Changing springs without removing forks? - SV650.org

Geodude · 22-10-10, 09:32 AM

Just wondered if it was possible to change front fork springs and oil on a 99 sv650 naked with forks in situ?

punyXpress · 22-10-10, 09:42 AM

Possible, but not really advisable.
The oil in your forks MAY be 11 years old and will smell bad enough for a skunk to stick its head out the window.
If you can get the front wheel out ( watch for the speedo driver ) the next step of removing the fork legs is usually easier. Just remember to loosen the fork caps a little before undoing other bolts. Try to flush as much carp out as possible & then just take your time getting the air gap right. If you weigh more than 8 stone, you would also benefit from heavier springs. Reassembly is reverse of what you've just done - best of luck!

22-10-10, 09:44 AM

Yes

22-10-10, 09:49 AM

I haven't done it, but others have said it is possible.

FWIW, I'd rather do the job properly and drop the forks out. It's not that difficult if you can support the front of the bike and you can drain the forks completely.

Geodude · 22-10-10, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by punyXpress

Possible, but not really advisable.
The oil in your forks MAY be 11 years old and will smell bad enough for a skunk to stick its head out the window.
If you can get the front wheel out ( watch for the speedo driver ) the next step of removing the fork legs is usually easier. Just remember to loosen the fork caps a little before undoing other bolts. Try to flush as much carp out as possible & then just take your time getting the air gap right. If you weigh more than 8 stone, you would also benefit from heavier springs. Reassembly is reverse of what you've just done - best of luck!

As far as i know its never been done so its like riding a marshmallow! Thanks for the smell warning. How would i flush out all the carp?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dicky Ticker

Yes

Cheers

Quote:

Originally Posted by simesb

I haven't done it, but others have said it is possible.

FWIW, I'd rather do the job properly and drop the forks out. It's not that difficult if you can support the front of the bike and you can drain the forks completely.

Proper job would be what i would like to do but have low spannering experience so dont want to make it worse and snap/bust stuff.

22-10-10, 10:42 AM

the hardest part is getting the fork caps off, thats how easy the job is.

Geodude · 22-10-10, 10:43 AM

Really that easy, nice one cheers Dan

yorkie_chris · 22-10-10, 10:47 AM

IMO do it right and remove forks

Luckypants · 22-10-10, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geodude

How would i flush out all the carp?

After draining the old oil, put in some fresh oil, pump the forks a few times to force the oil through the damper rods etc, pour off oil which now has a lot of crap in it. If it's bad, then use paraffin instead of fresh oil as that will dissolve more crap, but make sure it's all out before filling with new fork oil.

Geodude · 22-10-10, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

IMO do it right and remove forks

If you the all knowing yc say do it right then i will have a good try

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luckypants

After draining the old oil, put in some fresh oil, pump the forks a few times to force the oil through the damper rods etc, pour off oil which now has a lot of crap in it. If it's bad, then use paraffin instead of fresh oil as that will dissolve more crap, but make sure it's all out before filling with new fork oil.

Cheers for the info mate.

22-10-10, 09:32 AM	#1
Geodude Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Durham Posts: 2,676	Changing springs without removing forks? Just wondered if it was possible to change front fork springs and oil on a 99 sv650 naked with forks in situ? __________________ Black naked 1999 sv650 which im trying to keep happy Custom paintwork *Saragon Customs* Spray painting *Electrical fault finding guide* and *Regulator rectifier test* Only a biker knows why a dog sticks his head out of a car window.

22-10-10, 09:42 AM	#2
punyXpress Member Mega Poster Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Riding, North Posts: 2,664	Re: Changing springs without removing forks? Possible, but not really advisable. The oil in your forks MAY be 11 years old and will smell bad enough for a skunk to stick its head out the window. If you can get the front wheel out ( watch for the speedo driver ) the next step of removing the fork legs is usually easier. Just remember to loosen the fork caps a little before undoing other bolts. Try to flush as much carp out as possible & then just take your time getting the air gap right. If you weigh more than 8 stone, you would also benefit from heavier springs. Reassembly is reverse of what you've just done - best of luck! __________________ Was: K2 naked in rapid yellow - gone to a better? place Now: Street Triple R

22-10-10, 09:44 AM	#3
Dicky Ticker Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Changing springs without removing forks? Yes

22-10-10, 09:49 AM	#4
simesb Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Changing springs without removing forks? I haven't done it, but others have said it is possible. FWIW, I'd rather do the job properly and drop the forks out. It's not that difficult if you can support the front of the bike and you can drain the forks completely.

22-10-10, 10:42 AM	#6
barwel1992 Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Changing springs without removing forks? the hardest part is getting the fork caps off, thats how easy the job is.

22-10-10, 10:43 AM	#7
Geodude Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Durham Posts: 2,676	Re: Changing springs without removing forks? Really that easy, nice one cheers Dan __________________ Black naked 1999 sv650 which im trying to keep happy Custom paintwork *Saragon Customs* Spray painting *Electrical fault finding guide* and *Regulator rectifier test* Only a biker knows why a dog sticks his head out of a car window.

22-10-10, 10:47 AM	#8
yorkie_chris Noisy Git Mega Poster Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Halifax/Leeds Posts: 26,645	Re: Changing springs without removing forks? IMO do it right and remove forks __________________ Currently Ex Biker Now rebuilding a 63' fishing trawler as a dive boat

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