I couldn't measure how much dropped back in from the tube but I swear, about 3 drops dripped in before I could stop them.

I also installed Progressive springs. I think they are a little shorter but Progressive gives you the proper spacers.

 

Ding - Progressive is exactly what I have coming and yeah their spacer is longer so
you confirmed my expectation the springs were going to be shorter

 

What is the best cleaner to clean inside the fork tubes? Disk brake cleaner OK? Simple Green? Also measured only 300ml of old fluid (per fork) plus or minus a few drips here and there on the garage floor. Haynes say 409ml, what can I expect from having the proper amount of fork oil?

 

Hi Obs,

Personally I wouldn't use anything chemical to clean the inside of the tubes, any residue will just contaminate the new fork oil.

As for oil quantities, both old and new, I just followed the directions in the Haynes manual and measure from the top of the fork tube. After all, you wouldn't do an oil change on the engine without checking the level on the dip- stick would you?

 

Do the progressive fork springs make that much difference to the handling?

I have been considering getting some but wasn't sure how much of a difference they would make to the handling.

Which springs do you recommend?

 

I would stay away from progressive springs and get the actual spring rate you need. I used sonic springs and if you go to their website they have a tool to enter bike weight type of riding and it gives you a recommended rate. I love mine but can't compare as I never rode stock.

 

Hawkwind,
Thanks for you input, I just replaced the oil and I always check the dipstick too. Help me understand why the manual tells me how much volume, 409ml, to use yet further down it talks about a measured distance. If I put in the proper volume, what's the point of measuring? If the measurement is wrong, should I add or remove volume thus it wouldn't be that "409" anymore, but would then be a proper measurement. This is the first time I have done this and I just want to do it right.

 

Yeah, I agree it's confusing, I suppose some folks just drain the oil and refill, so there will always be a residue of oil left in the forks, just as when changing engine oil, so measuring from the top is the only way to get an accurate measure.

Also if the fork takes 409ml, then you know how much oil you'll need to go out and buy.

 

Makes sense now, thanks again. Sometimes my thinking is as clear as the old oil that I just drained. It's a pain waiting on parts to be delivered. Guess I'll go watch some NCAA and have a Scotch

 

"NCAA and have a Scotch"

Best post I've seen all day