Fork Oil Height with new Progressives

[theredark]

Hi all,

I've finished installing new seals, bushings, progressive springs etc. into my front forks.  The bike is a 2000 I/S .  I've gone through a bunch of posts and have a few questions to finish this job.

The right lock nut was set factory to 13 threads exposed.  The shop manual says to thread it all the way down.  Which is better?  I understand I'll have to align the left one to maintain proper axle alignment.

Fork oil height?  Do I go with the factory measurements or less fluid with progressives.  The factory shop manual says 5.3" for right fork but other posts have said to not have less than 5.5" with progressives.  Any thoughts or advice?

Bleeding the right fork.    Ok,  see if I got this right.  You put in oil, extend fork to full limit, cover with hand and slowly compress.  I guess you let air leak out around your hand as otherwise it wont go down.  Then ? you pull up on damper rod to its limit and let it drop slowly back to bottom.  Do you only extend the fork once or do 8-10 times for each.  So that would be 8-10 fork/hand cover compressions then 8-10 damper rod retractions?  I just want to get an accurate measurement.

Thanks for all your help so far.  Brad

[GOOSE]

theredark....i just screw mine all the way down (right or wrong-that's what i do.)...as far as the fork oil is concerned, with progressive springs i set the oil level at 5 1/2 inches from the top with the forks compressed in both the left and right side.  i do not do all of that pumping up and down.  the bike rides, and handles good.

[John Schmidt]

I don't use the inches method, just pour in the recommended amount minus a tad....same tad on both sides. Button it up and roll. Seems like it was about an ounce less but won't swear to it(don't remember frankly), not as stiff so no bounce, and rides a bit softer on the handlebar. Result...no excess/uneven tire wear, tracks fine at any speed, no wobble hands free. You get the picture.

[theredark]

Thanks for the quick replies.  After cranking the right one all the way down,  I ended up adjusting the left one several times to get the axle shaft to line up evenly with both sides.  Road test hopefully tomorrow.

Brad