|
|
Post by ultrasuede on Dec 14, 2018 5:13:01 GMT -5
I've picked up an odd Chinese scooter with a minarelli engine.
All is going well with the build, but I can't get the forks to work right. They were leaking when I bought it. I replaced the seals and re oiled them, but they bottom out so easily, it's almost un ridable.
I haven't taken them apart yet, but the manual says it supports up to 150kg and I'm 110kg.
They are an odd size so replacement will be difficult.
Any suggestions?
|
|
|
|
Post by 190mech on Dec 14, 2018 6:40:49 GMT -5
Pics would be good ...
|
|
|
|
Post by ultrasuede on Dec 14, 2018 17:19:22 GMT -5
From Google. It's at my mates place at the moment but the forks look exactly like they do here and no leaks after the new seals.   |
|
|
|
Post by 190mech on Dec 14, 2018 17:26:49 GMT -5
That looks like a motorcycle fork with its dual triple trees..I guess the internals have a damper rod in the bottom with a spring in the upper tube..Lots of ways to tune those if its built that way,,heavier oil,higher oil level,stiffening the springs...Hoping to see the innards instead of an external parts diagram...
|
|
cabrinha
Scoot Member
Posts: 22 
Location: Hellas
|
Post by cabrinha on Dec 14, 2018 18:05:50 GMT -5
If oil quantity (or height) and weight is as specified in the manual, then I would use a heavier oil.
Spring length is ok?
|
|
|
|
Post by aeroxbud on Dec 14, 2018 18:32:21 GMT -5
Might be possible to take the springs out, then fit a spacer at the top. This will give the forks more preload. Stiffening them up
|
|
|
|
Post by harleyracer59 on Dec 14, 2018 18:56:44 GMT -5
Might be possible to take the springs out, then fit a spacer at the top. This will give the forks more preload. Stiffening them up that's what some do with Harley forks.. |
|
|
|
Post by 190mech on Dec 14, 2018 19:24:59 GMT -5
I caught some grief on this subject before,but I'll say it again,,fork spring rate can be increased by cutting the spring and adding the proper spacer,sounds strange I know,its a proven fact!Here is a link to how it works; dirtrider.net/forums3/threads/cutting-springs.172953/Ive done it many times...  |
|
cabrinha
Scoot Member
Posts: 22
Location: Hellas
|
Post by cabrinha on Dec 14, 2018 19:29:02 GMT -5
Preload does not stiffen the suspension. You need stiffer springs for that. Preload compensates for the loss of sag.
|
|
|
|
Post by benji on Dec 14, 2018 21:13:21 GMT -5
Preload does not stiffen the suspension. You need stiffer springs for that. Preload compensates for the loss of sag. preload does stiffen suspension. It doesn't lift max weight limit, but it does stiffen the suspension. |
|
|
|
Post by benji on Dec 14, 2018 21:16:09 GMT -5
Heavier oil should do the trick. Lots of guys on here have tried that and it seems to get good results. One guy (pig I think) went so far as to drill and tap the top of his shocks and add Schrader valves so he could add air pressure.
|
|
|
|
Post by ultrasuede on Dec 15, 2018 4:48:44 GMT -5
Thank you scooter community! I didn't expect so many solutions. Ill try the heavier oil first. It's got 15w at the moment. Ill throw in some heavyweight car oil and adjust if that's too much.
|
|
|
|
Post by ultrasuede on Jan 12, 2019 0:49:21 GMT -5
Car oil and overfilling fixed my problem. Smooth as butter. Thanks guys
|
|
|
|
Post by jackrides on Jan 13, 2019 15:12:12 GMT -5
Fork tubes can be pressurized with low pressure air. You'll need a low pressure gauge, I like the pencil type of a good quality.
Use a metal tire valve thru the cap. To pressurize, do not go directly to a high pressure source! Deflate a spare tire to the pressure you want (start with 5 PSI) then fill the tube from that. Use motorcycle fork oil, it comes in all weights and doesn't foam. Overpressure will blow out the seals.
|
|
|
|
Post by ThomasTPFL on Jan 13, 2019 15:32:46 GMT -5
Preload does not stiffen the suspension. You need stiffer springs for that. Preload compensates for the loss of sag. Cutting springs will though. If you don't believe it take a feeler guage and flex it, then cut it in half and flex it again. |
|
