User Guide

48
SUSPENSION FORKS
Introduction
If your bicycle is equipped with a suspension fork, ensure that it is
operating properly before every ride. Read the Suspension Fork Owner's
Manual you received with your bike. If you did not receive a fork manual,
get one from your dealer, or contact us and we’ll send you one. The
following information is only meant to supplement the fork manufactur-
er’s manual.
Inspection
Suspension forks require regular care, maintenance, and lubrication.
All bolts must be tight, and critical clearances must be maintained.
After every 5-10 hours of riding, or after riding in extremely wet and
muddy conditions, lift the shock boots and inspect and clean the seal
area. Remove all dirt and clean the entire area with a soft cloth. Do not
use solvents or other cleaning agents which may degrade the suspen-
sion lubrication. Make sure the boots are in the correct position to
protect the seals and keep contaminants from damaging the fork.
Tighten crown pinch bolts as specified in the Suspension Fork Owner’s
Manual supplied with your suspension fork
Do not ride with less than the minimum clearances between the top of
the tire and the bottom of the fork crown. Minimum clearance for your
fork is listed in the Suspension Fork Owner’s Manual supplied with your
suspension fork.
Adjustment
The stiffness of the suspension fork spring, also called the preload,
may be adjustable. For starters, adjust your suspension fork so that
the fork sags (compresses when you sit on the bike in a normal riding
position) about 5-10mm, or 10-20mm for long travel forks with over
65mm of travel. After first riding with this adjustment, try different
adjustments to suit your riding style.
To increase preload of your suspension fork, follow the instructions in
the Suspension Fork Owner’s Manual supplied with your suspension fork.
Damping controls the speed of the suspension fork action during compression or
rebound. On some forks either the compression or rebound damping, or both, may be
adjustable. To make these adjustments, follow the instructions in the Suspension Fork
Owner’s Manual supplied with your suspension fork.
Changing your suspension will affect handling and braking characteristics. After making a
change, carefully test the bike in a low traffic area until you are familiar with its performance.
Lubrication
Suspension forks require regular lubrication to work smoothly and to provide long seal
life. Follow the Lubrication and Maintenance instructions in the Suspension Fork Owner’s
Manual supplied with your suspension fork.
Fig. 77
Damping adjuster
WARNING
Failure to keep suspension bolts tight, or to maintain adequate
clearances between tire and fork crown or braking mechanism
may cause loss of control resulting in personal injury.
Fig. 76
Preload adjusters
Tire
clearance