a lot of embellishment. \\ Be aware that some of their data is simply tossed around from one site to another (much like rumors go in sewing circles). \\ The only way for you to actually know the specs on Harley fork oil is for __you__ to have it tested at a reputable lab. \\ Don't depend on "They" for historical data for __your__ bike. | ||
| | | ||
| - | ===== Fork Oil Viscosity Chart ===== | + | ====== Fork Oil Viscosity Charts ====== |
| + | ===== Viscosity Comparisons ===== | ||
| + | This chart was compiled as an example of different fork oil data as published by the respective manufacturers. \\ | ||
| + | These figures came from the actual respective company's SDS / TDS sheets and are subject to change by them. \\ | ||
| + | See the updated SDS / TDS information from each manuf. before trusting any charts on the internet. \\ | ||
| + | You can also go to the [[https://widman.biz/English/Calculato...isc-index.html|Widman Calculators online]] and input your own information to print out a chart. \\ | ||
| + | This helps with missing information not listed in the chart below. \\ | ||
| + | |||
| ^ Fork Oil^ Nominal^ Viscosity cSt^ Viscosity cSt^ Viscosity^ Visual^ | ^ Fork Oil^ Nominal^ Viscosity cSt^ Viscosity cSt^ Viscosity^ Visual^ | ||
| ^ Brand^ Viscosity^ @ 40°C (104°F)^ @ 100°C (212°F)^ Index^ Color^ | ^ Brand^ Viscosity^ @ 40°C (104°F)^ @ 100°C (212°F)^ Index^ Color^ | ||
| Line 78: | Line 89: | ||
| Says they are all of High Viscosity Index and Light Red in color. No viscosity weights are published however even in SDS. As a matter of fact PJ1 has the same SDS data sheet (for and that includes) 6 different weights although they publish that they have 8 different weights. Meets or exceeds OEM is published | Says they are all of High Viscosity Index and Light Red in color. No viscosity weights are published however even in SDS. As a matter of fact PJ1 has the same SDS data sheet (for and that includes) 6 different weights although they publish that they have 8 different weights. Meets or exceeds OEM is published | ||
| + | ===== HD Compared to Redline ===== | ||
| + | Independent testing (not affiliated with Harley Davidson) was done on HD Type E fork oil. ((shanneba of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showpost.php?p=5740911&postcount=1)) \\ | ||
| + | Based on the data from that testing, the chart below was created using the [[https://widman.biz/English/Calculators/Graph.html|Widman "Graph your oils"]] web page. \\ | ||
| + | The chart is a comparison of HD Type E, Red Line Medium, Red Line Heavy and the 75% RL Medium / 25% Red Line Heavy fork oils. \\ | ||
| + | Temperatures from 0C / 32F to ~ 50C / 122F (the data on the web page goes up to 80C). \\ | ||
| + | You can see clearly how the higher (442) viscosity Index of the Red Line Medium fork oil changes viscosity less at colder temp. \\ | ||
| + | This should give a more consistent suspension at lower temps. Again, trust your own results / testing. \\ | ||
| + | {{:techtalk:ref:susp:harley_type_e_compared_to_redline_fork_oils_by_shanneba.jpg?direct&700|}} ((chart by shanneba of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showpost.php?p=5740911&postcount=1)) | ||
