Forks Oil

[igbell]

Hello All

I was wondering, when would most of you change your Fork Oil and the rear suspension system??

As mine is still sat on the original set from 1999.

[Amante_271]

Just before it fails preferably!

Best to check the recommended time scales in the owners / Haynes manual as they err on safety side rather than risking any problems

[jj]

fork oil needs changing every 3 to 4 years or 30000 miles rear shock would probably need rebuilding about the same time,if u get it done it will be like riding a new bike

[FJ_Biker]

That oil is going to stink big time (old fork oil some of the smelliest stuff around)

I changed mine last November when I replaced the fork seals

[igbell]

FJ....How easy is it do??
Also along with oil and seals shallI get new springs as well??

With the rear, is it easier to replace the rear or get the rear refurbished??

[Kevinb]

Igbell

Find a dealer to take it to, go to the pub (drink coke & play pool), pick up bike and hand over wad of money.
Job done.

Cheers

Kev

[Amante_271]

Iggy! I think Kev has by far the best solution to the problem, I did front fork oil & seals once as a seal was leaking & I never want to play that game again!

Ok, so its not the cheapest option... have you seen the price of coke, let alone a game of pool(!)... BUT at least if you take it too a dealer they have all the right kit & experience so (in theory!) they wont thingy (male chicken) it up & its about safety as much as performance!! You know it makes sence!!

[jj]

i would replace the rear with a aftermarket unit which would be cheaper and higher quality than standard jap units, as for fork rebuild not as difficult as it seems but if u break something can work out expensive

[FJ_Biker]

If you have the funds and trust your local garage/dealer Kev’s idea is the best

Igbell wrote

FJ....How easy is it do??

If your fork seals are not leaking don’t bother replacing them, if the are leaking I would replace the covers as well as the seals for the sake of an extra few quid

Personally I do not find the job that bad, read the manual and make sure you have the right tools (and a good vice) my forks have some strange size allen keys and sockets.

If your forks are not bottoming out I would not bother replacing the springs unless you want to improve the handling, then put some progressive springs in.

It’s jobs like these that make centre stands worth there weight in gold (or am I just sounding like a grumpy old man)

[igbell]

Cool all, thanx for your advice, I will look into the job, and also how much it will cost to get it done.