GS1150 front forks bottoming out after seal/bushing replaced

[Anonymous]

I replaced the fork seals and bushings recently. On the first ride the forks bottomed out on the first average sized bump. I have found that I can bottom them out with the front brake while rolling the bike ahead.
I tried installing spacers above the springs and increasing the preload but it didn't improve things.
Could this be happening due to oil weight or are there any obvious mistakes that I could have made when putting things back together?

[earlfor]

Re: GS1150 front forks bottoming out after seal/bushing repl

Sounds like you didnt put enough fork oil in the tubes. the specified amount is for each leg. It is not the total amount divided by 2 for both legs. Also, are your posi-damper "O" rings sealing? Are the posi's set to minimum or maximum restriction? Seals installed spring side down?

Ear;

I replaced the fork seals and bushings recently. On the first ride the forks bottomed out on the first average sized bump. I have found that I can bottom them out with the front brake while rolling the bike ahead.
I tried installing spacers above the springs and increasing the preload but it didn't improve things.
Could this be happening due to oil weight or are there any obvious mistakes that I could have made when putting things back together?

[Anonymous]

I have tried a few settings and the last one was on 4.
I'm pretty sure I added the correct amount of oil. I measured slightly more into each fork and then drew out a small amount to get to the recommended height.
I inspected the 'O' rings but did not replace them. There is no visible leakage outside of the unit.

[earlfor]

Did you set cap preset screws after installing the caps. How about the large washers that go on top of the springs? I use 30 wt non detergent oil in my 1150 forks. What oil weight did you use? I found lightweight oils in the forks did not work well at all with posi-damper units.

Earl

I have tried a few settings and the last one was on 4.
I'm pretty sure I added the correct amount of oil. I measured slightly more into each fork and then drew out a small amount to get to the recommended height.
I inspected the 'O' rings but did not replace them. There is no visible leakage outside of the unit.

[bradleymaynar]

I'm gonna assume nothing here. I don't know a whole lot about 1150 forks, but did you put air in them? Like I said, I'm unsure if this is a necessary thing, but it was the first thing that came to mind.

Brad tt

[Anonymous]

what amount of oil do the forks require? I just redid my fork seals on my 1984 1100gl and can't find the right amount to put in. Are there any alternatives to the fork oil that are cheaper?

[earlfor]

I dont use air in my 1150 forks. For those the wish to, about 4-5 lbs is plenty.

Earl

I'm gonna assume nothing here. I don't know a whole lot about 1150 forks, but did you put air in them? Like I said, I'm unsure if this is a necessary thing, but it was the first thing that came to mind.

Brad tt

[earlfor]

Different models require different amounts of oil in the fork tubes. My 85 1150E uses 9.6 ounces in each fork tube.

Earl

what amount of oil do the forks require? I just redid my fork seals on my 1984 1100gl and can't find the right amount to put in. Are there any alternatives to the fork oil that are cheaper?