I'll be replacing the fork seals on my '90 Hurricane & the only spec for fork oil weight in the downloadable service manual, that I could find, said "ATF". Is that right?! That seems light weight to me. I'll be riding it somewhat aggressively as my daily commutor. Any suggestions for a "firm" ride? Race fork oils, etc?

 

Progressive springs, and run 6 psi in the forks. That will firm it up. Crank the adjuster to 4 or higher on the preload collar for the rear.

 

Ok cool. Those sound like great suggestions. Yes, I was thinking about putting in the max psi in 'em too. Progressive springs would be a great thing to do since I'll have everything pulled apart. The only problem is the added $$$. Since I have to replace the fork oil though, I thought I might as well step things up a notch. Can you tell me, is Automatic Transmission Fluid what Honda reccomends?

 

Bikeshops sell the oil as forkoil.
I replaced my seals and went for 10w. I know some racebikes(road, enduro etc) use often 5-7,5w.

 

Yes. ATF is the recommended fluid. Be sure not to exceed 6psi or you will be doing seals again. I have changed the fork seals in mine three or four times in the 24+ years of owning mine.
My next suggestion is put good tires on it.

 

Great advise guys, thanks! Now I just have to find some dust/wiper seals and make a seal driver tool from PVC pipe & a hose clamp & I'll be all set.

 

I use my ordinary tools, no specials. What do you mean with seal driver tool? If you mean for fitting back the new seal....I use the old seal for that.

 

I've watched instructional " how-to"s on Youtube where guys make a cheap fork seal driver tool using a 3ft section of PVC pipe with 2 cross cuts in 1 end & a hose clamp to size it to your seal to drive it in square.

 

Just got done replacing the seals today! It really wasn't as hard as I was thought it might be. I went to my local powersports dealer & they suggested I go with 10 weight or 15 weight. I chose 15 weight & just went for it. My old seals looked like they'd definitely been done before ( and quite poorly I might add ) To drive in my new seals, I just temporarily placed the old seal on top of it for protection & drove it in with a piece of exhaust pipe & a hammer. Pried the old seal back out again & off we go! Cleaned out my tubes & valves, ect with brake cleaner, fresh coat of paint & reassemble. I'll put 6 psi in it & see how it rides soon as I can.