2019 Damper Rods In Pre-2018

[hondamxracer]

Does anyone know if the 2019 damper rods which are 10mm longer can be installed in 2015 forks?


https://advrider.com/f/threads/honda-cb500x.840842/page-886#post-37853092

[Oyabun]

Yes they are a direct fit - I also suggest to use the matching springs from a '19 bike if you're not going for weight matched aftermarket linear springs. They (the 19 oem springs) are 5.5N/mm initially and have a much less harsh transition to the harder part at about 130mm travel (including preload) matching the damper rods much better than earlier springs.

[hondamxracer]

I was thinking about pairing the 19 dampers with some race tech springs

[JMo]

Originally Posted by hondamxracer

I was thinking about pairing the 19 dampers with some race tech springs

for info. If you buy the 2019 LEVEL 1 fork kit from Rally-Raid, you'll get their 2019 length dampers, plus proper shim-valve damping and longer linear wound springs (which eliminate the crappy plastic spacer). You'd have a proper matched set-up then.

Jx

[hondamxracer]

My 2019 springs and dampers will be in this week. Should i stick with the 10 wt oil?

I read that the stock oil level measurement (spring removed, damper installed, fork compressed) is 160mm. Would you recommend sticking with this?

Any idea how many CCs 160 measures out to?

[Oyabun]

I have mixed 10w and 15w fork oil for a roughly 12.5w viscosity. You'll need avout 470-ish ml per fork leg to get to about 160mm air gap.

[hondamxracer]

What brand of oil are you using?

[Oyabun]

I'm using ENI in damper rod forks as that's what I have easy access to and have great performance/cost factor.
I tend t use Fuchs Silkolene in cartridge forks which I've found the best available, but that's quite a bit more expensive and harder to come by where I live.

[hondamxracer]

Thanks!

I installed the 2019 dampers today. I can confirm you do get 10mm of rise.

I drained the oil from both fork legs into a ratio-rite measuring cup and both legs measured just under 450cc. Should I put 450cc back in or the 470cc noted above?

[Oyabun]

Fill until you get about 160mm air gap.