Forks are still mushy

Today, despite everything going wrong, I manage to change out my fork oil cause the front has been diving pretty deep during braking lately.

I couldn't tell you what weight was in them, for all I know it was the original oil, but I put 15w in expected to see a major improvement. I haven't been out for a ride yet but I have to say that I can pretty easily compress the front down by rolling it forward and grabbing the brake. I'm kinda pissed seeing as I thought 15w was going to be a big step in stiffening the front and it feels almost the same. Only only plus is that I loosened all of the rusted and frozen bits so when I do the seals it should be cake.

Anyway, Is it time for new springs or is there something else I should replace during the rebuild? I really don't want to spend $90 on springs when I have been back and forth on just changing the whole fork....

 

did you check your air pressure?

 

Tires feel fine. HA.

The 80 xj650 doesn't have air assist, so I ruled it out.... lol

 

Try puttng a 1 inch preloader on top of the springs... I did that and 20w oil and it's sweet... But in saying that I also had a few sets of springs to choose from and picked the best... I also stripped and cleaned the forks completely.

 

I wonder if adding heavier oil and a 1" preload would stiffen wine up some too.

 

Preload and heavier oil only delays the inevitable... 30yr old springs in all.

It's certainly worth a try though

 

The springs are about position, the oil is about how fast the position changes

Changing the oil wont do anything about how much it dives only the speed at which it dives

 

Just replace the springs and be done with it. You can get Progressive Suspension or Works Performance springs for under $100 USD; it's a highly worthwhile upgrade. Compared to even good original springs, new springs are an upgrade; you'll see a marked improvement in front end response.

 

^ are one of those sets you mentioned sold by Chacal?

I looked up his price on progressive springs and $70 beans does seem too bad if people have had good luck with them.

I did notice a bit of improvement on the ride into work today, nothing stellar but felt a bit tighter.

I was going to use a have weight (12.5W) but ended up putting 15w in... now I wish I went with 20w. lol... I can never win.

 

I put the progressive springs in mine. I think they're $80 something from Chacal now. You'll also need the spacers and spring seats. He can set you up with all of it.

 

I don't believe that the 80 xj650 maxim has spacers, are you saying that I will need them now? Also, why will I need spring seats?

 

As above, heavier oil will just slow response, not improve the suspension.

Your original springs are likely "sacked" all you need to to confirm this is to measure them; there is a published "free length" spec.

Upgrade the springs, and stick to 15W oil. You won't regret it.

 

Yes the progressive springs are shorter. Len (Chacal) gave me the length for the spacers and had the tube to make them from as well as the seats.

It is a huge improvement over what I will reasonably assume were original springs.

 

Cool guys... sounds like I have a plan of attack.

The fork seals will need to be replaced and I was going to do a once over to the forks while I had them apart. I will add springs and what not to the list of goodies I have to buy.

 

I changed my 81 maxim forkes to 82 Seca forks. Got the progressive springs and put in the 1.5" spacer. I used hyd jack oil in the forks. My forks seem to be to much movement and when I attack the twisties it can get out of control. Also went to tapered roller bearings in the neck.

Changed to 12 series progressive with HD springs and it too is soft.

Any ideas

 

What weight is jack oil?

 

I uped my oil from 10 -20w and they got alot stiffer. Much better but I think I should have went with 15w. This winter I'm going progressive springs and 15w. My current setup is comfortable enough for the rest of the season.

 

Standard hydraulic jack oil is only 10w and is formulated for use as a pressurized fluid by volume. Not by any means heavy enough for use as fork oil. Stay with 15w as a minimum.

Ghost