Fork Oil Level?

[johnsmith222]

Hi guys,

I am doing a fork overhaul on my ZZR 600. I wanted to ask your opinion of this method for setting the air gap in my forks.

The gap is 112mm.

I was going to take a thin board of wood I had, leave a bit at the top so I can hold it without dropping it into the fork.

Then I was going to score a start line which I would line up with the top of the fork stanchion and measure down 112mm from that start line.

I was then going to score this marker.

I would leave a bit of wood extending past the correct level so that I can judge the level as im filling.

I'll probably have to make 2 of these as the first time I use it the "dipstick" will be stained with oil.

Do you guys have any better free methods? I know that you can get the fork oil level tools for £15 off ebay but I am having to be very careful with my money at the moment if I'm wanting to hold onto my 9R.

[P.]

Steel rule... would work and can be wiped clean.

[Turkish]

Normal tape measure is good enough. Pull out the required length and use the switch to hold it there. Keep filling and dipping until you get oil on the end, simples.
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ZX-6R G2
CBR125R RW6

[Islander]

[andym]

I use the tape measure method, but I have about 10mm extra so I know how close to the right mark I am... saves having to suck some back out if I pour a bit too quick

[johnsmith222]

Thanks a lot guys. The tape measure method was a good tip but unfortunately mine doesn't have a lock.

I ended up using a block of wood with extended "handle", start line and finish line.

I didn't have the block extend further than the air gap because its mass would've falsely increased the level. I just took my time and waited until the tip of my wood was dipped.

[kartl]

Tape measure method is great to get the precise measurement in filling the shock oil. I would also recommend to use a pyrex measuring cup to make sure that you filled both strut with oil equally.

[Islander]