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Message started by caseyLA on 03/24/10 at 00:23:48

Title: stiffer front end?
Post by caseyLA on 03/24/10 at 00:23:48

Some people were recommending changing to a more viscous fork oil, but isn't the oil just for damping?

Title: Re: stiffer front end?
Post by jabman on 03/24/10 at 00:36:32

i just swapped from 10w synth oil to 15w synth oil (10w+20w mixed in equal measure) it made the forks a lot stiffer. a lot less 'dive' when tapping the brakes, the suspension does move when the bike is taken off the side stand. But potholes and speed bumps are more annoying

I think 15w is what comes as stock so 20w would be an alternative. But to stiff for me. :)

Title: Re: stiffer front end?
Post by Phelonius on 03/24/10 at 09:50:23

Put one inch spacer shims inside the top of the fork legs. It preloads the spring and eliminates sag.
http://bikepics.com/pictures/1660028/
and
http://bikepics.com/pictures/1660035/

Phelonius

Title: Re: stiffer front end?
Post by marotajo on 03/24/10 at 16:25:06

Where can I get a pair of those spacer shims?

Mark
1995 Savage Bobber
Central FL USA

Title: Re: stiffer front end?
Post by bill67 on 03/24/10 at 16:30:07

You can use pvc pipe from the hardware store thats what progressive suspensions uses.

Title: Re: stiffer front end?
Post by Phelonius on 03/25/10 at 11:32:41

7B77647962777C79160 wrote:

Where can I get a pair of those spacer shims?

Mark
1995 Savage Bobber
Central FL USA

I have heard of pvc being used but for me, steel is real.
Find a piece of steel pipe the right size and cut to length.
If you looked at the photos, I turned the pieces in my lathe to get a perfect fit and a reduced diameter that fits tightly into the standard spacer sleeve. If your pipe is slightly too large of diameter, use an electric sander to make it fit.
Be very careful to not cross thread the caps when you put them back on. Cut a piece of broom handle about 4 inches long. Use it to apply spring compression while turning the end cap to feel for threads. The first time I only used thumb pressure and that made for a really sore thumb. Short stick, Mo betta

Phelonius

Title: Re: stiffer front end?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/25/10 at 12:46:44

I turn things backwards till the start thread drops into place on some things. Its also no big sin to look at threads & line start threads up where possible.

If you dont have a fork brace, I surely recommend it.