Fork oil and gaiters ?

[Guest]

Having problem with finding out the correct volume of fork oil for my gs750L that has the leading axle front forks unlike the std.gs forks with the axle bolted to the end of the slider.Being very rare here in NZ info is also non-existant.If someone has the correct volume spec it woul be greatly appreciated.
Fitting new steering head bearings and also wondered if there is a commonly available set of fork gaiters to fit these style forks.
cheers all

[Erki]

It should be in the service manual which you can download from basscliff's site.

[DanTheMan]

Here are some specs from the 850-1100 series. You don't say what year your bike is either, and that helps. The leading axle forks on the 850L (79-80) take 302cc or 10.2 US oz or 10.6 Imp. oz. The forks on an '81 850GL take 251 cc, 8.5 US oz and 8.8 Imp oz., and in '82 that changed to 245cc, 8.3 US oz and 6.9 Imp oz.
Right off the top of my head I don't know the diameter or length of your fork tubes, but they should be pretty close. It's very important that the same amount is used in each tube, and that all the old fork oil has been removed.

On edit: The gaiters on my 850 came from some Rancho off road shocks for my Jeep. I don't put gaiters on them, as it traps garbage that will ruin the shocks.

[Baatfam]

I put Traxxion guards on my K1100RS forks, but before I did, I test fitted them on my GS1100E and they fit very well.

I plan on getting a set for it by spring...

[daturat100r]

Thanks guys,the basscliff manuals do not cover a 79 gs750l and tried the 4 valve manual but suspected that the forks would be different on these models so thanks for the correct info.The list of problems grow on my bike just went to fit new rear brake pads and one piston is locked solid along with its bleeder.Might source a second hand one and reco it and I'm sure the front brakes will need a rekit as well.
Rode to work yesterday and the steering head bearings are getting really bad so todays mission is to install new ones and replce fork oil and if time permits check shims and tommorw i will order a carb balancing set cause the carbs are badly out of sync.
cheers l

[cowboyup3371]

Actually the service manual for the early 8 valve 750 would work for you IF the link was active. But I think something is wrong with his site right now.

[daturat100r]

Downloaded the manuals no problem but the 8valve manual ,which i have a hardcopy of,is print in 76 and does not cover the L model which has different forks not used till 78/79 or thereabouts.Thanks to dan for the info,iwill compare part numbers and get the oil changed
Another question for you guys ,the allballs taper roller headstock kit states the main stem may require a bit turning of it to allow the nuts to take up the endfloat,does anyone know if this mod is required on a 79 gs750L.If it does then hopefully it will fit the gap on my lathe otherwise it will mean having no transport for a few days and getting the part machined on a friends large lathe.Hassle and major planning will be required unless i do the job at his workshop,risky if something goes wrong will end up with a 40 mile walk home.

[Hoosier Daddy]

I have a printed manual for the 1976-1980 GS750 series.
In the appendix for the 750L thats towards the back, it states 280 ml (in each leg)
My fork gators came from cycle-x HERE and were advertised fitting a Honda CB750.

[daturat100r]

Perfect ,just what I was looking for. Thanks guys

[jknappsax]

So, is Dan right about gaiters catching dirt and ruin the inner fork tubes? I've thought about it, and Noj makes some cordura and closed-cell foam, but is there a consensus about gaiters?

[Baatfam]

So, is Dan right about gaiters catching dirt and ruin the inner fork tubes? I've thought about it, and Noj makes some cordura and closed-cell foam, but is there a consensus about gaiters?

The BMW K bike guys swear by gaiters...

No gaiters = new seals often.
Gaiters = new seals almost never.

You do have to make sure that they have a drain hole near the bottom so they don't trap water...

[daturat100r]

Main reason to fit gaiters for me is to protect the hard chrome from stones.They do not seem to trap dirt any more than the dust caps do and just as with dust caps, cleaning underneath is a necessary part of the maintenance program.