[zootech]

Is the notch near the center of travel, like a small indentation in the bearing race due to regular wear and/or an errant pothole?

 

[troop]

Fork Tube Pipe

Son of a *&@#^%@!

What pipe did you use to make to tool Troop?
My instructions say 1 5/8 inch.... I went to Lowes and Home Depot and all they had was 1 1/2 or 2 inch. Maybe I have to get to a real plumbing supply place.

1-1/4" inner diameter pipe..

 

[kingofwings]

Well now I just feel stupid!!!!
Thanks Bud!

 

[kingofwings]

I can't get this damn nut out..... looking down from the top. Clockwise or Counter Clockwise? I'm really cranking on this thing.

 

[troop]

I can't get this damn nut out..... looking down from the top. Clockwise or Counter Clockwise? I'm really cranking on this thing.

PM sent

 

[kingofwings]

Gotta love this place.... thanks man!

 

[altidude]

I just ordered a set of Progressive 440s, 12" and a set of Progressive, Progressive Rate Fork Springs from Phat Performance. Should be here in about 10 days, I hope. I may need your help Troop so stand by :woot:

 

[Tom_E]

I did my forks about a month ago. Disassemled the front end so I could turn the forks upside down and actually drain them. As delivered the fork oil levels were low, checked them after i took the springs out. I didn't install the progressive springs, put the stockers back in along with 15 wt fork oil at the specified levels. Definitely stiffer and more dive resistant. I have Works Performance shocks on the rear and the forks are now well balanced with the rear. '02 1500 MS.

 

[kingofwings]

Did you measure your fluid then pour, or measure from the top down? +/- 2 ml seems very precise and I can't get anything to measure that close. Is it that important guys?

I did my forks about a month ago. Disassembled the front end so I could turn the forks upside down and actually drain them. As delivered the fork oil levels were low, checked them after i took the springs out. I didn't install the progressive springs, put the stockers back in along with 15 wt fork oil at the specified levels. Definitely stiffer and more dive resistant. I have Works Performance shocks on the rear and the forks are now well balanced with the rear. '02 1500 MS.

 

[Tom_E]

Pour it in and work the forks to get the air out. You measure the oil levels with the springs out with fork leg fully compressed. The level is critical, not the amount. Add or subtract oil as required to get the specified level. The shop manual spells it out.

 

[kingofwings]

Well now I just feel stupid!!!! AGAIN.
I'm going to stop typing now, I see the distance measurement now that I've flipped the page. Maybe I need more sleep or Ginko Biloba.
Thanks Tom

 

[Tom_E]

Well now I just feel stupid!!!! AGAIN.
I'm going to stop typing now, I see the distance measurement now that I've flipped the page. Maybe I need more sleep or Ginko Biloba.
Thanks Tom

Been there too. They sure made the MS forks a pain to deal with. The 15 wt oil at the stock levels works well. Controlled but not plush. Let me know what you think when it's done.

 

[kingofwings]

FINALLY got it all back together. New stem bearings, Progressive springs, 15wt fork oil and changed the fluid in the brakes. I'm lovin' my bike again, feels like the rocket sled on rails. Thanks Troop, Tom.

 

[kingofwings]

Is the notch near the center of travel, like a small indentation in the bearing race due to regular wear and/or an errant pothole?

The races were worn in the center, bearings were pretty dry in spots. I'll be greasing them every winter so I don't have to deal with those outer races again!

 

[troop]

FINALLY got it all back together. New stem bearings, Progressive springs, 15wt fork oil and changed the fluid in the brakes. I'm lovin' my bike again, feels like the rocket sled on rails. Thanks Troop, Tom.

Awright !! Now get out and enjoy the weather :woot:

 

[HossMaster]

Fork Oil Replacement Question

New to this thread but have had a 02 Meanstreak since 04. Have done some mods and alot of my own maintenance but emabarrassed to say I have never replaced Fork Oil and I have 25 K miles. No leaks but front end dives. I have never messed with forks on any bike. I think I just about have this figured out but it seems like the posts seem to be dealing with replacing the springs and I just want to replace oil. Can you tell me or walk me through the easies way to replace just the oil ? 15 or 10wt ?

Thanks in Adance.

 

[troop]

Fork oil

The only way to completely drain the oil is to remove the forks. You can siphon out a good deal from each leg and replace with equal amounts but that would be a band aid on forks with 25k miles. 15wt would be fine but you can also mix a 50/50 mix of 10wt/15wt with no concerns.

 

[Tom_E]

The oil levels seem pretty critical. The side with the spring at the top requires removing the spring to measure and set the level. Easy to do. Stock levels seem good. Set the levels, don't just pour the specified amount in. Get the shop manual. 15 wt makes them moderately stiff. As Troop suggested a mix of 10 & 15 might be good. On my bike 15 wt is a good balance betweem front and rear but I've got Works Performance shocks on the rear. Firm with very reduced dive.

 

[gr8fulferari]

+ 1 on the level. I had my forks done, and I think the oil is too high. I do not
get close to bottoming out, and it does feel harsh at times.
The best way to get a true measurement is with springs out, forks compresed and measure the difference (air gap).
Good Luck

 

[Tom_E]

+ 1 on the level. I had my forks done, and I think the oil is too high. I do not
get close to bottoming out, and it does feel harsh at times.
The best way to get a true measurement is with springs out, forks compresed and measure the difference (air gap).
Good Luck

When I worked on mine I checked the as delivered levels before I dumped the oil. It was 1/2" low on one side 3/4" low on the other. These forks are odd. Cartridge in only one side, you check the levels with the spring in on one side (it's down in the lower leg), out on the other side, and the levels are different because of that.