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Tiger Time => Girly Talk (1999 - 2006 Tigers) => Chassis & Suspension => Topic started by: JohanB on October 01, 2015, 12:05:59 AM

Title: Fork overhaul
Post by: JohanB on October 01, 2015, 12:05:59 AM
Hi
I have Tiger 955i -06 that I'm planning to give some love during the upcoming winter and what I particularly have in mind is to overhaul the front suspension.
This bike has been rolling over 50000km now and has probably never had the suspension serviced before (I just owned it since last spring).
First I was thinking of just replacing the oil,,, but then I was expanding this job in my mind to also include upgrading to progressive springs and/or (?) a cartridge emulator of some kind.
Can someone please point me in the right direction, links or advice is welcome.
I'm not really unhappy with the shock performance now but it does have that "clonky" sound that most girlies seem to suffer from,,, and it does feel quite saggy too... :icon_confused:
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: nickjtc on October 01, 2015, 06:12:24 AM
Welcome. The more experienced members here will chime in shortly, but if you are basically happy with the performance of the front end now perhaps you will not have to do many changes...
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Bixxer Bob on October 01, 2015, 02:26:44 PM
If you want to go to extremes Chris Canning will be along to talk about his setup.  Mine is more or less stock, but be aware there is confusion even with the stock arrangement because Triumph changed the forks during the later 955i run.

First, the oil weight; I wrote about this recently.  the recommended oil is Kabaya 10W which is no longer available.  Unfortunately one make of 10W is not necessarily the same as another make as the standard is very loose.  Viscosity is a better measure and the closest I have found to the Kabaya is Silcolene 7.5W, it's almost spot on the same viscosity.

Next the air gap.  Haynes manual says 107mm across the board, but the Triumph manual says 107mm for the early ones, 146mm fro the later ones   from VIN 198875.  That's a big jump and mine is a later one but I bottled out and set it at 107mm.  So far it seems ok.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Chris Canning on October 01, 2015, 03:21:56 PM
Most of what I have learned is 955 pre 04 the later forks are a different animal so I'm no use I'm afraid.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: JohanB on October 07, 2015, 11:42:32 AM
Just for your info:
I removed both fork legs yesterday and noticed:
- missing about 0.5-1dl oil in each leg (no noticeable leakage)
- Brown oil in one leg and red in the other (both quite mucky)
- Standard (non-progressive) springs.

Put in Motorex 10W (red) oil 146mm from top w.out spring (about 6.5dl)
After just testing the fork operation in the garage I must say that it feels MUCH smoother now and without the initial over-softness. Looking forward to test it on/off road.
But one thing that surprised me was that there were almost NO spring tension on the top nut when i removed it!???
Every "how-to" guide I have watched or read have warned about this and I just wonder - do the springs loose tension after some time and have to be replaced because of this?
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Bixxer Bob on October 07, 2015, 09:38:55 PM
 :iagree  it can happen, but I have very little spring pressure on mine either, I've had it since 4k miles and always been like that.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Sasquatch on October 30, 2015, 03:02:03 PM
Almost every set of forks I take apart has had different fork oil levels in them right from the factory.  One would think with automated assembly it would be consistent, but it is not.  Another thing that baffles me is that every manufacturer is installing suspension springs that are far too soft for real riders.  Simply doing nothing else but servicing your forks and installing proper rate springs so radically improves the ride of the bike that it blows me away that the factories have it so wrong.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Bixxer Bob on October 30, 2015, 05:08:26 PM
Have you read my bit about fork oil viscosity variances for the same weight number Sas?   You'd think 10 W would be the same regardless of manufacturer, but it's not, far from it.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Sasquatch on October 30, 2015, 08:44:27 PM
Quote from: Bixxer Bob on October 30, 2015, 05:08:26 PM
Have you read my bit about fork oil viscosity variances for the same weight number Sas?   You'd think 10 W would be the same regardless of manufacturer, but it's not, far from it.

I have and you are right.  That is why as a tuner we stick with one brand and set up our valving specs on that brand of fluid.  Quite frankly, for forks on our Tiggers, I find simple ATF to work fantastic for most people.  I run it myself.

I wish there was more consistency within the industry.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: nickjtc on October 30, 2015, 09:27:43 PM
Quote from: Sasquatch on October 30, 2015, 08:44:27 PM
I find simple ATF to work fantastic for most people.

If I remember rightly, Honda used to specify ATF for the forks of their '60s bikes.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Bixxer Bob on October 31, 2015, 09:50:31 AM
Quote from: Sasquatch on October 30, 2015, 08:44:27 PM
I have and you are right.  That is why as a tuner we stick with one brand and set up our valving specs on that brand of fluid.  Quite frankly, for forks on our Tiggers, I find simple ATF to work fantastic for most people.  I run it myself.

I wish there was more consistency within the industry.

Not come across ATF; I've got 36k miles on my Girly, and have to say that since I switched to Silkolene 7.5W (the nearest available oil to the Triumph recommended Kabaya 10W I could find) she is handling better than she has for a long time.  Last couple of fork oil changes I (in my ignorance) used Motul 10W which has less viscosity.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Chris Canning on October 31, 2015, 10:44:44 AM
15wt Silkolene for me.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Bixxer Bob on October 31, 2015, 02:55:54 PM
Flippin' heck Chris, they must be stiff as f@@k  :icon_eek:
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Chris Canning on October 31, 2015, 03:29:02 PM
And an increase in oil quantity!! normally 30 miles to warm the job up but with 17" front wheel with a sport tyre I can really lean on the front end,it's why when I test rode the XR the other day great motor and the bike is lighter but they way the rolling chassis worked not better than my tiger.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: threepot on November 07, 2015, 11:36:08 AM
Quote from: Sasquatch on October 30, 2015, 03:02:03 PM
Almost every set of forks I take apart has had different fork oil levels in them right from the factory.  One would think with automated assembly it would be consistent, but it is not.  Another thing that baffles me is that every manufacturer is installing suspension springs that are far too soft for real riders.  Simply doing nothing else but servicing your forks and installing proper rate springs so radically improves the ride of the bike that it blows me away that the factories have it so wrong.

Out of curiosity,what's your view on using engine oil? Some do?
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Brother Number One on November 07, 2015, 02:54:30 PM
Changed mine the other day http://sawthingsclearer.com/2015/10/31/fork-oil-changed/

and noticed the oil colour was different in each leg (like the OP).  I used ATF with a 146mm (roughly) gap and I'd say the results are on the soft side.  I may be tempted to try motor oil, I like this guy's discussion http://www.deleveld.dds.nl/forkoil.htm (although he doesn't seem to know the difference between quick-steering and over-steering).
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Bixxer Bob on November 07, 2015, 05:40:38 PM
Quote from: threepot on November 07, 2015, 11:36:08 AM
Out of curiosity,what's your view on using engine oil? Some do?

The Haynes manual for my 1972 350 Yam says use 20.50 engine oil, but that was a long time ago.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Sin_Tiger on November 07, 2015, 10:35:24 PM
Quote from: Bixxer Bob on November 07, 2015, 05:40:38 PM
The Haynes manual for my 1972 350 Yam says use 20.50 engine oil, but that was a long time ago.

Multigrade? That's really going to give your viscosity phobia a workout  :ImaPoser
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Mustang on November 08, 2015, 12:34:23 AM
I bought  my 73 RD350 brand new and the first time I changed the fork oil it smelled like rancid fish oil  .
:bug_eye
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: KuzzinKenny on November 08, 2015, 02:19:15 AM
 :new_popcornsmiley I want to see where this goes as i should be changin me fork oil over the winter.

also lookin for any comments about ........

race tech  Gold Valve Cartridge Emulators or other makes  :^_^

front springs and oil types  :^_^

and don't go quotin stuff in the £1000s  :nono

cheerz

KK

ps anyone tried these.....

http://www.squaredeals-ltd.co.uk/yss-pd-triumph-fork-valves--fork-cartridge-emulators-43mm-diameter-forks-30318-p.asp
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: threepot on November 08, 2015, 10:50:13 AM
Quote from: Mustang on November 08, 2015, 12:34:23 AM
I bought  my 73 RD350 brand new and the first time I changed the fork oil it smelled like rancid fish oil  .
:bug_eye

Back then,it probably was :icon_wink:
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Sin_Tiger on November 08, 2015, 03:44:26 PM
Quote from: Mustang on November 08, 2015, 12:34:23 AM
I bought  my 73 RD350 brand new and the first time I changed the fork oil it smelled like rancid fish oil  .
:bug_eye

That would explain why it cornered like a dead flounder  :ImaPoser

If I understand the workings of these "Emulator" & YSS valves, you are in fact replacing the effect of the stock valving by drilling them out and fitting a (hopefully) better quality adjustable valve body? YSS don't appear to list one for the Girly although they do for the Steamer and other 885's. I did fit the Ricor Intiminator valves to the Thruxton, they are a little different in that they don't take over the damping of the stock valving but try to limit dive by restitricting flow when braking using what appears to be basically a jiggle valve. They do work but you are still working with the stock damping which now has to cope with a restricted flow, hence they recommend changing to 5W oil. The advantage is that you don't have to terminally alter your stock fork internals, so you can whip them out if you don't like them.

For a more technical assesment I think we need to ask Sasquatch, he probably has had first hand experience.

I've never used synthetic fork oil, has anybody else? I would expect it to have a longer effective life span and be less prone to frothing but that doesn't really make a difference unless you're racing or giving it big licks on a forestry road - don't look at me  :nap
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Sasquatch on November 08, 2015, 09:46:32 PM
A lot to address here.

Motor oil in forks:  Why not.  The only draw back would to get your oil weight correct.  But in theory, it should work fine.  I am a huge fan of ATF.  It works great in damping tube forks like on the pre-1050 Tigers.  I use ATF in my own forks with RT Emulators.

Add on valving to damping tube forks:  I have used and tested both the Race Tech Emulators and Intimidators by Ricor.  I tested them back to back in my own Tiger.  I have to give RT the nod in having the better setup.  The RT emulators are also adjustable, although you have to remove them to adjust them.  I felt that the Ricor's were too harsh.

Springs:  You basically have two types available.  Straight rate and rising rate, commonly called progressive.  Some bikes work really well with a rising rate spring, and some customers really like them.  I am not one of them.  That said, I do have them on the back of my Tiger as the suspension is of a no linkage type.  Getting some more progression in the spring helped the ride.  But I do not like them in forks as a general rule. 

By design, springs are rising rate all on their own.  Say you have a 1.0kg/mm set of fork springs.  It takes 1kg to squish them 1mm.  It takes 2kg, to move them another mm, 3kg to move them another mm, and so on and so forth.  On a rising rate spring the amount of additional weight to move the next increment of distance is greater than the last one, so the compression curve goes up much steeper.  I simply do not like the feel of them.  Mushy then harsh.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: KuzzinKenny on November 09, 2015, 05:58:45 PM
Cheerz Sasquatch  :thumbsup that info has help me greatly but has made a new ??  :icon_scratch:

on the Mobil oil site they show 6 types O' ATF  :^_^  :icon_wink:

do you know what rate the standard cast wheel front spring are ??

as i might just fit the R/T emulators !!

KK
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Sasquatch on November 09, 2015, 07:06:33 PM
I use Dextron III ATF.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Bixxer Bob on November 09, 2015, 11:35:54 PM
Looks like it's way cheaper than fork oil  :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: JayDub on November 09, 2015, 11:52:55 PM
Typical!! I just bought 2lt of Motul semi-synth  :icon_rolleyes:
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: KuzzinKenny on November 10, 2015, 06:09:39 PM
After a bit O' researchin i only came up these.....

Racetech gold valve emulators FEGV S4301

and

YSS 360

anyone have any preference  :^_^

the YSS is cheaper  :bad

KK

ps does this still work.....

http://www.adventurepowersports.us/home.html

:bad  :icon_wink:
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Sasquatch on November 10, 2015, 06:12:32 PM
Race Tech is the original designer.  I assume YSS just copied RT's design.  I am a YSS dealer and have used their shocks on some applications with good results but I have never tried or used their emulator valves.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Sin_Tiger on November 10, 2015, 07:15:15 PM
Quote from: KuzzinKenny on November 10, 2015, 06:09:39 PM

YSS 360

anyone have any preference  :^_^


Guinea pig  :bad
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: KuzzinKenny on November 11, 2015, 02:30:06 AM
Quote from: Sin_Tiger on November 10, 2015, 07:15:15 PM
Guinea pig  :bad

Naa !! i think i'll go with Race Tech as Sasquatch said "they are the original designer"

all i need to do now is find some dosh  :icon_eek:

KK
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Chris Canning on November 17, 2015, 07:17:28 PM
Must have been a guilty conscience after reading this haven't done them for 3 years or so :icon_redface: I was amazed how clean the oil was that came out :icon_eek:
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Bixxer Bob on November 17, 2015, 10:24:08 PM
Quote from: Chris Canning on November 17, 2015, 07:17:28 PM
Must have been a guilty conscience after reading this haven't done them for 3 years or so :icon_redface: I was amazed how clean the oil was that came out :icon_eek:

Yours never goes out in the rain though Chris so no chance of water contaminating it.  And it does mainly high speed motorway miles so not particularly taxing for the suspension.  Mine's an all-weather Girl and bumps around Norfolk a lot of the time.

The Tiger fork oil wasn't as bad as the Blackbird fork oil the last time I changed it though; the Blackbird stuff was like metal paint.  I changed the bushes at the same time because there was some slight flex front to back so that probably had something to do with it.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: trophydave on November 17, 2015, 10:57:26 PM
I have just changed the fork oil on my CB500.Out came some foul smelling grey stuff that was probably once oil,in went some ATF,mainly because it was five quid for a litre and I'm a tightwad.I haven't ridden it yet so cant report back on any improvement.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Chris Canning on November 18, 2015, 09:57:32 AM
Not too sure the old Tiger would agree with you Bix when it's seen the rain in the past normally been a 3/500 mile day,but at home your right very early on I realised the old triple was a precious resource not to wasted on such mundane things.

One of the joys of being a hoarder  :icon_redface: or should that be buying things at the right price rather than when I need them  :icon_confused: even stumped up a new front mudguard out of the loft  :icon_eek:

(http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h185/wing2541/2015-11-18%2009.48.27_zpsykbflvu4.jpg) (http://s64.photobucket.com/user/wing2541/media/2015-11-18%2009.48.27_zpsykbflvu4.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Bixxer Bob on November 19, 2015, 12:38:14 AM
Quote from: Chris Canning on November 18, 2015, 09:57:32 AM
Not too sure the old Tiger would agree with you Bix when it's seen the rain in the past normally been a 3/500 mile day.......


:icon_lol:  I forgot, you're such an obsessive cleaner.....  (http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/smilie/frech/p046.gif)
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: KuzzinKenny on November 25, 2015, 01:27:10 AM
Anyone have any info about cast wheel standard fork spring rates ??

also i've been readin up on the forks but still can't find out if i need a damper rod removal tool  :^_^

will i need to split the forks to get the damper rod out  :^_^

cheerz

KK
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: KuzzinKenny on November 29, 2015, 01:04:57 AM
Quote from: KuzzinKenny on November 25, 2015, 01:27:10 AM
Anyone have any info about cast wheel standard fork spring rates ??

also i've been readin up on the forks but still can't find out if i need a damper rod removal tool  :^_^

will i need to split the forks to get the damper rod out  :^_^

cheerz

KK

Bump
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: nickjtc on November 29, 2015, 02:02:02 AM
Quote from: KuzzinKenny on November 29, 2015, 01:04:57 AM
Bump

Sorry, Ken. Can't help. But I am following this thread with interest.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Bixxer Bob on November 29, 2015, 01:51:45 PM


also i've been readin up on the forks but still can't find out if i need a damper rod removal tool  :^_^  No, you can get by without

will i need to split the forks to get the damper rod out  :^_^    No


Spring rates:  Can't find any info on the originals, you could try emailing Triumph or contact RaceTech
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: KuzzinKenny on November 29, 2015, 06:48:25 PM
Cheerz BB  :thumbsup

My thinkin is to just use the Triumph springs and fit the emulators and change the oil (not decided on what type yet)  :icon_scratch: cos i ride solo but i do carry a lot O stuff  :augie :icon_rolleyes:

KK
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Bixxer Bob on November 29, 2015, 07:40:53 PM
Again, have a chat with Racetech.  Tell them about how you ride, what weight you carry (and where) and they should be able to advise on oil, airgap and base settings otherwise you'll be on a long road of stripping and reassembling after every change until you get it right.

Having looked at how they work,  it should be fairly easy to modify the fork caps to take an adjuster so that you don't need to strip to change the emulator setting, or even buy a set of caps with adjusters that can then be made to mate witht he emulators.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: nickjtc on November 29, 2015, 07:42:13 PM
Quote from: KuzzinKenny on November 29, 2015, 06:48:25 PM

....fit the emulators and change the oil (not decided on what type yet

Oooooo, I feel another oil thread coming on. :new_popcornsmiley Hang on while I get a beverage du jour and some snacky-poos.  :icon_wink:
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Sasquatch on November 30, 2015, 06:01:45 PM
Stock spring rate is between .58kg/mm and .60kg/mm.  The average sized rider should be running about a .90kg/mm spring in those forks, so the stock ones are very undersized.  This is common with all manufacturers.

ATF works fantastic for fork oil in those forks.  Not only do I use it in my customer's bikes, I run it in my own.

No real way to make the emulator externally adjustable, it moves up and down with the lower damping tube.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Bixxer Bob on December 01, 2015, 12:42:57 AM
Quote from: Sasquatch on November 30, 2015, 06:01:45 PM


No real way to make the emulator externally adjustable, it moves up and down with the lower damping tube.

Thought it looked too easy..... :icon_rolleyes:
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: KuzzinKenny on December 01, 2015, 02:27:15 AM
Quote from: Sasquatch on November 30, 2015, 06:01:45 PM
Stock spring rate is between .58kg/mm and .60kg/mm.  The average sized rider should be running about a .90kg/mm spring in those forks, so the stock ones are very undersized.  This is common with all manufacturers.

ATF works fantastic for fork oil in those forks.  Not only do I use it in my customer's bikes, I run it in my own.

No real way to make the emulator externally adjustable, it moves up and down with the lower damping tube.

:notworthy :notworthy

Just the answer i was and wasn't lookin for  :icon_confused: cos now i need to buy springs  :icon_sad:

the suspension guru has spoken  :bowdown :icon_wink:

cheerz

KK

ps all i can find is progressive springs  :icon_scratch:

Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Sasquatch on December 02, 2015, 07:42:12 PM
Quote from: KuzzinKenny on December 01, 2015, 02:27:15 AM

ps all i can find is progressive springs  :icon_scratch:

Shipping would be a bit spendy, but I can get straight rate springs here in the states.  Start a group buy with some other owners and split the shipping costs...
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Dutch on December 17, 2015, 03:50:22 PM
For street use I prefer the progressive springs. Slightly softer with the small movements, harder under big movement (e.g. firm braking).

Regarding the ATF, many older bikes state in the manual the fork can be serviced with ATF. It is compairable to fork oil SAE 10. If you like to use different thickness fork oil is available in SAE 5, 7.5, 10, 15 and 20. And probably some more  :icon_wink:
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Chris Canning on December 18, 2015, 11:04:20 PM
May as well the whole story  :icon_redface:,I've two friends who run a small bike breaking come repair bike shop and some of you will have seen us at the Stafford show with a stand there,well I go most days for a coffee and catch up on gossip,they hand me a new catalogue and say 'You like suspension'  :icon_rolleyes:

http://www.yss.co.th/

I trawl through it having never heard of them I see there may be an option for the forks but look in the application list for a 955 Tiger and see there isn't one,undetered I put it into google to see what happens  :icon_scratch:

http://www.squaredeals-ltd.co.uk/yss-pd-triumph-fork-valves--fork-cartridge-emulators-43mm-diameter-forks-30318-p.asp

Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Dutch on December 20, 2015, 02:10:41 PM
I am a YSS dealer, indeed they don't have a shock for the 955, that's why I have a Wilbers on mine. They do have (progressive) fork springs for both spoke and cast wheel Girly.

The emulators are "generic" for ... mm forks. They seem to work fine when the internals are adjusted for the emulators. I have tried them personally in my Yamaha FZ 750 the simple way (spring out, emulator in, spring in, close) and was not impressed.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: KuzzinKenny on March 01, 2016, 11:25:48 PM
Between a rock and a hard place  :^_^ again  :icon_rolleyes:

I started by loosenin the 2 allen screws at the bottom of the fork legs with the bike weight on them  :thumbsup

all went well untill i try to remove said screws  :icon_frown: they just turn along with the damper rod/tube thingy  :icon_scratch:

now what  :^_^

NO im not goin to use the HOT spanner  :nono

KK
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Sasquatch on March 01, 2016, 11:53:00 PM
Take the fork leg off the bike, remove the spring, dump the oil.  Lock the lower leg in a vice (carefully) using either the lower axle mount or brake mount points.  Use an air impact wrench (rattle gun) with the proper hex head driver and while pulling on the fork slider (like trying to pull it out of the lower tube) nail it with the impact gun.

If you do not have an impact gun then you will need the tool that slips down inside to lock the damping tube in place.

If all of the above fails, bring the forks to a mechanic who has them and have him do it for you.

Sorry, but that is the deal..
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: KuzzinKenny on March 02, 2016, 01:36:43 AM
Cheers for the quick reply Sasquatch  :thumbsup

i kinda thought that would be the way to go after seein what was in there  :icon_eek:

so impact wrench it is  :thumbsup now i have to talk me mate into borrowin his cordless one he uses for his racecar (i dont have compressed air)

KK

ps damping tube tool ?? i couldn't find one for an alloy wheel Tigger  :icon_scratch:
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Chris Canning on March 02, 2016, 09:40:15 AM
I wouldn't go worrying about the front forks,with some tinkering with quantity and weight their more than good enough to get the job done it's the rear that's the hassle.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Sin_Tiger on March 02, 2016, 12:48:44 PM
There is a genuine tool and I recall Clive Woods showed me his homemade version, didn't pay a lot of attention to it unfortunately  :icon_rolleyes:
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: KuzzinKenny on March 03, 2016, 02:45:05 AM
Quote from: Chris Canning on March 02, 2016, 09:40:15 AM
I wouldn't go worrying about the front forks,with some tinkering with quantity and weight their more than good enough to get the job done it's the rear that's the hassle.

Now ya tell me  :icon_rolleyes: i've already bought the bits  :icon_wink:

KK
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: KuzzinKenny on March 03, 2016, 03:11:17 AM
Quote from: Sin_Tiger on March 02, 2016, 12:48:44 PM
There is a genuine tool and I recall Clive Woods showed me his homemade version, didn't pay a lot of attention to it unfortunately  :icon_rolleyes:

There is a post about a homemade tool on here somewhere and the only thing that i remembered about it was the size O the nut they used (30mm) thankfully that is the most important bit, the size  :icon_biggrin:

i have loads O junk, i mean tools that ive had for yeeeeeaaaaars that predate me socket sets, so i found a  Whitworth Box Spanner that was as near as dam it  :thumbsup so with the help O me trusty file i set about it to get it just under 30mm  :thumbsup the box spanner already had a hole in the side so i found a roll pin that fitted it, then i drilled a hole in a piece O thick flat bar that went inside the box and hammer the roll pin in to join them  :thumbsup add a pair O mole grips to the other end O the flat bar to act as a lever and we now have a damping rod/tube tool  :icon_biggrin:

anyway they're out, so next step is hole drillin  :bad

KK
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Timbox2 on March 03, 2016, 07:36:39 AM
A customer of mine recently bought Andreani Cartridge kits for his Benelli Tre-K, he got them Direct from Italy for about £350, which seems incredibly cheap. Ive checked and unfortunately they dont list anything for the Girlies :icon_sad:
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: KuzzinKenny on March 17, 2016, 02:29:56 AM
Oh shit moment  :icon_eek: bikes up off the ground and i was checkin to see how much travel the forks have (cast wheel model should be 170mm) so fully extended i get me tape to measure between the top of the mudguard and the bottom of the fairing, yip its 170mm but i fitted an aftermarket horn in there years ago and it sticks down 40mm  :icon_eek: :icon_redface: so now i gota find somewhere else to put me horn  :icon_rolleyes:

:BangHead

KK

ps damper rod holes drilled  :thumbsup now lookin into gettin some springs  :icon_rolleyes:
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: KuzzinKenny on March 19, 2016, 02:59:47 AM
This is weird  :icon_scratch: the racetech site showed 2 types of fork spring for 955i Tiggers.......

FRSP S3732 and FRSP 3755

now they only show FRSP 3755  :^_^

:m

KK
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: nickjtc on March 19, 2016, 03:59:52 AM
Didn't someone on this forum say if it ain't broke don't f.. with it? I could rant, being a ghof, but I wont!
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: KuzzinKenny on March 23, 2016, 02:30:31 AM
Got me horn moved up a bit to give the forks there full suspension travel  :icon_redface: :thumbsup

as i already had the part No of the springs i wanted i phoned the place i got the G/V emulators from and they had them in stock so i ordered them online from them cos ya get free post that way  :nod :bad :icon_wink: order monday, arrived tuesday  :thumbsup

http://pdq1.com

and they do playplal  :icon_wink:

KK
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: brad1098 on May 10, 2016, 08:48:57 PM
Does anyone know the internal difference between 2002 and 2006 forks.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Timbox2 on May 11, 2016, 07:07:54 PM
Quote from: brad1098 on May 10, 2016, 08:48:57 PM
Does anyone know the internal difference between 2002 and 2006 forks.

Only thing I know for sure is that fork travel went from 200mm to 170mm on the cast wheel bikes
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: brad1098 on June 08, 2016, 09:20:05 AM
Anyone?

Spring rate, air gap, valving?

Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: nickjtc on June 08, 2016, 03:06:25 PM
Sorry, Brad. Can't help because I'm not a Girly (with or without asterisks :icon_wink:) owner. Someone is sure to chime in.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Timbox2 on June 08, 2016, 06:38:16 PM
Quote from: brad1098 on June 08, 2016, 09:20:05 AM
Anyone?

Spring rate, air gap, valving?

Apart from the travel difference already mentioned I can help with 1 out of 3 of the above, air gap on 2002 bike is 107mm, on 2006 bike is 146mm
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Chris Canning on June 08, 2016, 08:34:55 PM
Run mine with Ohlins springs and 720cc of 15wt but I've sticky 17" front tyre to lean on not a 19" so pick what ever bones you want out of it.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: brad1098 on April 18, 2017, 03:25:44 PM
Side by side comparisons.  The 2006 fork is 37-40 mm shorter than the 2002.  That will get the front end down plenty.

The lower casting is identical.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: VABird on December 10, 2019, 03:00:18 AM
So with all the talk about ATF being used as fork oil and all the time that's passed, what is the conclusion?
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Timbox2 on December 10, 2019, 06:07:44 PM
Quote from: VABird on December 10, 2019, 03:00:18 AM
So with all the talk about ATF being used as fork oil and all the time that's passed, what is the conclusion?

ATF is ok if your happy with the stock damping, mine had Hyperpro Springs & 15cwt fork oil which can be a bit harsh at first in cold weather. The Ally wheel Tigers had a stiffer set up to start with anyway compared to the earlier spoke jobs.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: VABird on December 10, 2019, 11:43:04 PM
Quote from: Timbox2 on December 10, 2019, 06:07:44 PM
ATF is ok if your happy with the stock damping, mine had Hyperpro Springs & 15cwt fork oil which can be a bit harsh at first in cold weather. The Ally wheel Tigers had a stiffer set up to start with anyway compared to the earlier spoke jobs.

Thanks, I just decided I'd better stick with factory recommended 10 WT.
Title: Re: Fork overhaul
Post by: Bixxer Bob on November 15, 2020, 07:31:21 PM
Ah..... but.......  which 10W?   

I can only talk from personal experience.

I loved the handling of my Girly, but after doing the fork service and using the recommended weight (10W I think, from memory) it handled like a pogo stick.

After doing some research I found that unlike engine oil,where numbers are exact, damper oil "weight" is a notional value and every make differs so what then becomes important is the viscosity. After more research, I found a very good Aussie spreadsheet that compared the viscosity of various oils and it turns out that (again I'm doing this from memory so you night want to check) Silkolene Pro 7.5W is almost spot on the same as the Kayaba 10W recommended by Triumph.  Another oil change and peace was restored.

Here's the link:

https://transmoto.com.au/comparative-oil-weights-table/
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