Front Forks Noise

[masterjml]

When I compress the front forks on my 1996 750 I get a sound that resembles a creaky floorboard in a house.  Would that be low/no oil? Bad seals? bad springs?

[LIMagna]

Mine did the same thing before I rebuilt my forks and installed a set of Race Tech cartridge emulators and springs.  I think it's just the way the stock springs get after a while. You can probably eliminate the noise with a fork oil change but if you're going to do that, might as well put something better in there (like a set of Progressive springs).   

[lragan]

I gotta agree with Charlie. 

Progressive springs in the front fork is the most valuable mod I have made on my '96.  Keeps the rubber on the road much better than the stock ones, and greatly reduces the forward dive with hard braking.

[masterjml]

Thanks, what about a fork stabilizer ?

http://www.superbrace.com/proddetail.asp?prod=2251

are these worth it?

I don't know what is causing it but ever since i put on the V&H pipes the bike doesn't eat the turns as well it drifts a little.
Would heavier shocks in the rear cure this?
the possibility of my front springs being on their way out cause this?
Is it the new weight just making it feel differently ?


Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

[LIMagna]

I've had a Superbrace on order since September.  I know someone else on one of the other Magna forums who said he's had them on order since the Summer.  Seems they always tell you they're on back-order and will be available again in two or three weeks.  There are few reviews for them but I think the general consensus was that while they do improve things slightly, they aren't as big a change as say a set of Progressive fork springs.  I decided to go the slightly more expensive route and do the RT emulators & springs and while I can't compare them directly to the Progressive spring upgrade, they made a world of difference in the handling of the bike.  I would highly recommend them if you are so inclined.  

As to the changes you've noticed on your bike, I don't think the V&H's weigh much more than the stock exhaust so I can't see that as the issue.  I went from a very light exhaust setup (Jardine Drag Pipes) to the V&H's last spring and didn't notice any change in handling but that was around the same time that I did  my fork upgrade and installed Progressive 440 rear shocks.  

[Greg Cothern]

I ran the forkbrace and its OK..  Could tell a little difference.  It does exactly as described on site information, however keep in mind its all relative.

Progressive fork springs are a great upgrade. However the emulators sound like they would be purty kewl!

[masterjml]

In this diagram what would I need to buy to do a fork rebuild ?  Or is there a kit offered?


Thanks.
Jerry

[LIMagna]

You need part # 16 (seal set), which is actually two parts, the seal itself (lower part) and the dust seal (upper part labeled # 23).  You should probably also replace the fork cap o-ring (part # 24) and the damping rod bolt crush washer (part # 22).  I'm pretty sure that covers it.

[masterjml]

None of the bushings ?

[LIMagna]

I don't think those parts wear all that much ... at least mine looked like new when I had the forks apart last winter.  I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to replace them too but it's probably not necessary.  I'm pretty sure the service manual does not call out those items for routine replacement like they do for the seals and crush washers. 

[silveradocowboy]

If the bushings have 75% or more of the surface has a copper color to it replace them. The change in color is due to wear.

[TLRam1]

If the bushings have 75% or more of the surface has a copper color to it replace them. The change in color is due to wear.

I thought copper was there natural color.... 

[Chad in Michigan]

If the bushings have 75% or more of the surface has a copper color to it replace them. The change in color is due to wear.

I thought copper was there natural color.... 

no, they have a coating on them, not sure what it is, but I bought the parts new from honda for my fork rebuild. I ordered all the wear items just incase you have an issue. I helped a guy a few years back with his forks and we ended up damaging one of those bushings, it was handy to have them availiable.

[Greg Cothern]

If I was going to get into them I would rebuild them.  Its not really that expensive, but will keep ya from having to go back in for quite awhile!

[TLRam1]

If the bushings have 75% or more of the surface has a copper color to it replace them. The change in color is due to wear.

I thought copper was there natural color.... 

Chad that one blew right by ya, I was kid'n. 

Most of my vintage bikes have worn through to be almost all copper.