|
Re: check/replace fork seal
Yeah the bike's suspension reacts pretty profiundly to suspension preload changes. Heavier preload in the rear will bias the weight transfer more to the front under harder than average braking. Still shouldn't bottom out, but I just wondered if any changes had been made leading up to the problem.
Bikes have funny dynamics...problems that are perceived as coming from the front often originate with the rear...if you've ever had a rear tire going down or a bad swingarm bushing you know what I'm talking about...feels like the front end is wandering/sticking....
That's why using your brakes in a curve is such a bad idea...when you brake, you compress the front fork and transfer a lot of weight off the rear. The fork is now closer to it's lower limit of travel and tightly compressed, it's ability to be compliant over road irregularities is seriously compromised...and the rear is light and near the upper limit of travel. So you now have a two wheeled vehicle with two very different suspension rates and traction issues. You are flirting with a get-off. The ideal cornering situation always has the suspension in a state of balance, with both ends working in the middle third of their total travel.
Anyway, enough of that. I know you didn't ask about that, I just like talking about it.
Did you mean just changing the fork oil? That link I supplied has a great run-down on the procedure. It's not difficult, with your experience it should be no problem at all. Even replacing seals isn't bad, just have the right info for your model.
Make sure all your triple clamp and steering stem hardware is tight too...I bought a new '99 Vulcan 1500 and a few days after having it back to the dealer for first service I started getting a knocking noise in the front end over rough pavement when braking....and found the damn steering stem bolt (that holds the steering head bearings together) was loose! And part of the first service was to check all fasteners for proper torque! So much for that service...never again...I do my own work now....
__________________
You made three mistakes. First, you took the job. Second, you came light. A four man crew for me? F**king insulting. But the worst mistake you made...
...empty gun rack.
|