I was told that my F4 needed to get fork spring replaced. I would like to do it myself, and was wondering if there is a how to somewhere here, any suggestions on what springs to get, tips?

Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

I found the how to on F4i forks, and I am wondering if F4 and F4i forks are the same???

 

check the service manual.
it seems rather clear. next week I am replacing the oil in the forks and it doesn't seem that difficult. only follow the manual.

and yes, the forks should be similar.

 

F4 & F4i forks are externally the same. Internally, there's minor differences.
*F4 forks are - Showa MBW-671
*F4i forks are - Showa MBW-A11

Procedures for servicing are the same. Be sure to order parts specific for F4 forks. Factory Honda parts are sufficient for everyday street use...dust & oil seals, springs, & suspension fluid (ProHonda SS8 10W).

As stated, just follow the factory Honda service manual & you shouldn't have any trouble. Mainly, you want to take your time w/ the seals & not damage them during installation. One little nick/gouge on a new seal & it will leak. Then, you've got to re-install a new seal over again.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the input guys. Any suggestions on what aftermarket springs to replace stock ones?

 

Check out Race Tech Suspension

 

Here's a link to Progressive Suspension, been around forever, quality products.

Motorcycle Fork Springs :: Motorcycle Lowering :: Progressive Suspension

If you are not going for a complete re-build, all you have to do is pull the top-caps to
get to the springs.

Support the front end, takeing the load off the forks. Carefully remove the top-caps.
Then use a bent wire to fish the springs out, slide the new ones in. Watch pulling the
top-caps, though, some bikes have a fair amount of pre-load on them. Watching a
top-cap fly across the garage is only amusing when it's your buddy's.

One option, before you get new springs. Try cutting a 1/2 to 3/4 pvc spacer.
Use the hvy schedule pvc, a piece that just fits in the top of the tube.
Place that between the cap and the spring and re-install the cap.
That will give you a bit more pre-load and stiffen the suspension up.
There will be a bit less travel, but sometimes it's a decent, inexpensive solution.

Good luck, Ern

Ern

 

do you remember why you were were told you need to replace your fork and spring?

 

Thanks buddy. I have heard of progressive makes quality inexpensive springs. I think I will mostly go for progressive. Also, thanks for the tips, The other day, I was talking to a guy who has been riding for 50+ years and he told me the exact same except the pvc part. Why I need a bit more pre-load?

 

I just youtubed some vids on how to change fork seal. In one of the videos, the dude just unscrewed the end cap and it didnt seem to be pre-loaded. My question is " IS IT?"