Textbook recommends Fork OIl change annually. You?

Posted by sgtslag on Jan 28, 2014; 6:26pm
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/Textbook-recommends-Fork-OIl-change-annually-You-tp4048451.html

I was doing some 'lite' reading in my textbook, Motorcycles:  Fundamentals, Service, Repair, Copyright 1999, and I re-discovered where it states:  "Even under the most ideal conditions, the fork oil should be changed at least once a year."

I used Dexron IV ATF (conventional), in my Voyager, and my CB, with decent results (it's only $5-$7 per quart, ~8 wt. viscosity; Fork Oil is usually around $15 per quart!).  Last year, I changed out my fluid in my Voyager, after it had been in use for two years:  I added an ounce of SeaFoam, first, pumped the wheel up/down 20 times, to percolate it through the system, dissolving varnish, gum, etc., before I drained it.  The fluid came out a duller red, no particles, just duller in color than it was, originally.  I then poured in some Dexron VI Synthetic ATF (around $7 per quart; being a full synthetic oil, it should last twice as long, or two years).  I am on the fence whether I should drain it this Spring, if only to test it's color/health, to see if I could go two years with it.  It is certainly cheap enough to squander a half-quart to find out.

How long do you go between Fork OIl changes?