Fork oil

tmc3c · March 23, 2004, 05:21:17 PM

How much and what brand is suggested for leading axle Marzocchi forks?Does riderr's weight/riding conditions play a part in how much to add per leg ? Thanks Guys

Thomas Carmichael

tomale · March 23, 2004, 09:26:01 PM

Hi Tom, I had asked that question too and I will tell you what I came up with and what is working for me. I have two manuals and they both give me the same amount. 260cc is what is suggested. The rider weight and style etc does make a difference so that you will have to work out for your self. I tried the 20 and 15 wt fork oil and did not like it. It made the forks too harsh. I am using ATF and it is just fine. If it is too soft you can add a little to each leg and that will stiffen it up for you. Just be careful to put the same amount in both. Tire pressure will effect the way the front end feels too. If it is too soft the front end will tend to wander and if it is too hard it will feel harsh. I run between 9 and 12 pounds in the front wheel. If the track is soft I reduce the tire pressure a little bit. It is amazing to me how much even one pound in a tire makes. If you are going to be riding in a rocky area... Lots of trails like that around here. you need to up the pressure.
Hope this helps, let me know if I can clearify anything:)

Thom Green,I own and ride a 76 250 MC5 MX which I bought new.

tmc3c · March 23, 2004, 09:34:57 PM

Thanks Thom, I will try your method ! Thanks again!

Thomas Carmichael

Mike Lenz · March 25, 2004, 11:04:40 PM

I set them up at 6.25 inches down with the springs out, same as the "74" forks.

tmc3c · March 26, 2004, 07:36:33 AM

Thanks Mike for your input:)

Thomas Carmichael

tomale · March 26, 2004, 11:43:22 AM

MIke is that the standard that you use for all of your forks? I was wondering about the forks on the 78 MC5.... 38mm marzokes I am waiting on a parts manual and I am pretty sure that I have some of the specs for that bike but with the moving around of stuff as I build my shop... It is AWAL

the manuel that is.

Thom Green,I own and ride a 76 250 MC5 MX which I bought new.

smkt342 · March 26, 2004, 02:18:16 PM

Guys, the 10wt works surprisingly well. Many years ago we used the heavier weigh oils, even 30wt, but I, I think Dwight and maybe Doug W. I heard used the 10 and 7.5 wts sucessfully. Might just be the trick.

keith Taylor

Mike Lenz · March 27, 2004, 10:10:57 PM

Yeah, I pretty much use that on most forks. You could start at 6.5 and If you feel any bottoming add a little more.

Mike Lenz · March 25, 2004, 11:04:40 PM