Front fork service time!

[Chrisaustin7130]

Hi Guys, I have just noticed a weep of oil from my fork seal so it looks like my intended fork service is noe going to include a couple of new seals!
Is there a recommended grade of fork oil for this job, I am about 85Kg (not a little Japanese chap) and wondered what is the best grade/brand of oil and also recommend quantity for each leg?
Cheers,
Chris

[PieEater]

If you're dismantling the forks I'd consider replacing the springs and bushes as well as the seals, new linear springs appropriate for your weight would improve the handling considerably. I got all my items from K-Tech who would be able to advise you on the correct springs and oil to use - http://www.ktechsuspension.com/contact

I believe the OEM fork oil is 7.5w, some suggest 5w or even 2.5w with the original springs gives a smoother ride, on K-Tech's recommendation I used 10w with my new springs.

Quantity per leg is 440cc (2001-2002) or 435cc (2003+) so a litre bottle will be sufficient, you should have a 140mm gap between the top of the fork tube and the oil level after pumping the tube and damping rod to get the oil properly distributed. I'd recommend a Haynes manual unless you're very familiar with the job. 

[Dave48]

The stock (standard) suspension fitted to Fazers was "Budget" to say the least,  so consider age of your bike/miles travelled. Some of our bikes are approaching 18 years old and the standard set up will be worn out on many machines.
There is some excellent advice on the forum about fitting upgraded rear shocks-which will completely transform the handling. Similarly the front springs & oil will wear out(springs shorten with age).
New oil wont compensate for tired springs.
Recently bought a 2001 FZS 600 with 50000 miles on clock. Rear shock would have made a good pogo stick! Fitting a Wilbers replacement was the best £300 I have ever spent on a bike with spring designed for my weight/type of riding etc.
Come next Autumn/Winter will have front fork legs rebuilt with Springs/seals etc to complete the job. :lol
All depends on your budget at the end of the day but money spent on suspension is money well spent.
I use a local specialist called "Revs", Halesowen-there isnt much they dont know about this subject.

[Chrisaustin7130]

Thanks for the input Dave, that is really helpful. As you say, if money were no object i would give the bike to someone like k-tech and collect it a few days later!
I had planned all along to at least change the fork oil and give the suspension a strip and grease this spring, so now i have to strip the forks, i will check the bushes and springs too.
Helpful info about the oil types, thanks again!

[Chrisaustin7130]

Does anyone know what size tool is needed to release the damper rods?

[PieEater]

Find an Allen Key that fits,  hacksaw the right angle off and use it as a drill bit. Unless you have an air gun very short bursts of high revs on an electric drill will usually loosen the bolt from the damper assembly as it spins up.