Fork oil is a crucial component for the proper functioning of your motorcycle's front suspension. The forks (or front suspension) are one of the most important components for ensuring good handling, riding comfort, and safety. Fork oil helps dampen and control suspension movement, preventing it from becoming too stiff or too soft. Here's everything you need to know about fork oil:

1. Function of Fork Oil

• Damping and Control : The oil allows the forks to move smoothly, reducing the impact of bumps and vibrations from the road. It works in conjunction with the fork legs and springs to absorb shock and ensure the front wheel tracks properly.
• Viscosity : Oil viscosity affects suspension behavior. Thicker oil (higher viscosity) provides a slower and stiffer response, while thinner oil (lower viscosity) makes the suspension softer and more responsive. The choice of viscosity depends on the type of riding you do, the terrain conditions, and the type of motorcycle.

2. Types of Fork Oil

• Mineral fork oil : This is the most common and cheapest type of oil. It is used for the forks of street and touring motorcycles. It is good enough for most everyday applications, but may not be ideal for use in extreme conditions (such as on the track).
• Synthetic fork oil : It has greater temperature resistance and a longer shelf life than mineral oils. It is more suitable for racing motorcycles or those who ride in more extreme conditions, such as on the track or off-road. It offers greater performance and long-term stability.
• Semi-synthetic fork oil : Combines the positive aspects of mineral and synthetic oils, offering good durability and performance at a lower price than fully synthetic oils.

3. Fork Oil Viscosity

Viscosity is one of the key characteristics to consider when choosing fork oil. It is measured using a numerical scale (e.g., 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W), where a lower number indicates a lower viscosity (thinner oil) and a higher number indicates a thicker oil (greater flow resistance).

• Low viscosity oil (5W, 10W) : Offers quicker response and a smoother ride, suitable for light riding conditions or smooth roads.
• Medium viscosity oil (15W, 20W) : Provides a good balance between comfort and performance. It is ideal for normal road and light off-road driving.
• High viscosity oil (20W and above) : It's thicker, making it more resistant to impacts and providing greater suspension stability. Suitable for racing bikes or those who ride on uneven and difficult terrain.

4. Choosing the Oil Based on Your Driving Type

• Street bikes : For street or touring bikes, a medium viscosity oil (10W or 15W) is recommended, which offers a good compromise between comfort and suspension control.
• Racing Bikes : For sport or racing bikes, high viscosity synthetic oil (15W or 20W) is best for stability and precise suspension response.
• Off-road motorcycles : For off-road use, a thinner oil (5W or 10W) ​​may be better, as it offers more responsiveness and allows the suspension to adapt better to uneven terrain.

5. Fork Maintenance and Oil

• Checking and changing the oil : Over time, fork oil loses its properties and must be changed to keep the suspension functioning properly. How often to change the oil depends on use, but generally it should be done every 12,000-15,000 km or at least once a year.
• Oil contamination : Oil can become contaminated with dust, sand, or other particles, reducing the effectiveness of your forks. Regular maintenance and inspection of fork seals and oil seals are essential to avoid damage and loss of performance.
• Choosing the right oil : Each make and model of motorcycle may require a specific type of oil. Always consult your motorcycle's manual for exact specifications regarding oil type, quantity, and viscosity.