New Springs for Spring - summer

Hello,

I have a 2002 sv650s and about 4 weeks ago finally got my act together to replace the suspension springs in the front forks with ohlins - got them from Demon Tweaks at about £70.00. The procedure was faily straight forward, the only thing you really need to do is get the front end off the ground then follow the Haynes manual to remove the fairing, wheel and gubbins and then get the original forks out - which were a bit sticky. erm using the sophistication of a measuring jug from the kitchen (yes I will replace it) I poured in the 10 type fork oil in to the appropriate level. No special tools required - although the loosening of the top fork bolt whilts still in situ would have been a good idea rather than the Haynes "you might want to release the top bolt" at the end of the process when you have you have to forks sitting on the kitchen table.

But the main thing I wanted to say is what a difference it imakes and is well worth doing the front end is transfromed. This is without any re-valve work or seal changes - just oil and springs. The bike does not skip and breaking is steady under compression.

Total time about 4 hours to do this btw. Well worth it.

Probably a stupid question but how did you get the front end lifted off the floor?

if you have an abba stand or similar then put it on that and jack it up under the engine.

Alternatively you can find a solid roof to hang it from...some garages have solid crossbeams etc...

I highly recomend an abba stand if your going to do bike maintainance often, they are expensive but a good investment.

Andy

Sorry another q's I forgot to ask earlier. Did you fit progressive springs or just normal ones?

Thanks

Hello,

Yes I also bought an Abba stand plus the necessary adapter pack to lift the bike off the ground.

They are the progressive type of spring. I lifted the fron end off the ground using the Abba stand and put a crate underneath the engine sump to keep it there while I removed the forks.

Point is it does not take too long - is not mega expensive and is definately worth it.

Another question from a relative newb. Where, praytell does one get said Haynes manual?

PS,
Hi btw. I'm an Australian '02 SV650S rider currently living in the US.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/185...Fencoding=UTF8

Cheers!

Why do you have to remove the forks????????
When you take off the front wheel use an allen key and drop the oil out of the bottom There is a drain up inside the fork tube
Unscrew the top nuts and adjusters before you start,dip the depth of the oil with a cane or piece of wooden dowl,this allows you to know the approx air gap with the new springs fitted.After you have drained the oil use a bent metal coat hanger to fish the original springs out Retighten the drain bung[using the cane or dowl to hold it if the plate has moved] Drop the new/replacement springs in,top up the oil to the level that is marked on the cane,screw on the top caps and adjusters and adjust as required Refit front wheel Done 3/4-1hour max

The Hayens manual does not mention this drain???????????????????????????and I thought it made hard work of a simple job

Hello justmacsv650,

Yes the Haynes manual is not too clever here. However I did not see a drain on the model I have - a K2 2002 model, but I suppose it could have been there. The Haynes approach, like I said also only mentions loosening the top bolt after you have spent all that time and effort taking the forks out. Bit tricky as you cannot grip the fork leg with your hands and use a socket set at this point. But a trip to B&Q for one of those grab devices, don't ask me what they are called but basically they are plastic with a rubber strip that wraps around the fork to grip it while you undo the nut with a socket set. And job done. The measuring stick is also a good idea, but this assumes the oil level is correct in the first place, I just went with the amount specified in the Haynes manual for UK bikes and stole the wife's kitchen measuring jug ( I have yet to buy another, oops).

Now I need to figure which is the best - and I mean does not require parts of bike to be removed with hack saws to fit, rear suspension replacement shock. I like the idea of ohlins, but have not sourced a cheep one. There are other's I know and I have a quick surf every now and then looking for bargains here.