Fork Oil Seal (mkI)

[Histamiini]

The manual tells You to slacken off the preload adjuster only to minimize the force the spring puts on the fork cap. Less change off damaging the threads. Preload is adjusted by the larger part with a hex head, the clicker screw adjusts rebound damping.

<!--quoteo-->QUOTE<!--quotec-->I hate Loctight. The Buell was a bitch with the 5mm or so allen. Buell must love that stuff.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Yeah that stuff can be a pain but I think they used it for a reason. Better put a little to the allen bolt at the bottom and to where the damper rod screws in to the fork cap when installing.

<!--quoteo-->QUOTE<!--quotec-->So, I should also change the forkin oil in the other forker now. Somewhere I read in this book, 15 W. Type 01=15w in this book.
I think/pretty sure. Can't find it now.
Bad manual, Buell factory manual rocks! Best I have ever used for a car or bike.
I have read here that the 01=10 w. But some peeps like 15w, on different year bikes maybe.
So, 10w or 15w doods? What you say? Use the Yammie manual specs, or-? Bumpy roads here.
Just average riding, don't want to open a can of worms on oil or preferences or riding style.
Leaning towards 15. I think this bike needs some firming up. Seems to wallow thru the fast curves. Think it is rear shock. Set on hard. Last owner was a heavy dude. Fast rider too.
I know little about street suspension setup, (unless something is bad wrong) seldom push that hard on the pavement. Just an old dirt biker, I could do those easy enough.
Was good in the dirt, but always say that I never claimed to be a great street/road rider. Maybe too many times sliding down the pavement on those old 50's- 60's tyres. Did both street & dirt from '58 until '73-'74 just got back to street 10 years ago.
Still like to go fast. And stay upright.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

I found 15w caused way too much rebound damping, it gave me a really harsh ride when hitting potholes or such. Wallowing through fast curves does sound like You could use some more damping though. You said You think the forks have never been serviced before so You're riding on really old oils anyway? I've allways changed mine annually and it makes a huge difference every time. I would try 10W first and change to 15W later if I were You.. Then again I'm small 70kg boy..

It's sort of difficult to give any recommendations since suspension settings depend so much on personal preferences. The route of trial and error is the only way to get it like You want it I'm afraid.. But please do Yourself a favor and get an aftermarket rear shock. The original is rubbish anyway and mine was totally shot at 30 000 miles.

Dandy gave me a great tip about altering the oil levels. Lowering the level by 10mm made the front a lot more comfortable at low speeds / rough surface without effecting high speed performance. The oil levels are measured with the forks completely compressed and without the spring. Before measuring pump the forks and damper rod up and down until no more air comes out. It can take a while but You'll feel/hear when there's no more air. (You propably knew this anyway but it could be useful for someone else )