Too much travel ????

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  • GateKeeper
    • Feb 2026

    #1

    Too much travel ????

    This here is my concern...the zip tie shows how much travel I have, by just holding the front brake and pushing down on the bars, I really don't know if this is normal, I think, they are diving down too much, measuring shows a travel of 4 inches, seems kinda too much, while over with spyug on the weekend, on his 750 I did the same, and it seems his only went down about 3 inches, now he does have the anti dive units closed off, and I do not, bleeding was done according to the manual, springs are in speck, so I really don't know....also while on the side stand and as soon as I upright the bike it drops about a 1/4 to 1/2 inch, just from it's own weight, this does not seem right either, does it ?

    fresh oil in the forks, #10 weight, and 308ml was put into each one

    Any tips or suggestions, other than adding a spacer, I am more interested if this is a normal amount of travel, manual don't say squat about this...

    Thanks

  • spyug

    #2
    GK, I just noticed you are running 10 weight. I think mine is 15 ( according to a note the PO had written in the manual). I always use 15 in mine and I just put 15 in the 550 forks that I just did. I think that should help a bit.

    As to the bike dropping a bit as it gets upright I think that would be normal too.

    I think I would leave it for now until you can ride it. That would likely give you a better idea. You will be able to see (and feel) right away if it dives too much or pogos. This way, any adjustments you make will be quantifyable (I like to use a big word at least once a day )

    Getting those carbs on?

    Cheers,
    spyug

    Comment

    • bccap
      Forum LongTimer
      Past Site Supporter
      • May 2011
      • 27299
      • Vancouver B.C.

      #3
      I'll check mine later today, and post results. I'm running 15 wt. and about 10 lb.'s air. A bicycle shock pump works great for adding air.

      Comment

      • Guest

        #4
        I have used the 30wt fork oil the last 28 years. Seems like it really works the best that I can tell. Then again here 100 degree days seems to thin out the fork oil some.

        Comment

        • spyug

          #5
          and about 10 lb.'s air
          Did we forget that part of the equation? I'll bet we did. I must admit, I never stopped to think of it.

          Did you add air?

          Spyug

          Comment

          • GateKeeper

            #6
            nope....no air added, but I never ran it before with air...

            also I used the 10 weight oil, as per the manual, I can always get some heavier, pull some out of the 10 and add equal amount of heavy

            I will add some air and see how it goes, or don't goes...LOL

            maybe I am getting old and forgetful, and I just don't recall on how it actually was before I started the rebuild

            Thanks for the suggestions...

            .

            Comment

            • bccap
              Forum LongTimer
              Past Site Supporter
              • May 2011
              • 27299
              • Vancouver B.C.

              #7
              I'm only using 15 wt. because I cannot stand the sight of an unopened beer bottle.

              Comment

              • Larry D
                Forum Sage
                Past Site Supporter
                • Jul 2008
                • 4926
                • Indianapolis,IN

                #8
                Here's a nice thread on the topic.

                Larry D
                1980 GS450S
                1981 GS450S
                2003 Heritage Softtail

                Comment

                • bccap
                  Forum LongTimer
                  Past Site Supporter
                  • May 2011
                  • 27299
                  • Vancouver B.C.

                  #9
                  My measurements were, 3/4", from side stand to stand up, and 4" travel. I use the anti dive as well. The bike handles great and I haven't been anywhere near bottoming the forks. I'm also a heavy guy. Hope it helps.

                  Comment

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