This job was really about servicing the remore preload unit. On my rides I have been fiddling about the proload to get a comfy ride and improve cornering. This bike tends to wash out in corners and on roundabouts. There is no adjustment on the front suspension. There are few suspension settings to adjust on the rear suspension unit, just preload and rebound damping. My wife and I are probably in the middle weight range, even a bit lighter than the expected Pan riders, so the spring rate should not be an issue. There is nothing I can do about the spring raterebound or the damping except adjust the screw. The preload adjuster is a different matter. A little bit of internet research showed the preload unit was prone to loosing fluid and so the ability to adjust the preload on the shock. Click HERE to check out this Youtube video for the details on how to asses if the preload adjuster needs attension and how to go about the job. You need the seats removed but not the fairing just the nearside side panel. You don't many tools. A 10mm socket, a Phillips screw drive and a pointy probe. It is not clear in the videos but you top up the unit with fork oil. I happened to have 10 weight oil left over from the front suspension overhaul.
I removed the side panel and the two 10mm bolts hold the adjuster unit to the support bracket. My unit was at least as bad, and probably worse than the unit in the video. I was most concerned I might loose the the spring loaded ball bearing. In the end I managed the ball quite easily as the spring and ball where gummed with dirt in the old grease.
As per the video I removed the unit and tipped out the
oil. Oil, well, there was a bit. The black bits are from under the screw
knob.I did as instructed and flushed out the unit. As the video guy suggested I marked the banjo bolt and preload unit before starting and it was helpful in being able to reposition and refit the unit on to the preload support bracket. Whilst I had the unit in bits I cleaned and refurbished all the parts that were accesible. I had been a bit over enthusiastic with the rattle can so I spent a few minutes with 1500 grade paper sanding off over spray from the prelaod unit. the unit wa srefilled with 10 weight suspention oil.
Once the preload was refitted one could feel the resistance of the oil with one and half turns of the adjuster knob. I also checked the rebound adjuster screw for free movement. I am pleased to report it works perfectly. The side panel was refitted.
The next job will to go for a spin and adjust the preload the damping to suit me.
The next job will to go for a spin and adjust the preload the damping to suit me.
Next job....buy new tyres. I am thinking of MICHELIN Pilot Road 4 GT.
