I have replaced the fork seals and added 120ml of ATF oil, but on compression i get a clonk from inside the fork legs, and still too much fork travel is this the right amount of oil? any ideas.

Glenn, September 2008

it could be loose steering head bearings

put the bike on a stand so the front wheel is off the ground

then grab the front wheel and pull forwards and backwards, get someone too look or feel if there is movement at the top or bottom of the steering head bearings.

you are looking for differential movement between the steering front tube (frame) and the triple clamps.

tighten the bearings and replace them if they are notchy.

never overtighten steering head bearings, you want the wheel to move freely from side to side with just a slight tension.

some mechanics see if the wheel will just fall from centre to lockon its own, that is usually enough.

jkwobble brisbane, October 2008

fist of all make sure atf is recomended lube,usually sae 5 or 10.2nd oil is for damping the rebound and has no effect on travel only slows down the rebound..spring length determines fork travel.small bikes wear out springs easily.free length mesurement and compare to manual specs give an indication of wear.if they are bottoming out then you need new springs.To be honest though I have fitted steel slugs on top of the springs to increase preload in the past.

caine, September 2008