Motorcycle Repair: CL72, spindle oil, float bowls

Question
Bill,

When you synchronize carbs,do you open the throttle with engine
off and take slack out of throttle wires at top of carbs as one
manual suggests,or do you stick your fingers in carb throats and
feel if throttle valves go up and down at the same time?
One other question deals with changing oil in front cushion shocks
as the manual says to use #60 spindle oil. Can I use ATF or what
weight fork oil since spindle oil is difficult to find?

Thanks,
Terry

Answer
Terry, The way I usually synch the carbs is to drop the float bowls and unscrew the main jet holders, so you can see the tips of the needles. Then, adjust the cable stops at the carb tops as necessary. This is the LAST thing you do, after setting timing, adjusting mixture screws and setting idle speeds.

Yeah, the "spindle oil" really dates back to the late 1950s.  ATF is fine for most Honda forks these days. Or you can use some thicker fork oil like 15w to help damping a little bit, but not necessary.

Bill Silver