We are rolling into a series of articles regarding oil and lubricants using the Spectro experts as our library of data. I’m beginning to find out a great deal about the quality of lubricants, during just a couple of conversations.
A lot of what you see on the market is smoke and mirrors. In some cases you need to use pricing as a grade. For instance some supposedly synthetics are Group three oils, which are petroleum based, but just the best grade. Group one is your very basic oils, Group 2 are refined and Group three are more refined.
The molecular structure of PAO lubricants or synthetics is smooth, pure, oxidation stable, high viscosity and won’t sheer. The more refined the more expensive, so if you see a synthetic label and it’s six bucks, you’re not getting the good shit, but we will study this more as we roam through the oil library.
“If you don’t change your oil every 2-3000 miles,” John Dunn said from Spectro, “You’re wasting your money on good oil.” No matter how high the quality of lube, you need to change it on regular intervals or more often depending on the use. “Engines love cross country runs. They like to get to operating temperature and stay there.”
We’re kicking off with Spectro Fork oils. Basically the various grades of Spectro suspension oil vary in weight and additive packages. With James Conway’s Dyna we plan a series of seat-of-the-pants comparisons in the very near future. There’s a lot to learn coming up. “I switched out a Ceriani glide for my Indian girder,” Go, from Brat Style mentioned after he rode his ’39 Indian 45 at the Willow Springs flat track races. “The handling was night and day.”
Let’s see how much oil grades and weights change handling on street bikes. Hang On.
SPECTRO FORK OIL
Spectro fork fluids are designed specifically for both conventional and inverted cartridge forks. Blended high V.I. base oils combined with anti-foaming additives and an anti-wear additive system fight fade and wear due to both heat and aeration. “Zero stiction” additive package and anti-foaming system for use in Kayaba, Showa and Marzocchi forks.
Description
Fork Oil: Spectro fork fluids are designed specifically for both conventional and inverted cartridge forks. Blended high V.I. base oils combined with anti-foaming additives and an anti-wear additive system fight fade and wear due to both heat and aeration.
“Zero stiction” additive
package and anti-foaming system for use in Kayaba, Showa and Marzocchi
forks.
Application
Fork Oils should be used according to the manufacturer’s recommended change intervals, fill levels and viscosity.
• PROVIDES SMOOTH, CONSISTENT DAMPING.
• PREVENTS CORROSION AND LEAKING.
• PRESERVES AND CONDITIONS FRONT FORK SEALS.
• ANTI-FOAM ADDITIVES PREVENT FOAMING AND
AERATION.
10W
15W
20W
Spectro Heavy Duty Fork Oil
Delivers superior damping and long-lasting lubrication as well as anti-foaming, anti-rust, and anti-corrosion attributes. Provides exceptional temperature stability, minimizes fluid leakage, resists fading. It also preserves and conditions your fork seals. Heavy variant limits front end dive during braking
Description
Heavy Duty fork oils were developed to meet the critical demands of today’s Harley suspension systems. They virtually eliminate fade and foaming due to thinning and air entrapment.
They exhibit temperature stability characteristics equal to or better than those of the OEM fluids they are designed to replace.
Heavy Duty fork oils contain an additive package that assures outstanding rust and corrosion resistance and were protection.
Application
Heavy Duty Fork Oils should be used according to the manufacturer’s recommended change intervals, fill levels and viscosity.
E type: 20 weight
Heavy: 40 weight
GOLDEN CARTRIDGE FORK OIL
Spectro Cartridge fluids are formulated specifically for service in modern inverted cartridge style forks. A semi-synthetic blend of the world’s leading base stocks, as well as anti-foaming and anti-wear additives, “Golden Cartridge Fork” provides zero stiction, conditions seals, and provides smoother operation. Designed for use in Kayaba, Showa and Marzocchi forks.
Description
Spectro Golden Cartridge fluids are the ultimate fork oils, formulated specifically for use in modern inverted cartridge-style forks.
They incorporate a blend of the world’s leading synthetic base oils and superior-quality petroleum base oils combined with anti-foaming additives and an anti-wear additive system that will fight fade and wear due to heat and aeration.
Application
Spectro Golden Cartridge Fork Fluids should be used according to the manufacturer’s recommended change intervals, fill level and viscosity.
Otherwise, use the 125/150 or 7.5 weight
For Racing Use
Golden Spectro Cartiridge Fork Fluids are designed to replace the OEM oils and should be changed at the Manufacturers’ recommended frequency.
• “ZERO STRICTION” ADDITIVE TREATMENT
• “ANTI-FOAMING” ADDITIVES
• PRESERVES AND CONDITIONS SEALS.
• PROVIDES SMOOTHER OPERATION.
• FOR USE IN KAYABA, SHOWA, AND
MARZOCCI FORKS.
• “VERY LIGHT” AND “LIGHT”
125/150 7.5 weight
