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    Damper Valve Adjustment

    As Salty_Monk was unable to find his 35mm damper valves from last month, I bought a set from MikesXS two weeks ago. I'm ready to install them (damper rods were drilled out today by a friend) but am unsure of the configurations even after reading the instructions included. Could someone please help?

    Based on the pictures, I think I have to turn the black allen screw at the spring side. Is this the valve spring preload setting they are referring to? That screw is turned two full turns and then the nut is tightened at the opposite end?

    From there, I just place them on top of the damper rods and then follow the same fork assembly instructions as found on Basscliff's site or in the Clymers?

    Do I still include the springs that came on the damper rods?

    Should I freeze these seals or is it easier to just install them as is?

    How important is it to torque them with a torque wrench? Is there another way if I don't have the right bits or should I get a set of socket allen heads? (I have T-handle and a set of regular allen wrenches).

    Thanks for the help. I don't have the camera working right now so I can't take any pictures tonight.
    Last edited by cowboyup3371; 12-16-2011, 01:39 AM.
    Cowboy Up or Quit. - Run Free Lou and Rest in Peace

    1981 GS550T - My First
    1981 GS550L - My Eldest Daughter's - Now Sold
    2007 GSF1250SA Bandit - My touring bike

    Sit tall in the saddle Hold your head up high
    Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live like you ain't afraid to die
    and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride - Chris Ledoux, "The Ride"

    #2
    Originally posted by cowboyup3371 View Post
    As Salty_Monk was unable to find his 35mm damper valves from last month, I bought a set from MikesXS two weeks ago. I'm ready to install them (damper rods were drilled out today by a friend) but am unsure of the configurations even after reading the instructions included. Could someone please help?

    Based on the pictures, I think I have to turn the black allen screw at the spring side. Is this the valve spring preload setting they are referring to? That screw is turned two full turns and then the nut is tightened at the opposite end? Yes!

    From there, I just place them on top of the damper rods and then follow the same fork assembly instructions as found on Basscliff's site or in the Clymers? Yes as long as they fit well in the cup on the damper rod and fit reasonably well inside the fork then you'll be fine.

    Do I still include the springs that came on the damper rods?
    Yes
    Should I freeze these seals or is it easier to just install them as is?
    no need, tap them in using a piece of PVC pipe / large socket or similar as a drift. Mamke sure you are hitting the solid part of the seal.
    How important is it to torque them with a torque wrench? Is there another way if I don't have the right bits or should I get a set of socket allen heads? (I have T-handle and a set of regular allen wrenches). Not hugely important, they need to be quite tight but nothing you shouldn't be able to do with a standard Allen key and a strong hand.

    Thanks for the help. I don't have the camera working right now so I can't take any pictures tonight.
    Scott I've added in to your quote. On phone so sorry if the formatting is off!
    1980 GS1000G - Sold
    1978 GS1000E - Finished!
    1980 GS550E - Fixed & given to a friend
    1983 GS750ES Special - Sold
    2009 KLR 650 - Sold - gone to TX!
    1982 GS1100G - Rebuilt and finished. - Sold
    2009 TE610 - Dual Sporting around dreaming of Dakar..... - FOR SALE!

    www.parasiticsanalytics.com

    TWINPOT BRAKE UPGRADE LINKY: http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...e-on-78-Skunk/

    Comment


      #3
      Thanks Dan. Will start working on that this weekend then.
      Cowboy Up or Quit. - Run Free Lou and Rest in Peace

      1981 GS550T - My First
      1981 GS550L - My Eldest Daughter's - Now Sold
      2007 GSF1250SA Bandit - My touring bike

      Sit tall in the saddle Hold your head up high
      Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live like you ain't afraid to die
      and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride - Chris Ledoux, "The Ride"

      Comment


        #4
        These only effect rebound damping no? How many "clicks" of adjustment?

        Comment


          #5
          Just tried, no clicks but about 10 full turns of adjustment before it stops. I can see why two full turns
          Cowboy Up or Quit. - Run Free Lou and Rest in Peace

          1981 GS550T - My First
          1981 GS550L - My Eldest Daughter's - Now Sold
          2007 GSF1250SA Bandit - My touring bike

          Sit tall in the saddle Hold your head up high
          Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live like you ain't afraid to die
          and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride - Chris Ledoux, "The Ride"

          Comment


            #6
            I'll post this comment up here as well as I just asked TCK on the phone too...

            How do I know when the suspension feels right/wrong before I put things on the bike and ride? I'm still learning this stuff so please bear with the questions.
            Cowboy Up or Quit. - Run Free Lou and Rest in Peace

            1981 GS550T - My First
            1981 GS550L - My Eldest Daughter's - Now Sold
            2007 GSF1250SA Bandit - My touring bike

            Sit tall in the saddle Hold your head up high
            Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live like you ain't afraid to die
            and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride - Chris Ledoux, "The Ride"

            Comment


              #7
              So after getting some advice through text messages with TCK, I read the article at this site: http://www.racetech.com/articles/sus...andsprings.htm

              I understand how to check the rear shocks by getting the wheel off the ground first (bike on center stand with a block of wood underneath to get wheel off ground) and then measuring from there. So I think I can do the rears without too big of an issue as long as my stepdaughter measures correctly

              However, I'm having problems working the front suspension check out in my head. The article says to:

              Step 1: Extend the fork completely and measure from the wiper (the dust seal atop the slider) to the bottom of the triple clamp (or lower fork casting on inverted forks; Figure 2).

              Does this mean I have to get the front wheel completely off the ground as well or can I just check this setting before I even install the front wheel?

              Based on everything else I'm reading, I think I'll be okay with the basic putting together of the forks but this is my big question right now.

              As I'm at work and can't measure what PVC I have, does anyone know of the right PVC diameter that will work with these fork legs? Would I be smart to pre-cut various sizes of spacer before starting out so the work doesn't take as long?
              Cowboy Up or Quit. - Run Free Lou and Rest in Peace

              1981 GS550T - My First
              1981 GS550L - My Eldest Daughter's - Now Sold
              2007 GSF1250SA Bandit - My touring bike

              Sit tall in the saddle Hold your head up high
              Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live like you ain't afraid to die
              and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride - Chris Ledoux, "The Ride"

              Comment


                #8
                Never mind, I found my answer. As long as the front wheel is off the ground I'm fine so I will put the forks back on, measure it, re-install the front wheel and then check the rest of the measurements.
                Cowboy Up or Quit. - Run Free Lou and Rest in Peace

                1981 GS550T - My First
                1981 GS550L - My Eldest Daughter's - Now Sold
                2007 GSF1250SA Bandit - My touring bike

                Sit tall in the saddle Hold your head up high
                Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live like you ain't afraid to die
                and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride - Chris Ledoux, "The Ride"

                Comment

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