| Author | Message | ||
     Lars1974 |
hi guys, looking for a bit of advise... my bike is getting to 10k fast and needs the 10k service. i will change the fork oil too as per service book... now i am weighing about 115-120kg with my kit and helmet...so about 250-270LB and i thinking is it worth going for thicker fork oil or not? any thoughts? thx Lars | ||
| Lars1974 |
hi guys, has anyone here put thicker oil in the forks? if yes, what did you use and did it affect the bike ability to smooth out bumps or is it much harder than OEM standard??? pls let me know if you can. bike will get the 10k service this coming week... thx Lars | ||
| Tginnh |
Lars1974 - there are many threads on this forum regarding fork oil servicing, especially at the 10k mark. Some, like myself, are of the mind that a fork oil change at 10k when the bike is being ridden under normal conditions, is too costly or too time consuming for the benefit. Others will steer you towards doing the 10k service regardless of riding condition - it can't hurt, right? I don't recall reading about very many people that have used a different viscosity from what is recommended in the forks. I think you would be better off making adjustments to the forks. When you bought the bike, did you or the dealer setup the bike for your weight? | ||
| Lars1974 |
thank Tginnh for your answer. i bought the bike second hand and have set it up according to the owners manual... i get a head shake at 45-55mph which could be down to the tyre (steps) see thread: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/478429.html?1247850887 i just thought adding thicker oil will stop the nose dive under braking and firm things up a bit... as i bought the bike used, i will change the fork oil just to be sure... thx lars | ||
| Florida_lime |
Since your Uly is an '06, you might want to consider upgrading to the '07 fork springs as many others have done. The factory made the change to reduce the fork dive that you are experiencing. | ||
| Rays |
Lars, there was a post by 'Anonymous' in relation to a discussion about the change in springs for the '07's - they recommended raising the fork oil level in the '06's. It was a long time ago now so might take a bit of searching to dig it out. | ||
| Florida_lime |
Lars, there was a post by 'Anonymous' in relation to a discussion about the change in springs for the '07's - they recommended raising the fork oil level in the '06's. As I recall, the '06s were very sensitive to oil level. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142838/430142.html added thread (Message edited by florida_lime on July 19, 2009) | ||
| Danger_dave |
I weigh more than you and like the front end fine the way it is. I just make sure the pre-load and damping is correct. | ||
| Rays |
Lars, found it - it wasn't really a recommendation, rather an observation about the effect of a 5mm increase in fork oil level in the 2006's that have a very much higher level compared to the '07's. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/226021.html?1160879903 I've been running my fork oil 5mm higher for a very long time (since this discussion) and I haven't had any problems and for my particular needs the front-end is very good with that slight change. Easy to try. | ||
| Xbimmer |
Check your steering head bearings adjustment too... | ||
| Mark_weiss |
DON'T change from the recommended viscosity. Use the damping adjustments that are provided. Premium suspension is one of the things that distinguishes Buells from other bikes. There are many advantages to using lightweight suspension fluid. Light fluid is more stable with temperature change. Light fluid creates less friction. Light fluid is more resistant to aeration. Light fluid also makes damping adjustments more distinct. Long travel suspension will ALWAYS have a lot of nosedive. Adjusting braking technique can allow the bike to stay flatter, while still braking firmly. Mark in AZ | ||
| Danger_dave |
Yeah - and then you can use the change in pitch as part of pushing it through a corner and getting right over the top of the front wheel. I really like that. :-) | ||
| Arcticktm |
You didn't really say if you were having a problem with the forks the way they are now. If dive is the issue, switch the '07 springs and use the '07 fork oil height and '07 owners manual adjustment guidelines. that's what I did on my '06, and I am happy with the results. If I still want to reduce front end dive more, I just drag the rear brake a bit when hitting the front brakes. Of course, you should try just adjusting the front fork preload and comp damping first. the springs are not very expensive, and a search of BadWeb will turn up a lot of info and experience from those of us who have done this change. | ||
| Lars1974 |
hi all, thanks for your inputs. i think i just replace the oil for now and fill it to the OE level... the fork dive aint too bad and its part of the character of the Uly. so, i will check out my head bearing as i am sure that is what is causing the handlebar shakes... thx Lars | ||
| Glenn |
Lars, you should really think about doing the '07 springs at the same time. I think it is a substantial improvement and yes I've ridden an '06 but own an '07. | ||
| Lars1974 |
Glenn: is there much involved in changing to 07 parts or is it just different springs and less oil??? | ||
| Mark_weiss |
Still thinking about fork dive. Progressive springs will help. Extra fork oil will help: The air space above the oil does act as a sort of progressive 'air spring'. Decreasing the volume of this space will affect fork dive, but most of the effect will be in the last 20% of fork travel. Try adding 10cc at a time. It's a bit tricky, but you can do this without disassembling the forks. How much do you utilize your rear brake when slowing/stopping? The rear brake on the Uly can make quite a difference in keeping the chassis flat and settled under braking. Mark in AZ | ||
| Glenn |
Hi Lars, Yes it is just different springs and different oil levels. The springs are not expensive. | ||
| Lars1974 |
ok, i will check with the local dealer what the price etc is here in the UK and how quickly they can get them.... thx Lars | ||
| Lars1974 |
anyone got the part numbers for the 07 springs handy??? also how much oil will i than need to put in??? thx lars | ||
| Lars1974 |
i think i just found the info from my previous post... are these the correct ones??? --------------------------------------- Here are the exact part you will need: QTY 2 J0113.2AK 07 ULY FORK SPRINGS MSRP $23.25 EA BADWEB $20.92 QTY 2 99884-80 TYPE E FORK OIL MSRP $4.95 BADWEB $4.45 | ||
| Froggy |
Those are correct. | ||
| Lars1974 |
thx Froggy for superfast answer... greetings from across the pond. Lars  |
