im not sure if my front is too soft or not, this is my first bike. It seems if i hold the front brakes and push forward the front forks compress to easily? If i adjust the compression knobs it doesnt seem to affect anythign either. This is a 1996 kat kit 7000 miles on it and it has been sitting for years if that helps.
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You talking about the brass strait screw at the top of the fork?? Thats for rebound not compression. The only way really to stiffen up the forks is put in heavier weight fork oil and maybe a stiffer spring! You probably need new for oil anyways, being its that old!Um I dont know any wise quotes so go read katansoldiers quote in his signature!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Originally posted by Black_peterDo a search, all the information you need is here.
I'm sure of it. (how to check the oil, rebuild the forks etc..)
The Katana's 600 & 750's use a progressive (2-stage) spring rate in their OEM springs -- the top inch or two of the spring has looser turns than the rest.. This design helps it suck up little bumps and big bumps at two different rates, but the downside to it is that when you're on the brakes, the bike will dive through the weaker zone really easily, resulting in a lot of brake dive.
When you put a spacer in there, you are effectively pre-compressing the spring's weaker section so it doesn't play into the action (or plays into it only a little bit).
If, at any point, the forks dive all the way down to the point that they stop, it's a serious indication that the springs have permanently weakened too much and should be replaced.
Factory spec calls for rebuilding your forks every other year (new oil seals, new dust seals, and new oil). Parts are fairly cheap ($40 should net you all the parts you need), and a typical shop gets an hour of labor per fork to do the rebuild (hour-and-a-half if they're still on the bike).
Cheers,
=-= The CyberPoet
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race tech springs for your weight for the katana.
I used a longer spacer in my bike. Yes, stock is to soft for most riders, I think "generic" comes to mind. Manufactures like to keep the stock suspension soft for those who are new to riding.TDA Racing/Motorsports
1982 Honda CB750 Nighthawk, 1978 Suzuki GS750 1986 Honda CBR600 Hurricane; 1978 Suzuki GS1100E; 1982 Honda CB750F supersport, 1993 Suzuki Katana GSX750FP. 1981 Suzuki GS1100E (heavily Modified) http://katriders.com/vb/showthread.php?t=94258
Who knows what is next?
Builder of the KOTM Mreedohio september winning chrome project. I consider this one to be one of my bikes also!
Please look at this build! http://katriders.com/vb/showthread.php?t=91192
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I'm getting some of those sonic springs (www.sonicsprings.com) monday. I'll post up how they feel.
On another note, just put 15W oil in my forks and it made a HUGE difference, I think. I haven't been out on it yet, but they feel stiffer.....None of us are as dumb as all of us.....
“To do what ought to be done, but would not have been done unless I did it, I thought to be my duty.”
-Robert Morrison
"well, i havent beat katana hero on expert level yet chris" -katanawarrior
"I believe in the free speech that liberals used to believe in, the economic freedom that conservatives used to believe in, and the personal freedom America used to believe in"
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Originally posted by ravenous reigndoin mine tommorow. tryin the 3/4 spacer, raising it 1/8, the 15w oil, new seals and dust covers. anything else i need or should try? just got the bike, it has 33,000 miles and is in good shape, just not maintained well.
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Originally posted by ravenous reignraising the forks 1/8 above the clamp. (lowering the bike) the sliders look pretty good but i'll double check.... thanks.
In fact I would rebuild the forks, ride it. (find a good road you are so comfortable with that you can take time to notice what the forks feel like)
Then add the spacer.
Then drop the 1/8 inch.. (or more)
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does the 1/8 inch drop make that much of a difference? i could hold off on the spacers, but i would like to do the drop while i have it all apart so i can get it all torqed, locktited and be done with it. i ride hard and im pretty adaptable on any bike, rockets/choppers/quads so i wouldnt mind a aggressive suspension.
Originally posted by Black_peterOriginally posted by ravenous reignraising the forks 1/8 above the clamp. (lowering the bike) the sliders look pretty good but i'll double check.... thanks.
In fact I would rebuild the forks, ride it. (find a good road you are so comfortable with that you can take time to notice what the forks feel like)
Then add the spacer.
Then drop the 1/8 inch.. (or more)
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Originally posted by ravenous reigndoes the 1/8 inch drop make that much of a difference? i could hold off on the spacers, but i would like to do the drop while i have it all apart so i can get it all torqed, locktited and be done with it. i ride hard and im pretty adaptable on any bike, rockets/choppers/quads so i wouldnt mind a aggressive suspension.
The 1/8 drop can really speed up the turn in. The part where the bike "falls" over into a turn.
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