Experimenting with fork XJ550

Hi guys,

Gonna tare my forks down tomorrow, just need some advice.

Going to measure the springs, if they're ok (~508mm) can I use som kind of spacer/shim to increase the preload? I want to stiffen up the front end.
Also going to increase the wt value of the oil, have anybody tried something else than Yamaha 10wt? Was thinking of trying Motul 15wt.
The fork is not leaking but its very very easy to compress quick (testing by pushing the front end down when holding front brake) Im not a heavy guy, 70 kilograms and its pretty easy for me to compress it all the way down.

Also had an idea of trying to make the rear shocks "rebuildable" by putting a drainhole with plug in the bottom and fill-up hole in the top. Has anybody tried this? Does the piston have holes in it for oil bypass or does it work "around" the piston?

A lot of strange questions I guess..

Regards Oliwer

 

Regarding holes in the piston I thought of this type

 

question 1: Yes you sure can; however the stock springs weren't all that wonderful to begin with. Replacing them with a set from Progressive Suspension, Works Performance or other aftermarket quality fork springs is an inexpensive but worthwhile upgrade.

question 2: I'm not a small fellow; I'm running Bel-Ray 15W in my 550 Secas' forks (with the above-mentioned upgraded springs) and no additional preload.

In regard to the original rear shocks: They were crap to begin with and generally all done within about 6K~8K miles. Progressive Suspension 12-series work great and aren't expensive plus you can get black springs for them. If you want rebound damping adjustment, have a look at IKONs; they are reasonably priced as well.

Upgrade the suspension and the brakes (stainless lines at very minimum when you rebuild them) and run some nice sticky tires and you'll be surprised at the improvement in how the bike handles and stops. What's truly amazing is the improvement in braking that the upgraded fork springs provide.

 

Hi bigfitz!

Yes, I did check out progressive suspension, a lot of people seem happy with them.
Only prolem i see with them is that theyre not available in europe, and postal cost overseas is about the same as the springs them selfs. I guess i should listen to the pros and go for a new set of springs.

Regarding rear shocks, there should be quite a lot on the market, even in europe ( since theyre more universal) so ill see what i can find here, of course will i look out for your recomendations. Adjustable rebound isnt necessary.

Brakelines are allready swapped for steel braided lines and also deleted the 3-way part ( dont know the correct word for it) and put the calipers in series instead.
I can imagine that the springs will do good for the braking as well as cornering.

Time to sleep, its midnight here in Sweden and gotta be at work in 6 hours, but its not hard to get up and go to work, cause when i get there, my bike is standing at my corner and shines at me.

 

what about Hagon out of the Uk ?
http://www.wemoto.com/bikes/Yamaha/XJ_5 ... on_-_Pair/

 

what about Hagon out of the Uk ?
http://www.wemoto.com/bikes/Yamaha/XJ_5 ... on_-_Pair/[/quote]

Thanks man! Will check them out.

Regards