Failed the MOT :(

[bigfootpete]

Rather vague reason for failure was that the forks were too stiff. (FZS1000 39k)


I did have them wound up quite a bit, however after winding them down to very soft it doesn't seem to have made a
lot of difference...


I did have a fender bender years ago and they were 'fixed', but about a year after that I had to have then sorted out again as the seals were leaking.


Think I might leave it until after crimbo to get sorted.


Is there a usual issue associated with forks that wont soften up? Oil related?

[slappy]

Possibly the fork stanchions are slighly bent after the fender bender, that could cause them not to move freely and put more strain on the seals.

[bigfootpete]

Well the guy who replaced the seals didn't mention anything wrong with the forks, I'm hoping he checked the innards and didn't just drain and refill them with fresh oil - although I think most of it had leaked out anyway :-)

[The Male Whale]

Over filled and/or wrong weight oil sounds the favorites to me....


Whale

[unfazed]

Over filled and/or wrong weight oil sounds the favorites to me....
Whale

However it is also possible the forks are very slightly bent and if the mechanic who fitted the seals, did not put the forks back in exactly the same position which they were in prior to removal  it could cause the problem you describe.
It is very easy to check by removing and refitting the front wheel. If you have to pull the fork legs apart to get the wheel on, or the space is wider than two mm when the wheel is in position, or you have difficult lining up the holes for the axel then it is most likely the forks are off.
Best thing then is to remove them and roll the tubes (stanchions) section on a flat surface to check.

Either way you are going to have to remove them to check them properly for oil or bend

[bigfootpete]

Thanks Unfazed!
Sounds like a I'll need to get the heater out for the garage then... Or add it to the growing list of bills...