New suspension work is done

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slimtrader
Posts: 116
Joined: 02 Dec 2006 15:23
Location: Alexandria, mn
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New suspension work is done

Post by slimtrader »

Just got my forks and shock back from "speed tech" in Wichita. The forks were leaking for a while now and I wasn't able to stop the leak by any of the normal "tricks" I really didn't have the time or tools to replace the seals and I wanted a tuner to set it up for my weight and riding. Had a chance to get out today on some local trails near the river and am happy with the results so far. Nothing nearly as rough as we ride in Arkansas so I am looking forward to trying something more challenging. I also didn't do any fine adjustments yet but the sag is spot on. He installed lighter springs for me. I also splurged for the seal savers.

I don't know if I mentioned it to anyone but I'm signed up for the Inyan Kara enduro June 20th in Wyoming. My first so I wanted to have it dialed in correctly for the big event.

Jetting? The enduro is at 4000' and right now I probably run a little on the lean side of jetting. Does anyone have experience with that altitude? It's probably border line on changing to a leaner jet.
'02 Honda CR250 & '96 Kawasaki Concours

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safiri
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Location: Overland Park, KS

Re: New suspension work is done

Post by safiri »

I have ridden my 400 RFS in CO (up to 12k feet, riding done btw 8k and 10k mostly) for a couple of weeks total time over two years. I dropped the main needle one or two clip positions. Not sure I would do anything different.

At 4k, you may not need to do anything. Esp if lean now.

I would show up and ride it around a bit before the event. You may very well decide to leave it alone.

An adjustable mixture screw might be advisable.
Safiri Mike
Current: 01 F650-GSDakar-RWB; 02 EXC-453 (orig. MXC 400); 05 EXC-450 ; 13 CRF-250L; 17 CRF-125FB; 06 KLX-110 (132); 02 TTR-125L
Gone and missed (but no regrets): 01 LC4E-400-Grey
Gone and not missed: 73 AT3, 85 K100RS

Hayden
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Joined: 30 Nov 2006 21:16
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Location: Goddard KS.

Re: New suspension work is done

Post by Hayden »

You will like the seal savers. I had to replace seals on my Dakar at 10K. At that time I put on Seal savers. Now have 45K on the Dakar and no problems. Got them on the RFS and the 640 Adv too. No issues yet. They do work. I would advise though to turn them inside out and wash them good when cleaning up the bike after a ride. Or slide them up onto the shock more and spray them out good with a hose and then pull them back down into place. Washing out under neath them just helps in keeping everything clean and junk getting in the seals.

Good luck on the enduro!!


Hayden
95 KLX 650C
95 KLX 650C Yes another one. Gave to dad for Fathersday 2011
02 BMW Dakar
03 BMW BCR 1100S
03 KTM 450 EXC, Plated
04 XR650R, Plated and Motarded
06 KTM 640 Adv

slimtrader
Posts: 116
Joined: 02 Dec 2006 15:23
Location: Alexandria, mn
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Re: New suspension work is done

Post by slimtrader »

safiri wrote:I have ridden my 400 RFS in CO (up to 12k feet, riding done btw 8k and 10k mostly) for a couple of weeks total time over two years. I dropped the main needle one or two clip positions. Not sure I would do anything different.

At 4k, you may not need to do anything. Esp if lean now.

I would show up and ride it around a bit before the event. You may very well decide to leave it alone.

An adjustable mixture screw might be advisable.
I have the adjustable fuel mixture screw, just have yet to install it. I think I'll wait until I get there and see what it runs like. I just wanted to see if anyone else had ridden at 4k and if they thought a jetting change was adviseable.

Thanks
'02 Honda CR250 & '96 Kawasaki Concours

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safiri
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Joined: 30 Nov 2006 23:07
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Location: Overland Park, KS

Re: New suspension work is done

Post by safiri »

slimtrader wrote:
safiri wrote:I have ridden my 400 RFS in CO (up to 12k feet, riding done btw 8k and 10k mostly) for a couple of weeks total time over two years. I dropped the main needle one or two clip positions. Not sure I would do anything different.

At 4k, you may not need to do anything. Esp if lean now.

I would show up and ride it around a bit before the event. You may very well decide to leave it alone.

An adjustable mixture screw might be advisable.
I have the adjustable fuel mixture screw, just have yet to install it. I think I'll wait until I get there and see what it runs like. I just wanted to see if anyone else had ridden at 4k and if they thought a jetting change was adviseable.

Thanks
I would put in the screw ahead of time. If you lose the small spring, washer, and/or oring that you have to transfer over from the tip of the original you are going to be in trouble.

As to the seal savers, I pull them out from the lower fork tube and use a hose to spray water up. I don't use a nozzle on the hose, just the hose end. I don't think this is enough pressure to push water btw the wiper and the fork tube and haven't had any failures. When I first put on seal savers I didn't clean them and had seal failures ... but the bushings were bad, too ... so I can't say that caused the failures. If you start going through seals, check the bushings for wear.
Safiri Mike
Current: 01 F650-GSDakar-RWB; 02 EXC-453 (orig. MXC 400); 05 EXC-450 ; 13 CRF-250L; 17 CRF-125FB; 06 KLX-110 (132); 02 TTR-125L
Gone and missed (but no regrets): 01 LC4E-400-Grey
Gone and not missed: 73 AT3, 85 K100RS

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Hank Moody
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Location: Shawnee, KS

Re: New suspension work is done

Post by Hank Moody »

I have used Shock Sox for a short time with good results. I like that they have velcro which makes it easy to remove (don't have to take the tire off) and clean. Moriddin recommended them to me and he was impressed by them.

Here's a link: http://www.bermmotorsports.com/shocksox.php
2005 KTM 450 EXC
2009 BMW F800 GS

curado
Posts: 43
Joined: 01 Dec 2009 21:50

Re: New suspension work is done

Post by curado »

Seal savers aren't doing it for me. After 1 ride, lifted them up to find them muddy inside. All the same I'm not really bothered by spending 40 bucks a year on seals.
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phil denk
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Re: New suspension work is done

Post by phil denk »

I have always sprayed my fork tubes with wd-40 or silicone lube before each ride/race. This seems to help "float" away most debris and goes a long way to preserving fork seals. As far as jetting is concerned, 5000 ft. is about the cut off point for going to a leaner set-up. If I were preparing for a race at that altitude I would favor neutral (low altitude) carb settings and plan for the resulting fuel mileage. This will take a load off your mind, let you enjoy the day and bring back a healthy bike...best of luck!!!

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Hank Moody
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Location: Shawnee, KS

Re: New suspension work is done

Post by Hank Moody »

For jetting I recommend the JD Jetting Kit. It will tell you exactly what you need to do for the elevation you are at. It is worth the $80.00 bucks, IMHO.

http://www.jdjetting.com/xcart/product. ... t=7&page=1
2005 KTM 450 EXC
2009 BMW F800 GS

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