Author Topic: Fork oil change  (Read 11168 times)

Offline cugsy

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Re: Fork oil change
« Reply #20 on: March 22, 2014, 09:04:47 AM »
Ted, I've cleaned the springs and tubes put 320ml of 10w oil in. I'm going to take her for a bimble tomorrow. I remember every time I went down the farm track that it felt like the bike was bottoming out - ie; no travel. Forks are back in and preload is half way.  I would prefer a normal set of springs in there and I'll see what's available. Cheers mate.
Bloody hell - its a heavy bike!

Offline gPink

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Re: Fork oil change
« Reply #21 on: March 22, 2014, 09:38:23 AM »
bimble

Gotta love you Brits and what you've done with the language.  :chugbeer:

Offline cugsy

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Re: Fork oil change
« Reply #22 on: March 22, 2014, 12:06:52 PM »
We had it first..sort of..well,the saxons,celts,picts and romans paved the way.  Bimble - to ride like a tw*t in car traffic. Thassa proppa defernishun too.   8)

On a serious note Hagon do progressive springs for about £80. I'll see what this set up is like first. I want it sorted before the TT in may/june.......zoomm....
Bloody hell - its a heavy bike!

Offline cugsy

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Re: Fork oil change
« Reply #23 on: March 23, 2014, 08:51:40 AM »
Zoooooommm zoom round the country twisties like a new(ish) bike.  Wheeeeee...zap powie...cruising at a ton on the big roads.  Much better :yikes:
Bloody hell - its a heavy bike!

Offline gPink

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Re: Fork oil change
« Reply #24 on: March 23, 2014, 08:53:18 AM »
Doesn't sound like a bimble to me.  ;)

Offline cugsy

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Re: Fork oil change
« Reply #25 on: March 23, 2014, 10:06:53 AM »
....well...it was natural progression to a good scratchin' session.
Bloody hell - its a heavy bike!

Offline Daytona_Mike

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Re: Fork oil change
« Reply #26 on: March 23, 2014, 02:37:13 PM »

I run Spectro 40W fork oil with  my Sonic 1.2's and gold emulators.
The 40w is still not enough to properly dampen the rebound.
If you still have fuel in the tank, you are not lost yet
Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut that connects the handlebars to the saddle

enim57

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Re: Fork oil change
« Reply #27 on: March 23, 2014, 05:35:04 PM »
On a serious note Hagon do progressive springs for about £80.
Performance springs are straight rate, I wouldn't bother with progressive as all the soft section is usually used up taking the bike off centre stand and siting on it. Your setup may be home made. Next time it's apart look at the spring ends to see if the ends look different which would indicate a cut spring.

We weigh about the same. My setup (Racetech spec) is 1.0kg/mm springs, 35mm preload, 15wt oil filled to 150mm from top of fork with forks compressed and spring out. I also have gold valve emulators. I have made one change and that is using ATF instead 15wt oil. This setup works very well and even impresses those on new lighter bikes.

Regards, Russell

Offline RFH87_Connie

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Re: Fork oil change
« Reply #28 on: March 24, 2014, 06:03:29 AM »
An 8" front spring still sounds way to short to have any type of decent front suspension.  It would think it would be stiff as a board or bottom out a lot.  Have you rode anyone elses bike?  Most of the time the front spring is at least 16" to 20", then add the spacers to get the exact required length for the fork assembly.  A spacer is typically added so the same spring can be used across several (many) different models.  Rear springs are usually 6" to 12" depending on dual shock or mono.

But, maybe you have some after-market set-up and everything is OK.
“I can truly say I had rather be at home at Mount Vernon with a friend or two about me, than to be attended at the seat of government by the officers of State and the representatives of every power of Europe.” - George Washington

Offline cugsy

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Re: Fork oil change
« Reply #29 on: March 24, 2014, 09:26:06 AM »
Well the curious thing is that its had 5 owners since 2002. The last lad 'said' it had been serviced at a decent bike shop and I saw the receipt. Most of that I've since found out is bollocks. Either that or Stevie Wonder was working in the workshop that day.
 I do tend to do about 90% of my own mechanicing...er...work. As the last owner didn't mention or know about the forks I can only assume that it was like that before. Gawd knows when then?  I could find some forks on Fleabay but apart from banging my nuts on the tank when it hits a pothole the suspension feels better....probably just the new oil.  It does show how bad and soggy the old rear shock is though. A nice new one would help but I don't have £300 (a bazillion dollars at the current rate). Later maybe.  john
Bloody hell - its a heavy bike!

Offline RFH87_Connie

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Re: Fork oil change
« Reply #30 on: March 24, 2014, 09:56:09 AM »
If the forks aren't to your liking, and aren't correct, maybe you could find an OEM set from a forum member near you for cheap and start over?  Otherwise, get a set of "straight-rate" RaceTechs (or other brand) if you are looking for a performance and handling increase, they are pretty affordable.  If you are looking for a for cushioned ride just for cruising, get some progressives.

Murphs sells a kit for about $25 to change the shock fluid, but I do believe you are over the pond.  Go to your local bike shop or order online some shock fluid - NOT fork oil.  They are not the same thing.  The shock holds about a perfect 8oz after it is drained.  Warming the shock up helps it drain out.  A small baster of some sort makes it easier to get the fluid back in.  You can't really "pour" it in, it has to be injected.  Also, if you have never taken the shock off before, be very careful with the black plastic 1" adjuster - they are prone to break or fall off later after a reinstall.  I would suggest when reinstalling it, put a little RTV (or lock-tite) on it so it is glued to the treaded rod.

BTW, I'm 200lbs and run 5" cut stock springs with a PVC spacer up front with Belray 15w oil and 15w fluid in the rear shock set on "2".
“I can truly say I had rather be at home at Mount Vernon with a friend or two about me, than to be attended at the seat of government by the officers of State and the representatives of every power of Europe.” - George Washington

Offline elvin315

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Re: Fork oil change
« Reply #31 on: March 26, 2014, 08:44:59 AM »
Just me nitpicking but here goes. Most think the original springs are progressive but in actuality they are Dual Rate. One half of the spring has a 0.7 kg/mm while the other half is 1.7 kg/mm without any progression between them. Read more about the C10 suspension and just about everything else in the C10 FAQs.

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?board=18.0

Offline RFH87_Connie

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Re: Fork oil change
« Reply #32 on: March 26, 2014, 09:22:24 AM »
Elvin, you're exactly right.  That's why the early models handle so goofy with the dual rate springs.  The first part compresses too easily, then the second half can work.  That's why you get a serious nose-dive each time you use the front brake.
“I can truly say I had rather be at home at Mount Vernon with a friend or two about me, than to be attended at the seat of government by the officers of State and the representatives of every power of Europe.” - George Washington

Offline cugsy

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Re: Fork oil change
« Reply #33 on: March 26, 2014, 11:12:41 AM »
Academic now lads - bikes up for sale in the UK.  Bad news from HR at work.  :-\
Bloody hell - its a heavy bike!

Offline connie_rider

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Re: Fork oil change
« Reply #34 on: March 26, 2014, 11:30:35 AM »
Oh noooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good luck Buddy!

Ride safe, Ted

Offline RFH87_Connie

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Re: Fork oil change
« Reply #35 on: March 26, 2014, 12:15:42 PM »
Academic now lads - bikes up for sale in the UK.  Bad news from HR at work.  :-\

Has the use of motorcycles by employed individuals been banned in the United Kingdom?
“I can truly say I had rather be at home at Mount Vernon with a friend or two about me, than to be attended at the seat of government by the officers of State and the representatives of every power of Europe.” - George Washington

Offline cugsy

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Re: Fork oil change
« Reply #36 on: March 26, 2014, 01:03:29 PM »
Nope - they might try that one day BUT that will start a very violent revolution.

The bastards have decided to terminate my employment due to my being off long term ill - caused by them I might add.  funny that - its the end of the month too...
Bloody hell - its a heavy bike!

Offline RFH87_Connie

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Re: Fork oil change
« Reply #37 on: March 26, 2014, 01:07:27 PM »
Ouch!  Sorry to hear that.  Hopefully a bigger and better opportunity will come your way quick.
“I can truly say I had rather be at home at Mount Vernon with a friend or two about me, than to be attended at the seat of government by the officers of State and the representatives of every power of Europe.” - George Washington

Offline cugsy

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Re: Fork oil change
« Reply #38 on: March 26, 2014, 02:15:23 PM »
I still have the DR650 but blatting round the IOM at the TT on that seems a bit girly
Bloody hell - its a heavy bike!

enim57

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Re: Fork oil change
« Reply #39 on: March 26, 2014, 05:01:25 PM »
I still have the DR650 but blatting round the IOM at the TT on that seems a bit girly
No shame in riding a DR650, one of the toughest bikes ever made. Very impressive history with that can/has been done with it.
I assume you know this website: http://drriders.com/

Bad luck with the job.

Regards, Russell