Fork problem

[phil x]

My 'K' model Nc30 has had a bit of a knock from the front suspension & doesn't handle great - ironically, it sounds like it knocks on the rebound - head/wheel bearings feel fine.
I had 1/2 hr yesterday so had a quick look......
The spring free length measures 289 & 290mm (no spec in Haynes) & look to be progressively wound (is this standard?), there was 140mm air gap (Haynes says 90....) the oil was smelly & dirty. The spacers fitted were what looks like a home made 22mm alloy spacer beneath the stock spacer (150mm) - presumably some muppet has fitted this to overcome a soft front end in stead of doing it properly. Combined spacer length is 172mm

I can spend £80+ for a fork kit (Rick O) - maybe more if the bushes are knackered or £135 for refreshed later forks from GF (if still available).
Price is an issue (wife complaining...) & I'd like to keep the bike fairly standard if poss - but.....

Are 'fresh' later forksthat much better than 'fresh' early type in terms of ride & handling?


Cheers, Phil

[hunter]

Are you sure the knock is from the forks and not the mudguard mounts,it's a comon fault on the NC.

[lizard821000]

id say the later forks are slightly better purely coz they have both the adjustable bound and pre-bound. progresive springs are indeed stock too. depending how much of a fanatic you are with being able to adjust your suspension both ways...... and more in keeping of the stock set up, id go for rick O kit. up to you really.

shaun

[phil x]

Cheers for the replies guys.

There is a bit of slop/knock in the front mudguard, never noticed that before. The fork knock does sound a bit louder than that tho.

I guess to me, fully adjustable suspension means continually stopping, twiddling & riding before stopping & twiddling some more & wondering if it's 'right'.
Probably best stick to the original K forks then


Cheers, Phil

[amorti]

Knocking means worn fork bushes or steering bearings, of not the mudguard. Maybe wheel bearing or loose brake pads but less likely to be felt as you describe. If you put back together with old bushes you will kick yourself later as you will only have to strip the forks again later (when the worn bushes xaused accelerated wear on your seals, probably) and start again again.

[phil x]

If I keep the forks, I'll do a proper rebuild inc bushes as I think that must be where the knock is coming from.

As a trial bodge, I had some old 650 Transalp fork springs knocking about, thinking along the lines of bigger, heavier bike with soft suspension, hmmmm...... maybe the springs will be ok in the VFR.

A quick measure & chop with the grinder, popped them in - so far so good, well in the garage at least.
With the preload adjusters set 1/2 way, I have about 1 1/2" sag on the front with just the bike, when I sit on it front & rear drop the same amount

A yorkshireman with Scottish ancestry brought up within agriculture.
Who said I squeak when I walk

Phil

[phil x]

If anyone is interested.....

The replacement fork springs work a treat, the bike rides & handles soooo much better Just need to change the fluid sometime.
Also I'm sure that the knocking from the front is the mudguard mounts

Phil

[Cammo]

IAlso I'm sure that the knocking from the front is the mudguard mounts

Yeah that's pretty common, they wear and get a lot of slop in them.

It does sound like something more serious when you hear the noise the slop makes.

[Neosophist]

IAlso I'm sure that the knocking from the front is the mudguard mounts

Yeah that's pretty common, they wear and get a lot of slop in them.

It does sound like something more serious when you hear the noise the slop makes.

Had it on mine too.

Moved the mud-guard holder clips up off the fork and put one wrap of 1/4" electrical tape around the fork leg, slide them back over and no knocking now

[phil x]

Cheers for the replies.
I must admit my first thought was to use insulating tape to 'pack' the forks/spacers & make them a tight fit again

Phil