I wanted to ask about changing the fork oil in my 2007 model 1200 Sport (22k kms, fork oil never changed).
I have read Graham's instructions in another post concerning changing the oil for the 1100 Breva, however I understand the 1200 Sport has different front forks. As far as I can understand, unlike the 1100 Breva, the 1200s does not have pre-load adjustment, just compression / rebound damping adjustment, is this correct?
I have tried backing off both the compression / rebound damping adjustment but it has made no difference to the harsh ride. I find the ride at low speeds quite harsh and would like to soften it up. If indeed there is only compression / rebound adjustment for the 1200s forks, apart from changing the spring, I figure the only other way of softening the ride is to go to a thin grade of oil. I thought I would try 5w oil.
I will be changing the front tyre in January next year, so I though I would change the fork oil at the same time. Although it is a pain, I will change the oil per the manual and remove each fork and flush them with kerosene.
In short, these are my questions:
1. Does the 1200s only have compression / rebound damping adjustment, or have I got it wrong? 2. Will changing to 5w oil soften up the suspension action? 3. Does anyone have any advice for changing the fork oil on a 1200s? The forks appear to be quite different from the 1100 Breva forks.
I've got the '08 1200 Sport. The forks have different functions. One has the compression damping in it and the other the rebound. So, if yours is the same you can alter the damping characteristics of one function without affecting the other with different weight oils. My forks actually feel too soft, especially when using the front brake, so I've increased compression damping which of course makes for a harsher fork action, but doesn't lessen the fork dive as much as I'd like. On suspension, correct spring weight is always step number one, by measuring wheel travel, rider sag and free sag. I actually think mine needs stiffer springs and less compression, but I haven't done the measuring process myself (too lazy, rather ride.) Unfortunately, no preload available on the forks.
Yes, I agree there is too much dive under brakes, however given the choice between a soft ride and great handling dynamics, I'll take the ride.
I find on the rough roads we have here in Australia, at say 60km/hr (38mph), the jarring at the front causes my hand to rotate the throttle, with the slack in the drive train, the bike starts lurching back and forward. I have done all I can regarding the touchy throttle on this model; I have a Guzzitech ECU in the bike, the throttle cable slack is adjusted and I only balanced the throttle bodies & zeroed TPS 2 months ago. I would now like to try to soften the front suspension to see whether I can alleviate this problem.
I know it is an unfair comparison, but I test rode a Triumph Thunderbird a few weeks ago at a demo day, and although it was not my type of bike (no ground clearance, uncomfortable riding position, poorly dampened rear suspension and minimal engine character), wow it sure did have a subtle ride, it just loafed over the roughest surfaces with ease (though the rear suspension started pogoing which would have been very disconcerting on a twisty road).
I too am ready to change my fork oil - but I am going heavier! This is a cheap arsed effort at better handling.
Ideally a progressive rate spring would be a vast improvement (or should be at least) over the single rate in the forks. However, money is a governing factor at this end. I have read on this forum (and on 1200Sport) that a heavier oil weight might help and that is the path I am going. Of importance is the manufacturer of the oil as "oils aint oils" and different manufacturers oils of the same "weight" are in fact different.
I have just turned 40,000km on mine and it is probably due for more oil in the forks anyway. But I am like you in that I am putting it off due to the non convenience of the process. I guess I will bite the bullet one day when I feel benevolent towards the bike.
Good luck with the ride this weekend (I hope it is happening...) - I could not do it as I am travelling to Canberra on Sunday for a conference Mon-Wed. There is a pretty full programme, starting Sunday night. I will see if any time allows us to catch up when I get there. I will be staying on campus at ANU.
I'd been satisfied with the front fork handling and riding characteristics of my 2008 1200 Sport, but when the left fork seal blew, it was time to pull the forks. I couldn't find the info describing how to dismantle the forks. When consulting the shop manuals, the illustrations appeared to be of the Breva fork instead of the Sport's. Since I'd never dismantled a fork with compression and rebound adjusters attached to the fork caps, I was afraid I'd cause damage dismantling them, so instead, took them to a local Ducati/Triumph shop who employs an excellent mechanic with previous Guzzi experience. I had purchased the seals and dust covers from MPH ahead of time.
Removing and reinstalling the forks on the Sport is a piece of cake. My bike is equipped with a center stand, and that, combined with a small scissors jack, lets me raise the front end off the ground just enough to make the job easy. The most difficult part for me is getting the front axle realigned so that it slides through both fork legs.
1. Does the 1200s only have compression / rebound damping adjustment, or have I got it wrong? 2. Will changing to 5w oil soften up the suspension action? 3. Does anyone have any advice for changing the fork oil on a 1200s? The forks appear to be quite different from the 1100 Breva forks.
Hi Jason, missed this post until now. As outlined above, they are cartridge forks and one side handles Compression, other side Rebound. Most cartridge forks use 5-10w standard, not sure that I've seen noted what is used from the Factory. Advice on the basics; http://www.traxxion.com/forkspringkitinstall.aspx
Hope that helps, post pictures when you do the job.
Todd at GuzziTech.com SoCal GuzziTech Power Since 2001!
The Traxxion article is interesting. Thanks for posting. Appears the 1200 Sport may use cartridge forks vs damper rod type (like the Breva?), and may require a few special tools to dismantle and reassemble. Maybe I did the right thing by doing the dirty work (removing and reinstalling the forks) and letting a shop do the more detailed work of dismantling the forks and replacing the seals.
I am now thinking of going with progressive fork springs with my 1200 Sport with 5W oil to try and soften up the ride, however I am having some problems deciphering the parts manual (the 1200 Sport manual shows the Breva 1100 fork).
See the parts diagram attachment below.
From your reading, would I need to remove the sleeve (part 21) to remove the spring (part 19)? Or can I remove the spring after just removing the top plug (part 24) without any need for any further disassembly?
As I understand it if I need to remove the sleeve (part 21), this would require removal of the fork dust cover / seal to be removed.
