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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Front fork resistance
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Message started by Eegore on 04/15/17 at 08:21:13

Title: Front fork resistance
Post by Eegore on 04/15/17 at 08:21:13

1995 or 96 Savage with 7,000 miles:

So the front fork has a lot of play on the suspension, seems like it dips down more than normal when applying front brake.

Of course I don't know what's normal for this bike but is there a process I should go through for checking it out, or just get a new fork and be done with it?

Seems like I can get everything I need online for less than 1000
http://www.suzukipartshouse.com/oemparts/a/suz/50d32ed3f8700232d0b3d722/front-fork

Thanks

Title: Re: Front fork resistance
Post by Dave on 04/15/17 at 09:36:45

I don't see any need to buy new.....likely you can make the existing forks work like new with new fork oil - perhaps changing the weight and how high the oil level is.

Here is a good technical article for making the forks better - you can ignore anything that deals with lowering the forks as done on the Cafe' conversions.

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1421689358

Title: Re: Front fork resistance
Post by Gary_in_NJ on 04/15/17 at 09:38:00

735351594453360 wrote:
So the front fork has a lot of play on the suspension, seems like it dips down more than normal when applying front brake.

"Play" may indicate that the steering stem is loose. There shouldn't be any rocking motion of the bars, triple clamps or forks.

Excessive dive is a characteristic of the S40 forks. Are the fork springs correct for your weight? You should check a few things to know/confirm that the forks are in good working order. I would remove the forks and;

- disassemble the fork and check that you don't have a broken spring.

- drain and clean the forks. Replace the fluid with fresh 15w fork fluid with an air gap of 75mm (measure with the spring out, fork compressed).

- upon reassembly, take the time to adjust the sag.

- after the forks are all back together, pump them to ensure that you don't have blown fork seal. This seems like it should be the first thing you check, but if fluid has leaked out, there might not be enough left to get past the seal.

BTW, the above fork service should be done every 3years or so.

Title: Re: Front fork resistance
Post by Ruttly on 04/15/17 at 15:17:31

Just replace the seals if its apart , they are cheap. No surprises that way !

Title: Re: Front fork resistance
Post by Eegore on 04/16/17 at 18:10:55

Thanks for the links and advice. I will check around and see if I can find a mechanic that will work on existing forks and not only mount new ones.

Title: Re: Front fork resistance
Post by Gary_in_NJ on 04/16/17 at 18:33:10

Unless they are bent, shops don't replace forks, they either upgrade or repair them.

Title: Re: Front fork resistance
Post by Eegore on 04/17/17 at 19:28:11

I will need to check for some shops out of town, the two here specifically stated they will not disassemble the current forks and work on them.

Probably just bad luck on who Ive contacted, but the information here is really useful so Im sure I can find somebody that can help me out.

Title: Re: Front fork resistance
Post by Dave on 04/18/17 at 02:57:14

4060626A7760050 wrote:

I will need to check for some shops out of town, the two here specifically stated they will not disassemble the current forks and work on them.

Where is "here"? :-?

Title: Re: Front fork resistance
Post by Gary_in_NJ on 04/18/17 at 05:43:54

If you live near me I'd be happy to inspect & repair or upgrade.

Title: Re: Front fork resistance
Post by Eegore on 04/18/17 at 15:44:06

Im out in Colorado, but thanks for the offer.

The forks will have to wait now as I have tremendous belt noise which I believe is coming off the front pulley but I haven't jacked it up yet to confirm. I'd like to source a Kawasaki one if I can.

Title: Re: Front fork resistance
Post by JLC on 04/18/17 at 16:08:35

Where exactly in Colorado are you located?