Glad I could help some. One of the easier maintenance things I have done so far.

 

strange, i checked my clymer manual and it says "compressed". I've also found some other sources on the internet (although not specific to the F2), that also say compressed.

I just found a massive fork oil leak myself, so I'm going to dive into this soon, so it'd be nice to get someone to give a final verdict on compressed vs extended.

 

When they say compressed, I believe they are talking about the piston itself. The outer tube you want extended, otherwise you will not have enough fluid. Someone else please correct me if im wrong....

 

Ah, so damping rod all the way "in", and outer fork tube all the way "out"?

 

That's how I did it, then pump the dampening rod to remove air.

 

There seems to be some confusion about extended v compressed fork tube when measuring the oil level.

Clymer Manual: "a. Hold the fork tube vertical and completely compress the fork tube into the slider. b. Use a fork oil level gauge and measure the distance from the top surface of the fork tube to the oil level surface."

F2 Manual: "Compress fork tube fully and pour the specified amount of fork fluid into the fork tube."

Compressed means the fork upper (fork tube) is pushed fully down into the fork lower (fork slider). Measuring the fork oil level should be done without the spring installed. Thus, extending the fork tube, lowers the oil level allowing room for the volume of the spring.

According to Clymer, oil heights are:
US and Canada
91-93 118mm
94 135mm

Europe
91-92 118mm
93-on 135mm

 

Thanks optimistic, seems I have filled mine the wrong way. Haven't noticed any negative effects.... A little stiffer but I assumed it was because I reset my preloaded settings to stock. Oh well, guess its Time to drain some oil out... Big fun....

 

I would also quote the Haynes manual, but I don't have it with me, and it doesn't really matter, because it says the same thing - Prime is right on the money - forks compressed, spring out, oil heights referenced are measured from the top of the tube.

 

I'm sorry dammit I was wrong, I should have looked in the manual before to make sure before I try to help. I actually redid my forks twice following the manual to a "t". I dont know what made me think "extended". Please for give me. I will never try to help again unless I look it up in the manual first. I promise.

 

Oohh this is bad news. I did it this way pictured fully extended. I haven't ridden the bike yet to see how it feels. Do i need to tear it all back down and fill it properly or should i be ok this way???

Can anyone measure the top tube fully extended and compressed from the top to the dust seal?