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Jared
06-19-2009, 08:33 PM
Today I change my fork oil and filled it up to the proper level (5.31" from the top, compressed and without the spring).

I lifted it up to take the weight of the forks, put the caps back on and took it for a ride. It's as hard as a rock! Almost no absorbency at all. Does anyone know what might be the problem?

Thanks in advance!
redjay
06-20-2009, 11:09 AM
Hi, Sounds like there is too much oil if you cant compress the forks. I looked at the manual and it states 4.72 inches from the top (spring removed and forks compressed) (05 and up Nomad). You are 1/2" more than that. I would not have thought 1/2" would make that much difference but it appears that it does.
Jared
06-20-2009, 11:43 AM
Interesting. My 05 PDF manual say 5.31" from the top. (I have found several things different with the PDF manual.)

You are correct though. I had too much oil. I didn't take the bike off the jack and the front wasn't completely compressed when I took the measurement.
Yellow Jacket
06-20-2009, 02:01 PM
Utah,

My service manual (hardcopy purchased direct from Kawasaki) also states 5.31 +/- 0.08 inches from the top.

However, this is with the forks removed from the bike and held vertically in a vise while fully compressed with no spring.

This may make a difference from the forks being still on the bike.
redjay
06-20-2009, 08:54 PM
Hi, I just had a think about my previous post. If you at 5.31 from the top you have less oil than my manual states (4.72 +- 0.08, or 120mm +- 2mm) so the forks should definitely not be firmer.
Jared
06-20-2009, 11:24 PM
Utah,

My service manual (hardcopy purchased direct from Kawasaki) also states 5.31 +/- 0.08 inches from the top.

However, this is with the forks removed from the bike and held vertically in a vise while fully compressed with no spring.

This may make a difference from the forks being still on the bike.

Fully compressed doesn't necessarily mean it needs to be off the bike. I know for the best oil replacement, you would remove the fork and flip it upside down to allow every think to drain out. But I siphoned it as dry as possible with a pump, took the bike off the jack so that the forks were fully compressed and then took the measurement without the springs.

That should be fine right?
Bdog
06-21-2009, 10:13 AM
What weight of oil are you using?..Bdog