2010 1700 Voyager front fork oil

[Calflan]

Question:
Changing the front fork oil on my Voyager and wondering what is best recommendation for weight of oil replacement. I know Kawasaki puts 10w in,a nd not planning to go back with that, but have read 15 or 20 is a better fro handling, dampening, front end surge, etc. I usually ride 2 up with my wife and at times when I may have to hit the brakes hard, we'll bump helmets. Would 20 or 15 be better for; priority - handling and second for better dampening of that surge with the two us riding?
If not allot of difference, I see most people replace with 15.
Recommendations?
BTW, bike has approx. 15k miles and original oil was VERY thin and nasty dirty. I would say anywhere from 10 - 15 is best to change the stock oil. Looks like black water.
Thanks

[doug of so fla]

Most M/C shocks mfg, are from SHOWA & you are right the fluid in them is junk!!! Smells like a "Buzzard's Crotch"!!! even when NEW! Best thing to do on ANY new M/C is to get rid of it!! immediately!! I like "Belray" or "Spectro" after using for 2 yrs it is still clean looking. 15wt or whatever that is personal choice. If to soft in front with the weight you pull, go up in wt, but I would not go overboard, cause you can end up with a very harsh ride. But if you know how to change it, go for it.. Ride Safe..

[Calflan]

Thanks for the reply.
Put 15 in it. Also changed out the steering head upper and lower bearings to tapered bearings. Had a vibration / shimmy prior, all gone now. The original roller bearings were still pretty well lubricated, but I really think the tapered is much better control for the steering. Much less room for error and shimmy with the tapered it appears.

[David (N. Alabama)]

Now get out and ride that bike. 2500 a year on a touring bike is sad.

As my Indian shirt says. "Make more dust than you collect."

[Calflan]

Bought it used David ... with low mileage, easy there big boy!

[HMB Don]

Thanks for the info on the tapered roller bearings. I should change them.

I installed 5w Amsoil shock therapy oil in my forks with stock springs. Used the same when I changed the fork springs (race tech springs), no emulators yet.

I agree anything is better then stock fork oil.

[alta drifter]

how hard is it to change the fork oil?