forks!!hell

[robbygixxer]

hello all

So im getting there with my fj project but have noticed something a bit alarming, the front forks seem to be very soft, now im thinking..drain out old oil & replace with a slightly heavyer grade..but, im still new to this bike and am still finding my way around it so was wondering if anyone knew a minor mod i could do to firm up the damping a touch, its an fj1100 on a 84 plate.
thanks peeps

[elbows]

hello all

So im getting there with my fj project but have noticed something a bit alarming, the front forks seem to be very soft, now im thinking..drain out old oil & replace with a slightly heavyer grade..but, im still new to this bike and am still finding my way around it so was wondering if anyone knew a minor mod i could do to firm up the damping a touch, its an fj1100 on a 84 plate.
thanks peeps

i mix 15w and 10w fork oil that stiffens up the front end what would help is progressive for springs as well 

[andyb]

Measure the sag to start.  If it's >35mm or so, it's time for uprated fork springs, either progressive or straight-rate, depending on your preference.  If you're a true cheapass, you can put a small spacer in atop the spring to increase preload, but it's kinda a bandaid and not really a substitute for having the proper spring in there.

If the sag's acceptable, then it's time for new oil in there.  If they're low/dry on oil, it had to come outta somewhere, and odds are pretty good that the seals are popped.  Easy enough fix, a fair bit of work and somewhat intimidating the first time, but not difficult by any means.

[flips]

+1 to what elbows and Andyb said,

I also used a 50/50 mix of 10 & 15 mix of fork oil.Worked well on my 861tx.

Cheers

Jeff P