So I picked up a 954 this past weekend and I'm going through everything to make sure she's road worthy. Previous owner mentioned he replaced the fork seals and dust covers... But I'm concerned something may have been put back together incorrectly. There's a springy noise from the forks. If I crank the preload down all the way it lessens a bit, but the forks feel like absolute trash no matter what I have the rebound or compression set to.

Also, every bike I've had in the past the suspension adjustments would click when adjusting... These don't. Are they supposed to click or just be a smooth turn?

 

smooth turn is normal, but the spring noise is not. I would take them apart and check things out. It probably could use new springs for your weight and some fresh oil anyhow.

 

He was heavier than me, but I like a stiffer ride...

I may have other issues though because my compression and rebound adjustments seem to be backwards... When I crank it to harder it gets softer

 

Definitely need to service the forks. If you turn preload adjuster all the way in do the forks get stiff. The valve and shim stack are located inside the damper and not easy to remove so I doubt the previous owner had it out while changing fork seals.

https://cbrforum.com/forum/how-103/c...lation-120001/

https://cbrforum.com/forum/how-103/r...lation-135403/

 

Nope... Cranking it down all the way doesn't seem to change the actual feel of the forks. And fork travel is a little more than half way with just me putting a little weight on it to push it down...

 

The actual preload adjuster under the decorative cap is probably stripped. If you dont feel resistance as you tighten the preload adjuster something is wrong. As for travel in pic above that looks normal.

 

I can move it all the way in and out with a socket wrench.... I almost want to open up the caps and see if there's any fluid in them.. When tightening and loosening preload I can hear the spring making noise.

 

Almost want to?

 

Well without a front stand lots of wants are put on hold for the time being

 

If you have a decent size ladder, then you can suspend the front of the bike using ratchet straps with the A of the ladder over the handle bars/triple tree. I did one of my F4i's like that.