I have read the threads about changing the rear shock oil to 10w. My dumb question of the day is what oil are you buying. I have seen fork oil at the store but no shock oil.

Are you using fork oil and calling it shock oil?

 

I replaced mine with Amsoil Shock Therapy 10 wt. The SE oil Harley sells would be fine too.

 

Use Amsoil 10w Shock Therapy for pre 09s

 

I liked the heavier fluid in my pre 09 shocks when I changed the fluid and the lighter in my -09's...
the fluid's weight does make a difference as well as the amount of fluid
I was trying to achieve the ideal balance of fluid while using little to no air to achieve the ride I so prefered...
depending on your weight will dictate how much fluid you use
Yes the fluids we use are the fork fluids
I believe belray is one of the few that offers a shock specific fluid
I prefered the Torqco 7.5 wt. brand in my pre 09's and the spectra very light in my 09
FFT
paul

 

I am switching out to 2010 SG shocks. I have read that 10oz is correct in each shock and that the 2010 shocks will require more air pressure than my 02 shocks.


Did a search for Amsoil dealers in Az. I think Chandler HD actually carries it here.

 

I used 15w Belray and it made a big difference on the ride of my scoot. When I ride 2up I do not have to over air up the shocks to keep from bottoming out. It just stifffened up the shocks a bit.

 

Fork fluid will work
Amsoil is just another brand the guys are working with
Pretty much any fluid will help and improve the ride
But one of the most important steps is the amount of fluid is in there
because 10.8 came out does not mean 10.8 has to go back in
you can put 9.8 or 11.8
It spends on your preference
I always figured a rider wanted to get a sweet ride first with air and oil first then start adding more fluid to control the reduction in air so its not so air controlled specific
Its real easy to remove fluid and to add fluid if needed...
It ain't rocket science
Pull up my post I did some many years ago on Making Stock shocks better
A buddy was speaking with a well know man in the industry and what he said made sense
he said to make a huge transformation in the rear factory shocks is to add 30# motor oil to them...The frothing is non existant with motor as with other fluids
Thats the last thing you want is the fluid to co-mingle and start foaming with your fluid
Defeats your purpose
again FFT
Paul

 

Just beware that not all fluid labeled the same has the same viscosity characteristics. I have a pretty extensive list of fluids and their characteristics but its in MS excel format so I cant post it, but I would be happy to share it with anyone, just PM me with an email that I can send it to.
Jason

 

I used Mobile1 Synthetic Automatic transmission fluid... Couldn't be happier.

 

I went with Belray 10w made a difference for the better. Then went with Progressive 940,that's probably one of the best change's I've made to my 07' Road King Classic.