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Post by zummerp on Mar 14, 2018 7:18:21 GMT -5
My front forks on the Zummer are very soft and I'd like to adjust them. Is there a good video or instruction set on adjusting forks? I am very new to anything suspension related and want to get it right!
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Post by 90GTVert on Mar 14, 2018 7:21:09 GMT -5
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Post by GrumpyUnk on Mar 14, 2018 22:57:39 GMT -5
Would adding some more oil affect the fork operation? I saw somewhere that adding oil above the recommended amount would stiffen the forks. I don't know the rating of 'fork oil', but back when it was new, my Honda 350 recommended using 10W30 in the forks. I expect the multigrade oils would perform more evenly when ambient temperature varied.
I do not know that 'fork oil' is any different from mineral oil or synthetic intended for engine lubrication. All i does it act as a restricting fluid, forced through an aperature, slowing its compression or expansion based on how quickly it can flow through a fixed opening. Adding more fluid it seems would add to the 'length' of travel that was submerged in oil(I think...), thus changing the 'when' of restriction?
tom
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Post by 90GTVert on Mar 15, 2018 7:17:36 GMT -5
I use more oil in mine, because I'm 300lbs. It can help. More fluid should reduce the volume of air above it that can be compressed. Some say never to do it.
More resistance to foaming is what is usually said to be a major difference in fork oil and motor oil. I have used motor oil before and it worked alright, even though it's another thing that many don't recommend. Many say it's too thick, but that's why I wanted to use it in the past... and I happened to have it within arm's reach. If you want a replacement for the more standard viscosities of fork oil, ATF seems to be a more popular choice.
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Post by benji on Mar 15, 2018 8:57:20 GMT -5
I'm not sure how good of an idea this is, but what about MORE air? I've heard of guys drilling & tapping the top bolt/cap on their forks (where you'd put the oil or pull the springs out from) and putting schraeder valves (tire valves) in so they can add air pressure to the forks.
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Post by jackrides on Mar 15, 2018 13:40:56 GMT -5
Adding more air or fork oil (it comes in all weights) will make the "spring" rate more progressive. Normal spring pressure increases at a fixed # of pounds per inch (or kg per cm if you're across the pond). Progressive means each equal increment of distance takes more pressure to compress. Too much pressure will blow out seals, but experiment away.
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Post by zummerp on Mar 15, 2018 14:24:52 GMT -5
Even more basic though - isn’t there usually a way to load, preload, or just tighten shocks a bit?
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Post by jackrides on Mar 15, 2018 14:44:25 GMT -5
Add washers on top of the spring. See 90GTVERT above.
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Post by 90GTVert on Mar 15, 2018 14:57:50 GMT -5
Even more basic though - isn’t there usually a way to load, preload, or just tighten shocks a bit? These aren't like some motorcycles where you have simple adjustments built in from the factory (R1 pictured below). Lots of big bikes don't even have any built in simple adjustments, and our small scooters are very basic. If we're lucky, a model comes with a rear shock that has some adjustment, but even that isn't the norm.  |
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