Need Fork Oil Change and Progressive Spring Install Help
Foozle:
Glen, I don't believe there is any type of plug on the fork bottoms with which to drain the fluid. So, short of taking the forks off and pouring the old fluid out (see www.bigbf.com) - I think suctioning it out is probably the best way to go. Also, I don't think you necessarily have to remove every single drop of old fluid; you just want to make sure you don't end up (when finished) with more than the specified amount (in inches) in each fork. Most standard fork oils should be pretty compatible. (Incidentally, I don't think Honda even specifies an interval with regard to changing fork oil; it's certainly not a bad thing to do while you're in changing springs - but I'm guessing there are a lot of high-mileage Valks out there running the original fork oil). As always, this is only my 0.02. I'll gladly defer to the real experts among us. Terry
glenh:
Foozie, when I straddle my bike standing, hold the front brake and push down on the handlebars, it clunks when it hits bottom and again when it comes up, the front supension seems to be very weak, this is why I figured I need an oil change, thought in the process I'd put some Progressive Springs in it as a lot of dudes around here seem to swear by them, maybe I don't need 'em???? Also, it don't handle as well as it used to at slow parking lot speeds.
Foozle:
Glen,
Well, without actually seeing what you're referring to - it doesn't sound quite normal to me. I have a 1980 175cc Yamaha enduro that I'm fiddling with and, with my 270+ lbs., I can make the old front shocks bottom out just by leaning over the handlebars (I'm oversized for this bike and the shocks are original - but you get the picture). I've not tried to do this on my Valk, but I wouldn't think it's easily done (under normal conditions) simply by straddling a stationary bike. Are your forks seals functioning properly? Also, how large a guy are you? I suppose a really big dude could impart some major force on the front end.
I replaced my front springs with Progressives merely to match my rear shocks - which I had also upgraded. I had no real qualms with the OEM springs. In my opinion, the OEM suspension on the Valkyrie was actually quite good - and I could've easily lived with it for my particular riding situation (solo, light luggage loads).
Having said this, I find the Progressives to be a little stiffer (but also "tighter") than the OEMs. However, I've since done a number of upgrades (including new tires), so the heightened handling is probably due to several factors. Still, the springs and fork oil aren't terribly expensive - so I suppose you're not out a ton of dough if they don't remedy the problem entirely.
My amateur advice would be this: If your fork seals are in good order, you can measure the depth of the fork oil pretty easily with a straightened coat hanger. If you're low, top it off to specs and see if that makes a difference. If the oil level is fine, you could suction it out and refill with new fluid or a slightly thicker weight. If this doesn't help, then installation of new springs (and the labor that goes with them) might be warranted. Terry
glenh:
Took the bike in to the stealer, had him put the new Dunlop E3 tire on that I brought in, put the Dyna Beads in that I also brought in, they changed the fork oil and installed progressive fork springs for $290, they charged $92 for the springs, the rest was labor. At least I hope that was what they did! They did not take the fork springs off. I've been riding it some, don't really notice a whole lot of difference, maybe some, at least the front end isn't as spongy. I guess it handles, rides a little better as the new springs get broke in.
Duey:
If I recall correctly the comment was that the bike road harder with the new springs. Rmoving a little of the oil fixed the problem. I am guessing that adding oil would stiffen the ride. YRMV
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