forks stuck down

[XR750]

But if the springs are in there, and that is the big if, there should be a considerable amount of force on the top cap from the compressed spring. All hypothetical, but just make sure you know where that cap is pointed when you unthread it. Better yet have another set of hands holding it down while you unscrew it. Someone also mentioned checking for bind. Have you done that? If not, try supporting bike with center stand or jack and loosening axle and triple clamp bolts and see if the forks extend or if you can manually extend and compress them.

[Phred]

The fork oil is likely as thick as molasses.

[hillsy]

Are there any springs in there ?

That's what I was thinking too.

The forks must be MASSIVELY seized for them to hold the springs down like described if they are actually still in there.

So yes - be EXTREMELY careful undoing the fork caps because they will come out like bullets if they are under the tension of compressed fork springs.

[GateKeeper]

Damn, i might take it to the shop for that. i mesn they aren't really stuck, i can bring them up but its as if theres no pressure in there to push then back up, then sink back down

Based on what you wrote here, it really sounds as if there are no springs in there,and the shocks are not seized, as you do have up and down movement. pull the front wheel off, pull off the forks, and then take apart the forks as per manual, see what is what. Even if there is no fluid inside the fork, the springs if any in there should push the forks back up and keep them in an extended state....

Check with the guy you purchased the bike from if he has the springs kicking around somewhere.....sounds like someone forgot to put them back in......

Just one more thing, are you sure it's just the tubes going up and down in the forks, or is the entire thing loose enough that the tubes are sliding up and down in the triple trees ?

.

[Stuarth]

My first thought was a missing spring, but although I've never heard of it, I suppose it's possible that if the bike was stored with the forks tied down (compressed), the air inside could have leaked out of the forks over time and there may be a vacuum inside. If there are drain screws for the forks, I would try remove one (with a container below) and see what happens. If there's no vacuum inside, oil will dribble out. If there is you'll know it quickly as air will suck in and the front should rise some. Just a wild a.. guess...

[JamesWhut?]

Bent forks. Prop the frame on something to take all weight off the front end. Then pull on or wait for the forks to go the max extension. Or while you are waiting, start taking everything apart (you're going to need to anyway). Front wheel, fender brace, and then triples. See which, if any, allows the sliders to loosen up. Only THEN remove the fork caps. You do not want to try to remove a cap with the spring compressed because even if the fork seems "lazy", the problem may be binding in the tube or bearings, and the spring may be under a lot of compression. You might launch the fork cap across the room and ruin its first/last threads.

[GateKeeper]

Guys your all missing the point in where he says he can bring them up..... and he can compress them as well, there is no resistance either up or down based on the OP's remarks

I really don't think there are springs in his forks

.

[jprice90]

thanks for all the input guys, i've been a little busy with work and I'm still tinkering with these nasty carbs, absolutely disgusting. Anyway, I told someone about this and they said bent forks. but im not sure thats true because I can sit on the bike, push and pull on the bars and the shocks move but stay down. I'm going to work more on it this weekend, unload the frontend and pop the forks out

[Grimly]

Whatever packing pieces were in there might have been removed or the springs might be extremely tired and just ancient. Who knows what a PO did to it.

[jprice90]

if I order springs from sonicsprings, what size should I get? Just looking for either stock feeling, or possibly a little better handling

[tkent02]

Ask Rich Desmond, he is a member here on this forum, he owns Sonic Springs and is a helpful guy.

[tkent02]

The fork oil is likely as thick as molasses.

Molasses with dead bugs, rust, slime, grease and grundge, tiny parts of rotten animals, and the nastiest smell you can imagine inside.
Lots of fun.

[jprice90]

is there supposed to be a a shrader valve on the forks?

[alke46]

yes.......

[Phred]

Didn't think i would see this one popping up again. Four months and counting for shocks. Is there someone down there that can give him a hand?