I'm going to reply backwards. (Hey I do a lot of stuff backwards so what the heck. LOL)
seanbarney41,
Yup, they do.
Before the 28+ year nap, I was running the S&W progressive rate springs (which had spring rates of 28/48), the Vetter and 30Wt BelRay and the original Honda fork seals.
The "New Configuration" with the Progressive brand progressive rate springs (spring rates 35/55), 1.5 inch pvc pre-load spacer, Vetter and 30Wt BelRay fork oil.
There is a 7 lb difference, (stiffer) in the spring rate, which I did not think would make that big a difference in the stiffness of the front end, but it did. The 10Wt BelRay fork oil brought the front end back to a really nice firmness and is very responsive in my limited riding so far.
I would guess that (at least in my case) if I took the Vetter off, I might be OK, but might want to go up to 15 or 20 Wt. Don't forget, the Vetter mounting bracket weighs a few pounds as well. Also, I carry a bunch of stuff inside the Vetter, like spare tubes, extra headlight bulb, Tire Irons, spare master link for chain, etc.
When you get to follow through on your plans, don't be surprised if you need to change fork oil weight.
And I need another Vetter for my next project (1976 GL1000), so before you walk another one out to the dumpster, let me know!!!!! Would be really interested in a Vetter SS or similar with the leading edge turn signal lights.
Rafi,
I ordered a set of the Daido pads! Thanks! Hopefully that will cure the squeal. My original pads didn't do it, but at $88.00 for a set of original pads, I'll live with a little squeal every now and then. LOL
As far as the fork oil goes, I don't believe the BelRay is a synthetic. I could be wrong and I've been wrong before and will be again, but the BelRay has always been good for me.
And you're about 10 lbs of buffet more than me. Hahahaha
Stev-o,
Your RD350 is probably newer and doesn't use the same type of damping valving that the 750 uses?
Honda did stuff that nobody had ever done at that time, so it's not surprising to me that Yamaha specs motor oil. I hate to say it, but I guess I am a creature of habit. When I find something that works, I like to stick with it until I get convinced to change.
If I see the fork seals starting to weap, then I'll probably make a change, but until then I'll stick with what I know used to work for me. But, I did change from 30Wt to 10Wt so I'm not totally inflexible. LOL
70CB750,
I generally agree with Hondaman and value his opinion on all things Honda (that's why they call him Hondaman.
)
But most of the Honda's he works on have unknown maintenance logs, unknown usage, etc. So, to be safe and provide a quality product and service, he needs to use something that he knows WILL work and not come back in 6 months with a complaint. In my case, I do know the maintenance and usage, etc. So, will I keep his information in mind? You Betcha!!!! If I have trouble, I can change out my fork seals and make a change in fork oil. I've learned a lot from the guys (& gals) on this forum and have alternatives in my notes that I can explore if and when I need to.
All,
This has been the best discussion from a learning perspective for me. And I thank each and every one of you.
I just received my new RJ Platinum Helmet to replace my 40+ year old Shoei helmet. So I will have to go try it out tomorrow.
Maybe take a ride to the Hook (Sandy Hook, NJ).
Charlie