Topic: CB500 forks - help!

[HondaRog]

I've taken the forks out of the triple tree to re-oil them, and having done that, reassembled and refitted them, there seems to be no tension in either fork - I can pushg down but they don't spring back. Everything looks OK from the outside.

Somebody PLEASE tell this numbskull what he's done wrong?

Thanks all,
Honda Rog 

[fastbroshi]

  Are you sure you put the right amount of oil back in?  Is that info in the manual by the way?  While doing so, you have to pump them a couple times to get the air out IIRC.

[HondaRog]

  Are you sure you put the right amount of oil back in?  Is that info in the manual by the way?  While doing so, you have to pump them a couple times to get the air out IIRC.

Yeah, 160ml as stated, using the kitchen measuring jug (what else?). Did pump them to see what they felt like, seemed OK - but first time I've ever done owt like this, so no idea what to expect.

Guess I might take them out and start again. Have a feeling I've missed something blindingly obvious, or put them together wrong.

[fastbroshi]

You said there seems to be no tension.  When you pushed down on them, did they return at all?  What weight oil did you use?

[Jordan]

Allen bolt in the bottom of the lowers locks plunger in place, a spacer on the plunger, spring sits on it, lock nut, compresses spring somewhat,  and cap screws on with an o ring, a drain bolt on outboard bottom legs are about all there is to mess up, my manual calls for 5.2 oz 30wt oil. Hope you figure it out. 

[fastbroshi]

30wt?  You sure about that?  20W is used for racing apps.

[Jordan]

I was kind of wrong on the fork oil thing, the manual on page 17 says SAE 10w30 160cc (5.4 oz). 1973 CB500K? Four cyl.

[scottly]

Just a shot in the dark: Loosen all the triple clamp bolts, and make sure everything is aligned and centered before you clamp things back down. The forks may be twisted, and binding.

[HondaRog]

Thanks all. Further investigation shows that the RH lower may be distorted - there's a chewed off bolt where the mudguard fits, and I reckon PO has damaged the lower leg in trying to get the stub out - the tube only slides freely in about 6", then sticks pretty tight. LH leg feels fine.

I'm in the UK - anyone know of a LH leg for sale?

[HondaRog]

Sorted, thanks to Newport Classic Motorcycles (07859 814026). Bike is now on the road and feels FANTASTIC to ride! Woo Hoo! Thank you Mr. Honda!