1998 Fork Refresh Questions

[corvettecris]

Hi all from Charlotte, NC!

I have a 1998 with 30,400 miles. It seems to have developed a very harsh reaction to road bumps, the best I can describe it is as a 'shudder' that rattles the handlebars and fairing. It seems worse when I am in a curve, or 'banking' in a lean. I am not sure what is causing this, but I figure given the miles and age of the bike it is time for a refresh anyways. I plan to replace the tires, refresh the fork oil, check fork alignment, wheel/head bearings, torque settings and etc. My question is this: Should I just do routine maintenance with fresh seals/oil/etc or should I take this opportunity to upgrade the springs? I have looked a Wilburs Promoto, as well as the Racetech Gold Valves and springs (which feel like overkill, perhaps).  I am not looking for a race bike, just to get her well sorted.

Pic is my tiger, sharing because everyone likes pics.

[93TigerBill-2016]

Nice Steamer!
I did mine (a '93) some years back (but few miles), and just fitted a progressive rate spring to match my & the 'bike's all up weight, and 'thickened' the oll to 15 wt.
With the rebuild of the rear shock, and again upgraded spring, suits me fine.

[Geoff W]

I fitted Hagon Progressive springs a long time ago, must have done 50-60 thou miles since then, they are fine, changed the oil a couple of times. Not sure if they are still available. The Wilber's should be good if they are as good as their rear shocks.

[corvettecris]

I removed the forks and flushed them, then replaced the oil with 15wt.  The fork dive seems improved, but the harsh 'shudder' I described is still there.  I'm out of ideas.

[Geoff W]

Did you check the head bearings? Also check the rear shock linkage, has been known to loose a grease nipple and grind the grease out, at least mine did.

[badrooster]

+1 on bearings and linkage. Also chain slack, wheel bearings , and triple tree and axle bolt torque in the proper sequence is important to ensure no binding or head shake.

[Bixxer Bob]

Before we get into all the technical things it could  be, how many miles on your tyres, how old, and what make?