Just before i refill the front forks....

MATTT · Mar 4, 2011

ive been reading all the upgrade threads regarding forks ...
not planning on doing anything much to them at the moment as im itching to ride it !
but the forks were topping out on the only ride its had for its mot test , and as ive had to drain the oil as it was old and ive had to get the yokes off etc i was thinking is it worth fitting the bronze damper caps i read about on here in case mine are worn
i did ask a shop about it but he said its not worth the bother as it will make no difference in which case shall i not bother getting the dampers out and ordering the parts?, and just leaving them as standard until later

thanks
matt

L.A.B. · Mar 4, 2011

I suppose you don't happen to know which viscosity oil was is in the forks?

I suggest you refill with the recommended 20 grade fork oil and see if that cures the topping out?

MATTT said:
i did ask a shop about it but he said its not worth the bother as it will make no difference

I'm curious to know if the "he" of the "shop" has any experience of Roadholder forks?

Hobot · Mar 4, 2011

Interesting opportunity here. Top out clank is the valve on end of damper rod striking under side of the damper cap. Can beat snot out of cap threads. I've found them almost black smith welded to tube for a misery to remove.

The main deal with the new damper caps is tighter clearance with damper rod for more fluid restriction to dampen more. Yet just working up the fluid grade scale may find a happy thickness the existing gap works well with for you. That won't stop top out completely but limit the onset and tame the clank, some. To get the built in hydraulic Stop, [not same as motion dampening] the fork travel must be increased by a longer damper rod and a spring spacer, if retaining stock set up inside. Landsdown kit is getting raves too by replacing all internals.

With cap/rod gap fairly tight I like power steering fluid best so far, but anything from water to almost grease can be tried and the levels too up to about 180 ml before risking hydraulic lock as fork action pumps down the air pocket.

MATTT · Mar 5, 2011

Not a clue what oil was already in there-all i know it was jet black! so not been changed for ages
ive actually got some some Mobil ATF 320 auto trans fluid to put in today , i read on here someone had used that and they put in 175ml so im going to start with that i think and leave everything as it is
i guess there wont be much of a difference between 175 and 180 ?

Flo · Mar 5, 2011

I have tried thin fork oil a couple of times, last time was last spring. Couldn't get on with it, made the front end too spongey.
Always used to use 20/50, but have 10/40 in now & seems to be alright.

john robert bould · Mar 5, 2011

Well Thanks Hob ! "Lansdowne getting raves" Its nice to think "we" are all to gether on the up-grades on these time-less machines, Keeping them on the roads..Slightly better than 40 years ago.

hobot said:
Interesting opportunity here. Top out clank is the valve on end of damper rod striking under side of the damper cap. Can beat snot out of cap threads. I've found them almost black smith welded to tube for a misery to remove.

The main deal with the new damper caps is tighter clearance with damper rod for more fluid restriction to dampen more. Yet just working up the fluid grade scale may find a happy thickness the existing gap works well with for you. That won't stop top out completely but limit the onset and tame the clank, some. To get the built in hydraulic Stop, [not same as motion dampening] the fork travel must be increased by a longer damper rod and a spring spacer, if retaining stock set up inside. Landsdown kit is getting raves too by replacing all internals.

With cap/rod gap fairly tight I like power steering fluid best so far, but anything from water to almost grease can be tried and the levels too up to about 180 ml before risking hydraulic lock as fork action pumps down the air pocket.

MATTT · Mar 5, 2011

Well i think theres a problem.
filled the left leg and put the cap on and bounced the front several times and it felt fine
filled the 2nd leg and repeated and theres a light knock noise going up or down so im assuming the dampers worn somewhere,checked the bottom locating nut was tight and checked the head bearings as well
ive decided to leave this for now as it was doing it before and the shocks do seem to be working

L.A.B. · Mar 5, 2011

MATTT said:
filled the 2nd leg and repeated and theres a light knock noise going up or down so im assuming the dampers worn somewhere,checked the bottom locating nut was tight and checked the head bearings as well

Apparently the lower fork bush can also cause a knocking noise. The remedy is to Loctite the bush to the stanchion.

Flo · Mar 5, 2011

There is a slight knocking noise on mine as well. I assumed it was the damper valve as it has a small amount of movement to allow it to work. My lower bushes are tight. Works fine anyway.

caddy chris · Mar 5, 2011

Don't know if you have disk brake, but I put a little dab of silicone behind the pads and the clunking went away. Im still going to install the lansdown kit, whenever they arrive...

rvich · Mar 5, 2011

caddy chris said:
Don't know if you have disk brake, but I put a little dab of silicone behind the pads and the clunking went away. Im still going to install the lansdown kit, whenever they arrive...

I buy a product from Napa used just for that application on brank pads called some like "brake quiet"!

http://www.autobarn.net/ch05016.html

Russ

john robert bould · Mar 9, 2011

Steady on Chris, "when ever "the customs or delivery man is in the Mood" :!: Posting parts to the U.S is getting behond a joke. Royal airmail...good greif!, it's no wonder the guy in our post office smiles, when i say "AIRMAILTO THE STATES PLEASE".

caddy chris said:
Don't know if you have disk brake, but I put a little dab of silicone behind the pads and the clunking went away. Im still going to install the lansdown kit, whenever they arrive...

caddy chris · Mar 9, 2011

No worries John. I understand its out of your hands. Just mailed a seat to Southampton. Lady at the post office looked at me like i was nuts! Ive still got a few weeks left on the 10 week estimate, so im not freaking out yet. Can't wait to get 'em though! Thanks!

lcgtr · Mar 12, 2011

Just before i refill the front forks....

mmmmmmmmm, Im going to give it a go. Do you know if you should still use the extended bush or top nut?

john robert bould · Mar 13, 2011

lcgtr said:
mmmmmmmmm, Im going to give it a go. Do you know if you should still use the extended bush or top nut?

No need for the extended Top Bush, Due to the 15mm cushion it's unlikly you will experiance topping out again.

Just before i refill the front forks....

MATTT

L.A.B.

Moderator

Hobot

MATTT

Flo

john robert bould

MATTT

L.A.B.

Moderator

Flo

caddy chris

rvich

john robert bould

caddy chris

lcgtr

john robert bould

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