Hi there,

My first post on here. I'm a long time Honda bike owner and have had a couple old ones. My first was a 1986 VF500, and my 2nd was a 1986 VFR750.

Anyhoo....my good friend just purchased a 1988 Honda CBR600F with aprox 38,000kms (23,600miles). It needs a bit of work but the one thing that seems a bit odd is the front Forks.

Sitting on the bike, with the front brake held I can very easily compress the forks. I rode the bike and the front end does feel a bit light. (I'm not a heavy guy either...about 145lbs)

I don't feel or see any Fork Oil around the Dust seals.

Possible the forks are just tired? No oil left?

What is the general oil weight used when refilling them?

 

Hey slowbird, welcome.

Here are the specs from the Repair Manual.

When sitting on the bike.
Right Fork Capacity: 361cc (12.2 US fl Oz, 12.7 Imp fl oz)
Left Fork Capacity: 371cc (12.5 US fl oz, 13.0 Imp fl oz)

Oil Level (Both Forks): 120mm (4.7in)

Oil level is measured from the top of the tube with the fork spring removed and the leg fully compressed.

The fluid is ATF (Dextron/Mercon)

You can also add anywhere from 0 to 6 psi (0 to 0.4 Bar) of air pressure to stiffen the forks.

 

Thanks tds!

It's recommended to add air to the Forks on these bikes?

I know on the old VFR's we tended to sat away from that.

Any chance adding air could cause already old seals to leak?

 

Well, if they are leaking then I would imagine it would make them leak a bit more. But it's in the manual you can add up to 6psi. I need to do that on mine here soon because just going over the slightest bump bottoms mine out after just getting the fork seals replaced and fresh oil.

 

Thanks TDS. maybe we'll try adding some air.

On an unrelated note.....where'd you get your clear signals?

 

the front are lenses only and i bought them at denniskirk.com for 6 bucks each the rears are carbon fibre mini signals also from denniskirk.com for 20 bucks a set.

 

Thanks!
Much appreciated.

 

no problem, let us know how you make out with the forks.

 

I had a similar problem with my '90 and ended up putting in new springs and oil seals since I had to take it apart to check the oil level anyway. Not sure which it was, but the new race tech springs feel AMAZING

 

you can also cut some spacers out of pvc or copper tube. about 3-4 inches long, and install them above the springs. that will help a little if the springs have worn out. you might also try using actual fork oil, they sell it in different weights. first thing you should do is make sure there is oil in there.