Having done the season-starting oil change yesterday, I wheeled the bike out for its fairings-off spring clean... then I noticed this: Quite a lot of oil... in fact it was dripping off the bottom of the fork leg! So, need some advice I guess. I have done most bike-related jobs over the years, but never had to get involved with forks... is this a do-able DIY job? Any idea what the costs are in getting a good bike mechanic to do the job? Is the bike even rideable in this state? Cheers Gary
My mate has just done a how to when we did my forks last week. Once he has tweeked it a bit he will put it in the maintenance section.
Oooh, bugger!!! First step then... if I can't ride the bike then I'm going to need a headstock stand, whether I do the job myself, or take the forks to a garage. I understand that sportsbikes can be particular, due to the lack of clearance... the angle of the stand needs to be just so... what about this: Motorcycle HEADSTOCK Head Lift Paddock STAND Track | eBay Anyone know what size pin is needed for a 2007 blade?
Also, any other considerations for doing this job? I'm quite "chunky" and like to brake hard, so should I be looking for a "weighty" fork oil? (Not that I've ever had any complaints about the suspension, to be honest). Any other jobs I should consider whilst its all apart?
Might want to thing about ditching your pads too as probably contaminated and clean the discs well. Whilst the seals are being done why not have the internals upgraded
Hmmmm, good point... although, even if it is just some crud caught in the seals, with the amount of fluid lost, would I still need to have them looked at anyway ?
Looks like a bit if fluid but get a seal mate http://sealmate.net see how they feel if not take forks out get a head stock stand if you can take the front wheel off forks a piece of pi55 . Then have oil changed and seals a little refresh . I tried to do forks before I done them but was always wondering if I had done them right ha ha .
I just had my fork oil changed in Edinburgh £70 that included Silkolene 10w fork oil! It's made a hell a difference to the front end way more plush now Never know it may be a blessing in disguise mate Good luck
I stripped,cleaned and replaced the seals on the forks on my CBR600F and recently on my wee CB1 but didn't want to attempt the Blade not as simple as the other two! So I left it to Honda just incase I farked it up with no come back so I let the pro's deal with it
Cheers lads, will ring around and get some quotes from the pros to do the work. However, I still need to get a head stock stand. Anyone got any recommendations? What pin size does the RR7 need?
Might be worth a punt at one of the warrior stands from Demon. If you don't mind a bit of fettling with the stand as it's much more handy than a front rear combo.
I hear you fella... and if funds allowed, I would. But factor in the required adaptor and your're looking at over £130 for the warrior, versus £50 for a bog-standard head stock stand. Any way, I found this, which other members may find useful: Application Chart DMP Head Lift Stand Pins :: MotorcycleGear.com So have ordered a head stock stand that comes with a 13mm pin...... heres hoping it works!
Done some ringing around today. Fowlers (the local Honda dealer) want £220 but will only do the job if I can get the whole bike to them... not a chance. Both local suspension specialists, JHS in Keynsham and MH in Wiltshire somewhere, want about £170... although both were keen to point out that their price is for a full refurb and check over, including new seals and oil.
Are there no other bike garages that you can try? It really shouldn't be two & a half times the price of garages up here as they will tell you if they spot something wrong in there when the pull the internals out to change the seals anyway.
Bit out if touch with bike places in Brizzle as not lived there for 4 years. There was a place on 2 mile hill up towards Kingswood that had a good rep, and have a look for wheel torque. They had a place near st georges park that closed but I think the mechanic set himself up as the same name.
