changing the fork oil

[coronadozx]

i didn't see a thread or article on this, but if there is one, please push me in the right direction.

i have a few questions concerning fork oil (i read the manual but wanted to get other opinions on this topic):

1) how often should fork oil be replaced?
2) should i use actual fork oil or will automatic transmission fluid suffice?
3) if i should use fork oil, what weight should i be using?
4) how long should it take?
5) is there a site that provides instructions for changing the fork oil?

thanks in advance.

[bear57]

Fork oil changes reduce wear and extend internal bushing life, besides working better. A good synthetic once a year or every 6-12,000 miles depending on fork type and use. A true cartridge fork or one with gold valve emulaters (springs) do not stress the additives as much as conventional "fix oriface" design. Traxxion reports 01-05 FZ1 forks with stock oil can start bushing wear by 10-12,000 miles and bushing replacement needed over 25-30,000 miles. Yearly changes on this conventional fork can extend life beyond 100,000 miles though the sample is too small to be meaningful, and finding bad seals far from home won't help. Changing removes water and contamination, restores viscosity. Track guys like more often changes.
Automatic transmission fluid works like fork oil. Expect to change it oftener for best life 6k. Was a fovorite with dirt bikes in the day.