Honda remote preload adjusters. Fluids and bleeding?

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Got a VFR1200 shock for my 750 project. It has a remote preload adjuster but I think it'll need to be more remote than it is. It's connected by what's effectively a brake hose with standard banjo connectors so should just be a case of fitting a longer line.

The question is, what fluid does it contain and how do I bleed it? There's absolutely nothing in the official workshop manual. I suspect the bleeding procedure will become fairly self-explanatory when I get in there but it doesn't hurt to ask. I suspect it may just be a case of brimming it like you do with bicycle brakes

There seems to be a lot of uncertainty about what fluid is supposed to be in there. It's likely some sort of hydraulic oil? I have some of that green hydrostatic suspension fluid they use in citroens, in the absence of any contrary advice, I'll bung that in it.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

gbrand42 · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 23 Jul 2013 Karma :

I put hydraulic jack oil in my Pan European remote. Worked fine. I have also heard of fork oil being used. I bled mine by topping it right off but leaving the banjo bolt a bit loose, then started screwing the adjuster in till oil started leaking out, then tightened the banjo. Lost a couple of clicks of adjustment but meh.
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Yamaha RD50M, Honda C90, Yamaha RS100, Yamaha RD125LC, Honda XL125 V9 Varadero, Honda NT700VA, Honda VFR800X, Honda CRF1000L, Honda ST1300 Pan European

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Thanks for that. I wasn't sure if it was going to be mineral oil based, water based or like brake fluid.

My final test in the absence of anything was going to be to try to mix what was in there with water, if it floated, I was going mineral oil, if it mixed in I was going for dot 4 and if it emulsified, I was going for hydroelastic fluid.

I think I've got some belray fork oil left over. Honda had a hard-on for that stuff in the 90's. Failing that, good old ATF should do the trick.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.