Suspension too soft?

[emanuel_v19]

Hello,

So I'm a little concerned about the front suspension of my bike. Every time I push down it goes really down. Almost feels like it bottoms out and has no oil. It does spring back to its normal position but it's kinda scary how it's so soft. All this takes place standing still and Not really riding. Should I be worried? Maybe old oil? I was planning to get new springs but I was hoping I could wait that out till I saved some money. Any suggestions? Was considering taking it to a shop to get it checked. Let me know, thank you all

[lucas]

Have you checked that you have oil in your forks?  From the sound of it they may be empty.  It isn't that hard to check them.

[fetor56]

You can also use heavier weight fork oil or if your strapped for $'s use ATF.

[emanuel_v19]

Any links? Also, is ATF thicker than stock? I thought stock and ATF was 10w ?

[Slack]

1: support the bike with the front wheel off the ground.
2: take the caps off the fork tubes Keep your hand on top of it as it comes off, it's spring loaded and can shoot across the room.
3: remove the spacer, washer, and spring from each tube. Make sure you keep track of orientation (left vs right and top vs bottom).
4: lift the wheel to compress the forks all the way and support it there.
5: measure how far down the tube the oil is (measuring in the very center of the tube, to account for the steering head angle.

Honestly, it's probably best to pull off the wheel, remove the fork tubes completely, drain them, and put in fresh oil. It Should be changed ever year or two at most.

Most people run 15 weight oil, some 20.

[gregjet]

ATF viscosity rating is NOT the same as fork fluid, which is not the same as engine oil which is not the same as transfer case oil. They measure them differently I have been told.
ATF has several viscosities depending on the type ( not the brand). I know one is roughly the same ACTUAL viscosity as 30wt fork oil. Can't remember which one. Use fork oil.

[Nathcarr91]

I changed the fork oil in mine when I put new fork seals in but I used 15weight oil and that was a massive improvement on what it was like much firmer.

However.....as your describing how your forks are in my opinion I think you will definitely benefit from just a change of standard 10 weight oil, the reason I say this is because I've just done mine on my sv like on Sunday, because it too was really soft, and diving loads when riding, so i changed the oil for standard 10 weight again and the difference was noticeable right away feels wicked on the front end now

So to conclude if you want firmer than they are just do a standard oil change on them with 10 weight because it's fresh stuff compared to what's in it
If you want to go firmer still just change to 15 weight instead I don't think changing to progressive forks and stuff is completely necessary on the gs in my opinion

Hope all helps


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[emanuel_v19]

Ok awesome. Should i add a spacer to help with the damp? if so, what size? Right now, from what i read, i think ill just change to 15wt because it is too soft right now. Kinda scary when turning. I dont ride aggressive. Just casual street riding. More like cruising. Highway very rarely. Opinions?

[Joolstacho]

How heavy are you? You might need a little extra preload spacer if you are pretty heavy, and match that with heavier fork oil.
(Just using heavier oil will stiffen up the damping, but not the springing).

[emanuel_v19]

Im at 165lbs or so. But I plan on gaining some weight. Maybe hit 180 max.

[Nathcarr91]

I never did with mine mate just a simple oil change, cheap as chips fix and makes a massive difference I would just stick with the oil change and if you still want it firmer in a few months time then look at doing something different then


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[emanuel_v19]

Ok sounds good! I will be replacing with 10w and hopefully that does the job. If not, ill change to 15w in the future. Thank you all

[ShowBizWolf]

I put on a bit of weight recently and am up to 150lbs... that being said, I have 20w fork oil and I like it... but sometimes I wish they made like a 25 or 30 lol 

Based on your 165lb weight I'd imagine you'd be happy with the 20w as well ! 

Jools, that's a good point about the spacer... I'll have to remember that!

[Janx101]

150 showbiz?! ... dang. .  I'm twice the man you are! :/ ..  figuratively speaking!

[ShowBizWolf]

I was going through some hard times last year and lost like 20 pounds... then things started getting better and I gained some... I'm 5'7" so it's not like I'm pushing maximum density LOL but I'd like to get back to around 135-140! 

[Janx101]

5'7" .. 150 .... I'm only 5'11" ..  and admittedly way over right now.... but. ..  what the heck is it with womens and their weightses? ! ... self confidence comes from within.. not from 'without' ...

[Slack]

She just wants her bike to go faster again 

[ShowBizWolf]

LOLOL I love u guys   

lmao Janx I worry about my weightses because I want to look hawtses... 

or as close to that as I can 

[Janx101]

Exuding confidence in ones look and outlook adds more hawtses than poundses ever will!

[ShowBizWolf]

I certainly agree!! I try to have confidence and whatnot... but what I lack in that I try to make up for in kindness