Rebuild forks?

Discuss all things 1970 & later Airheads right here.
User avatar
Zombie Master
Posts: 8821
Joined: Sun Aug 22, 2010 12:21 am
Location: Vancouver Island BC Canada

Rebuild forks?

Post by Zombie Master »

1984 R100S original owner

So last year it was suggested that I rebuild my brake calipers due to age. One poster put up a youtube of the front wheel spinning without any restriction from the brake pads, so I felt I should look into it. Well I did, and it was a waste of time and money as everything looked perfect coming apart. I had a huge pia as the replacement non OEM parts from Mototbins didn't fit, and finally got the proper OEM parts that went together easily.

I'm wondering about my forks which have received regular fork oil changes. They work fine. What do you think. :geek:
Any and all disclaimers may apply
User avatar
gocytocis
Posts: 198
Joined: Tue Aug 27, 2013 11:40 am

Re: Rebuild forks?

Post by gocytocis »

I’ve never rebuilt a fork unless,
A) it’s leaking,
B) it’s sticking, or
C) it’s clunking.

This method has served me on both on forks with 1,000 km on them, & over 100,000 km on them...
'72 R75/5
User avatar
gspd
Posts: 1041
Joined: Tue Aug 03, 2010 8:04 pm

Re: Rebuild forks?

Post by gspd »

You might feel an improvement by replacing or shimming your fork springs which have probably sagged significantly since new.
Mechanic from Hell
"I remember every raging second of it...
My bike was on fire, the road was on fire, and I was on fire.
It was the best ride ever!"
User avatar
Zombie Master
Posts: 8821
Joined: Sun Aug 22, 2010 12:21 am
Location: Vancouver Island BC Canada

Re: Rebuild forks?

Post by Zombie Master »

gspd wrote: Mon Sep 10, 2018 9:28 pm You might feel an improvement by replacing or shimming your fork springs which have probably sagged significantly since new.
I put the hd BMW fork springs in a long time ago, they seem to be sitting up fine. Isn't the ride height the issue? I'm more worried about deteriorating bumpers and internal parts.
IMGP2760 copy 3.JPG
IMGP2760 copy 3.JPG (184.44 KiB) Viewed 2381 times
Any and all disclaimers may apply
ME 109
Posts: 7306
Joined: Tue Aug 03, 2010 3:00 am
Location: Albury, Australia

Re: Rebuild forks?

Post by ME 109 »

Zombie Master wrote: Tue Sep 11, 2018 1:25 am
I'm more worried about deteriorating bumpers and internal parts.
IMGP2760 copy 3.JPG
No bumpers, and only about five bits in there. I haven't worn mine out yet.
Although I did put a 12mm spacer on top of the springs. Noticeable.
Lord of the Bings
User avatar
Zombie Master
Posts: 8821
Joined: Sun Aug 22, 2010 12:21 am
Location: Vancouver Island BC Canada

Re: Rebuild forks?

Post by Zombie Master »

ME 109 wrote: Tue Sep 11, 2018 7:33 am
Zombie Master wrote: Tue Sep 11, 2018 1:25 am
I'm more worried about deteriorating bumpers and internal parts.
IMGP2760 copy 3.JPG
No bumpers, and only about five bits in there. I haven't worn mine out yet.
Although I did put a 12mm spacer on top of the springs. Noticeable.
Thanx! I did replace fork seals at one point. :)
Any and all disclaimers may apply
Wobbly
Posts: 300
Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2017 8:48 pm

Re: Rebuild forks?

Post by Wobbly »

Concentrate on synthetic fork oils and you shouldn't have any significant deterioration to the soft parts of the fork.
After 20 years as a professional bike mechanic and 30 years as an engineer I know just enough to be dangerous !
User avatar
Zombie Master
Posts: 8821
Joined: Sun Aug 22, 2010 12:21 am
Location: Vancouver Island BC Canada

Re: Rebuild forks?

Post by Zombie Master »

Wobbly wrote: Fri Sep 14, 2018 8:55 am Concentrate on synthetic fork oils and you shouldn't have any significant deterioration to the soft parts of the fork.
Not easy to find 100% synthetic fork fluids, what kind do you use?
Any and all disclaimers may apply
ME 109
Posts: 7306
Joined: Tue Aug 03, 2010 3:00 am
Location: Albury, Australia

Re: Rebuild forks?

Post by ME 109 »

I don't think the '81-'84 has any soft parts. I haven't broken any in my '81. I've broken lots of other stuff tho.
Lord of the Bings
User avatar
Zombie Master
Posts: 8821
Joined: Sun Aug 22, 2010 12:21 am
Location: Vancouver Island BC Canada

Re: Rebuild forks?

Post by Zombie Master »

ME 109 wrote: Sat Sep 15, 2018 4:05 am I don't think the '81-'84 has any soft parts. I haven't broken any in my '81. I've broken lots of other stuff tho.
Music to my ears :)
Any and all disclaimers may apply
Post Reply