Peg leg Bonnie

[Rocky]

I had a new rear tire put on a couple of weeks ago and the front one this past week. I got just over 15,000 km's out of the Metzlers so I thought that was good wear.
While I had the front wheel off it was also time to put in the new progressive fork springs.
I've spent a lot of time reading the repair manual, so this morning I took the horns by the bull and removed one fork leg. I had never worked on this bike before, but it was really quite easy. The fork leg is draining as we speak.
I should have them both done today unless SWMBO has other plans for me CRY

 

[hemibee]

She must be a real booger to ride, peg legged and all. . .

 

[keystiger]

Great pic Rocky, Hope it all goes back together well for you. And we will need an "official" post on the new fork springs, of course.

 

[Rocky]

Great pic Rocky, Hope it all goes back together well for you. And we will need an "official" post on the new fork springs, of course.

I have the new shocks on the rear, and will have new progressive fork springs too, but it will be at least six weeks before I can ride, so it will be a while before I can report on the new suspension CRY

 

[DaveM]

Good going Rocky more than what I would attempt

 

[Rocky]

Good going Rocky more than what I would attempt

That's why I do a lot of research and reading of repair manuals before I start things like this. I took both of my vintage bikes completely apart and put them back together again so I knew this shouldn't be all that hard either.

 

[The Seeker]

I've never had to pull the entire fork out of the yokes to change springs. Is there a reason you couldn't just remove the upper bolt and pull the spring then slide the new one in?

Posted using Tapatalk 2 via my RAZR

 

[R.Hawks]

I've never had to pull the entire fork out of the yokes to change springs. Is there a reason you couldn't just remove the upper bolt and pull the spring then slide the new one in?

Posted using Tapatalk 2 via my RAZR

To drain the oil.

 

[The Seeker]

Yeah....if you change the oil. Even still, you can drain it while still in the yokes.

Or don't Bonnies have drains at the bottom?

Posted using Tapatalk 2 via my RAZR

 

[Rocky]

Yeah....if you change the oil. Even still, you can drain it while still in the yokes.

Or don't Bonnies have drains at the bottom?

Posted using Tapatalk 2 via my RAZR

No, no drain holes at the bottom. My H***a is the same way.
What a PITA to have to pull the front end off just to change the fork oil!!
The fork oil level is different (lower) with the larger diameter of the new springs - plus it's much easier to work on the fork tube with it out of the bike. I'm going to fit fork gaiters too so the tube had to come out anyway.
I knew the progressive fork springs were longer than factory, but I didn't realize there was such a difference until I placed them side by side

 

[The Seeker]

That explains it then...thanks Rocky.

Those are long!

Posted using Tapatalk 2 via my RAZR

 

[DaveM]

Wow they are a lot longer

 

[CarlS]

You are going to love that new front suspension. Nice work.

 

[devo]

hey Rocky
I'm not for one minute trying to tell my grandma how to suck eggs, but I put this up in the America/Speedy section and it may be of use to you.
https://www.triumphtalk.com/showthread.php/22282-Fork-oil-replacement?p=155839#post155839

 

[Rocky]

Thanks for the link devo. You and I think alike. I work from a detailed list too
The forks are back on the bike with new fork gaiters. It's really not that hard to do. After I did one fork leg the other one was very easy. I'll put the fender (mudguard) back on today and then clean up the caliper and replace the brake pads. I bought an EBC brake pad and disc kit from New Bonneville - which is where I got the Ikon shocks too. I was able to source the Progressive fork springs in Canada.

 

[devo]

So, no trouble getting those longer springs in then.?

 

[Rocky]

So, no trouble getting those longer springs in then.?

No, none at all.
The spring kit supplied a length of PVC pipe that I cut spacers to the length recommended in the installation structions and provides just the right amount of pre-load on the spring when you screw the cap back on. It takes a little effort to push the spring back into the tube to engage the threads, but that was quite easy too.
I used 10 weight fork oil as was recommended, and since the original oil was seven years old, I took the opportunity to change it - even though it looked fine and wasn't dirty or mucky. For $10.00, why not do it while I had the chance.
Now that I've done it once (if there ever is a next time) it's really quite easy to do.
If you have a bit of mechanical ability, and aren't afraid to take things apart, things like this aren't all that hard.
Do a little research; read the repair manual more than once, and follow the steps in order.

 

[DaveM]

Very well done Rocky, looking great with it all together

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Rocky]

Bonnie is all back in one piece
I put the fender on this morning, cleaned the brake caliper and fitted the new pads. Once all that was done I carried on and put the wheel on and torqued everything up.
Can't wait for spring now
Environment Canada is predicting a dryer and warmer spring than usual, but I'll wait and see before putting any money on that prediction

 

[DaveM]

Well while you waiting for spring you can allways just sit on it and go Vroom Vroom