I have a 2004 749s that has now done 24k. Bought the bike with 5 k on it and apart from having the suspension set up by Rob@ Pro-V-Twins I have never had the fork oil changed. I figure that is probably well overdue for new oil, I don't want to attempt the job myself, but was thinking about the possibility of removing the forks and taking them to a specialist such as Snells and having it done that way. Can I retain the existing settings if I do this or will I need the suspension set up again. Any advice much appreciated.
The setting will remain pretty much as is. Preload would be unaffected. You may need a tweak on the comp and rebound due to the fresh oil but it'd ne negligible.
Nelly , thanks for your reply. In your experience would my oil be knackered by now, and effecting the forks performance?
I replace my oil every three or four years. You ill be amaze d how dirty it gets even just moving past the spring. In mine with maybe 15,000 miles, the oil was filthy and the springs were polished.
Thanks for your reply Jerry. I have only ever changed fork oil on less sophisticated bikes, and the oil had lost a lot of it's viscosity and was like water.Bearing in mind the forks are thrashing up and down so much I figured that the oil must need changing sometime. Don't know what the recommended replacement time is though.
rob does all my suspension. I just go with what he says! We're approx the same weight now and I ride in a similar way (a lot slower) so it's easy to let him twiddle all the bits.
Yes John.... 24k I reckon it'll be more like wash water than fork oil now. Rather than just a drain and refill, I'd give them a strip and clean and flush the cartridges out etc. maybe new seals while you're at it. You'd know then that they'll be good for a good time to come then.
If you're going to do all that, take them to Steve ans Sarah Jordan. Good people and they know their stuff!
Er, hold on... http://www.stevejordanmotorcycles.co.uk/ If you speak to Sarah (she does the phone and email) tell her Jerry with the 749's sent you. I had the pleasure of helping her with an R issue recently.
