[Doc]

I have a garage. Just did the suspension on my YSR too.

Kinda crowded at the moment and I am gonna be ripping it down soon and building a new one but we might be able to do something. Springs would be easy.

[SV650N]

That would be awesome! I've been scoping out an 06-07 ZX10 shock on ebay, and if I could get one of those installed plus new springs this thing would be on rails

[selltekk]

Heyas, welcome.

See you tuesday.

[SSearchVT]

Originally Posted by SV650N

Problem I have is replacing the fork springs. I don't have a garage or any sort of work shop, so I have nowhere to put a clamp or vise, which is going to make it tough to swap that stuff out. All I really want to do is some 0.9 or 0.95 springs (not progressive, I've heard to avoid those), some 10 wt oil and emulators, which I could probably do myself if I had the room to work. The job might be easier than I think it is, but I've never done it and don't know anyone with first hand experience.

Do the forks one at a time on the bike. It's easier with a rear stand, or a center stand, but can be done on a kickstand. Loosen the upper triple clamp bolts on one side, take that cap off (careful on the last few threads because it's under tension). Remove the spacer and spring (slide it through a towel on the way out to keep the oil from going everywhere). Slide in the new spring, check the oil level, put the spacer back in, and put the cap back on. If the bike dropped a little because it's only on one fork - either use a floor jack with a cusion under the bike, or have a friend lift up by the lower triple clamp. Torque the clamp bolts and repeat on the other side.

Good luck...

[SV650N]

I've got a rear stand and I can support the front using my frame sliders combined with jack stands, so that's not an issue.

After taking the spring out, would it be possible to then remove the fork completely, drain out the oil, then put the fork back on and install the springs, new oil, and emulators? I haven't really sized up the job a whole lot and I don't want to start taking taking it all apart and then get stuck.

[Doc]

Gotta take the wheel off and the brakes... and the... PITA

Just flip the bike upside down to drain the old oil out...

Oh wait, is there a hole in the bottom of the fork?

[SSearchVT]

There usually isn't a drain hole in the bottom of the fork. And if it's a cartridge design taking it off the bike and cycling the internal piston is really the only way to clear all the old oil. Make sure you have the right type, weight, and amount before starting.

Taking the fork off the bike isn't too bad - but as Doc pointed out - you need to get the wheel, brakes, fender, and all the other stuff unbolted from it. If the spring is already out - loosen the lower triple clamp and slide the upper tube out. You may want to open the clamp up a little with something like the BIG screwdriver that came in the Sears kit that you have never used to drive a screw. Wrap it in duct tape or something to keep from scratching the parts. Have someone steady the bike while you do this. The lower tube may touch the ground, and the upper tube can slide down into it. If the spring isn't out yet - you will need to raise the front end to give clearance for the fork to come out.

Turn it upside down to drain out all the oil, and cycle it a few times until nothing else comes out. When you go to add it make sure you know if the recomended level is measured with the spring in or out of the tube. I do this with the fork in the bike because it holds it nice and steady for me. Pour in the first bit of oil, and slowly cycle the fork a few times, add oil until it is at the right level.

Good luck...

[Doc]

Is it Harley's that have the hole at the bottom...? I coulda swore I saw it somewhere...

[SSearchVT]

Originally Posted by Doc

Is it Harley's that have the hole at the bottom...? I coulda swore I saw it somewhere...

Most forks have a bolt in the bottom of the fork that holds everything together, or it could have been a compression or rebound adjust screw - if it's this - you DO NOT want to take it out...