Front fork preload?

[Joshwuh]

I just dropped my forks through the yokes 1.5 inches because I'm fairly short but now my fork bottoms out under moderate braking. Is there a preload or something I can do to make them stiffer or do I need to replace the oils? If I need to replace the oil is this hard or can it be done relatively easily?

Also, I need to drop my rear an inch now to even it out. How can I do this?

Thanks for the help. I tried looking in my Haynes manual for the answer but they didn't mention either of these things specifically.

 

[new kid on the brat]

in the old days that is how you adjusted your dirt bike shocks. i have three different grades of fork oil on the shelf still from that dt400 i used to ride.

 

[HoughMade]

It's easy to change the fork oil and that is what I would try first-something thicker. Pop the plastic cap off the top, compress the steel cap, use a pick to remove the ring, then take the drain plug out. Refill with 142ccs of oil.

 

[Joshwuh]

Okay, thanks!

 

[BadLuck]

Hello guys, i was wondering the samething, but i have heard that once you press the cap down and remove the clip that the spring inside has a bit of tension, is this true? and would it be safer to use a press?

 

[HoughMade]

Put the front end in the air on the center stand or jack stands and there will only be a very little spring pressure when you take the ring out. A press is way overkill.

The number of people who don't download the free factory service manual from this site or elsewhere amazes me. I try to post this link as much as I can so people know. It is the only manual I have ever used on my bike and many have told me it is much more accurate than Haynes. It's a bargain at twice the price.

http://www.xs400.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4503

Here is what the factory manual says:

 

[Joshwuh]

Thanks Hough. I just replaced the oil with the thickest stuff I could find 10W-40 and it is much better now. However, I wouldn't mind it being a bit firmer as well. Is there any way to do this or do I need to replace the springs?

 

[drewpy]

Thanks Hough. I just replaced the oil with the thickest stuff I could find 10W-40 and it is much better now. However, I wouldn't mind it being a bit firmer as well. Is there any way to do this or do I need to replace the springs?

put a bit more oil in, the air compressed in the top in compression will act like a cushion

 

[Joshwuh]

Great thanks!