Mushy front end

[ffron69]

Sorry if this has been covered I am not so good with the search function here...

Went for a good ride today, got home & notice the front end is "diving" a lot when I apply the front brakes. Pushing down on the handelbars easily I can bottom out the front forks, backing up down hill & applying the front brake I can fully extend the forks very easy. I don't think it was near like this before I left this morning but I guess I could be wrong. Bike has 10,350 miles on it...Ideas? Could the fact it is fairly cold (low 50s) have anything to do with it?

Thanks

[macmac]

Might be dead fork oil. It should be changed out every so many miles and around 10,000 for a stiffer oil could be about right.

I think these ft ends are just mushy in the first place, and if you brake lazy and don't set the tail down first hitting the rear brake to settle the ft down you take a bigger dive.

I have been considering adding an air kit to my ft forks, and using 20w oil, maybe 30.

[ffron69]

Thanks Mac specifically what oil do you think is best & how do you change it? Sorry but I don't have a service anuel...or for that matter an owners manuel. Is it the same process n the 1500 as the 1600?

[ringadingh]

I found my forks mushy as well, go to Gadgets site and it explains the job there quite well. I used 15 wt oil and if I was to do it again Id use 20 wt. to firm it up a bit more.

[ffron69]

Spec sheet calls for SAE 10w20 - is this regular motor oil?? Are you talking about going to 15w20 or 20w20?

[ringadingh]

There is specific fork oil made that is available in different viscosity's. Any bike shop should have some available.

[ffron69]

Aparently I have the cartridge stye, boy that is a lot of work...any harm in leaving it this way for the summer & doing it over the winter? While I hate to do that, working 2 jobs it could be torn apart half the summer and to be honest, I don't know if I am comfortable tering it that far apart anyway. Anyone around Pittsburgh know someone who is reliable to do this & reasonable???

[ringadingh]

Originally Posted by ffron69

Aparently I have the cartridge stye, boy that is a lot of work...any harm in leaving it this way for the summer & doing it over the winter? While I hate to do that, working 2 jobs it could be torn apart half the summer and to be honest, I don't know if I am comfortable tering it that far apart anyway. Anyone around Pittsburgh know someone who is reliable to do this & reasonable???

You should be able to have it done start to finish in 4-5 hours. Its looks like more work than it really is. Have everything you need ready when you start the job, then it goes along fairly smooth.

[Bdog]

I got rid of the mushy feeling by tearing it apart, putting in 15 weight and replaceing the springs with progressive's. Its a nite and day difference. Like Ring said; it only takes about 4-5hrs, use the gadget site for help and have a nice summer ride...Bdog

[ringadingh]

Originally Posted by Bdog

I got rid of the mushy feeling by tearing it apart, putting in 15 weight and replaceing the springs with progressive's. Its a nite and day difference. Like Ring said; it only takes about 4-5hrs, use the gadget site for help and have a nice summer ride...Bdog

When I do the fork oil change next time I think I should also install the progressive springs. I hate that mushy feeling especially when you hit the brakes hard.

[ffron69]

Problem is myne is the cartridge style...

[flavor]

Originally Posted by ffron69

Sorry if this has been covered I am not so good with the search function here...

Went for a good ride today, got home & notice the front end is "diving" a lot when I apply the front brakes. Pushing down on the handelbars easily I can bottom out the front forks, backing up down hill & applying the front brake I can fully extend the forks very easy. I don't think it was near like this before I left this morning but I guess I could be wrong. Bike has 10,350 miles on it...Ideas? Could the fact it is fairly cold (low 50s) have anything to do with it?

Thanks

The problem here is you're not supposed to use the brakes.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

[ringadingh]

I have cartridge style forks as well, you should still be able to do it regardless.

[ffron69]

Originally Posted by Ringadingh

I have cartridge style forks as well, you should still be able to do it regardless.

I didn't think they had the progressives for the cartridge style

And Flavor I try real hard but those cagers just won't get outta the way & it presents a very interesting challenge getting into my garage, on a steep hill, without using the brakes

[russ56]

Hey Bdog, do you remember what the part no. was for the Progressive springs? Also was that for a 1600?

Russell