Hi all,
Another update.
The forks are stripped!! A bit of tube, a 26mm socket and some insulation tape (green and yellow, looks racier than black or red!) and the troublesome bottom bolt has been removed. See the attached photo, although I have patented the design!
The rest is pretty much a doddle, although actually getting the retaining clip out was a bit of a bind! A quick wipe down and it's pretty obvious that the bushes are shot, tops one shinier than a shiny thing on shiny day! So, they've got to be replaced.
So, now it's decision time.......
Option 1:
I've also been in contact with KTech today, they're quoting £399 plus vat (about £474 all in) for the SSK kit and replacement spring fitted. Can't remember if the e-mail said the service parts would be on top of that or not. I did ask about squaddie discount and they will do something, but don't know what yet, the guy I've been in contact with is on leave now until next Wednesday. But any discount's got to be a good thing eh!
Also e-mailed Brooks Suspension but haven't heard anything back. Their website does say £499 for the SSK kit, including spring, which is more than KTech are quoting anyway.
Option 2:
Buy the SSK kit and "fit" it myself. Demon Tweaks sell the kits for £230. From the FZ1OA thread, if it's like the fitting of the Gold Valve kit, it's nothing too onerous, but there's always the chance of f**king something up and ruining the whole shooting match. Interesting question, would the damper kit be compatible with the Ohlins springs I have?
Option 3:
Replace the bushes, seals and fit the Ohlins springs I have, with new fork oil. Obviously the cheapest option as I can carryout the work myself easily enough. But...... seems like a compromise given the reading I've been doing lately.....
God I hate decisions!!
As always, finish with a question (or three!),
1. The compression damping adjuster on the bottom of the forks, can't find anything to say how to remove this? Do they just unscrew?
2. The plastic dust covers on the top of the fork lowers, do they come off and if so, how?? Looks like they should screw off, but don't want to push it in case I snap them.
3. Fork lowers, anyone had them re-painted or powder coated? If so, anyone recommend anywhere? I've used a good firm in Bristol for powder coating to date, (Griffs Reality Motorworks,
www.realitymotorworks.com ) just wondering on the general consensus.
Again, any info greatly received.
Will keep you posted....
Cheers.