05-14-2014, 12:54 PM
Just an update for those who helped out and/or followed this thread. I went ahead and tore into the forks to see if I could resolve the issue. First took off the right side and measured the oil level, which was actually slightly lower than spec (I'm guessing because I lost a bit of oil removing the spring). I also measured the spring to make sure it was within spec (it was).
At that point I decided to go ahead and drain/replace the oil. I did that for both forks, being careful to get the level exactly the same for both. I then reinstalled, making sure that the tops of the forks were aligned equally with the top of the triple clamp. Put it all back together and took it for a ride, not really expecting a difference....
...but amazingly enough, it made a HUGE difference. The front suspension now feels the way I'd expect it to--MUCH more compliant over bumps; no longer "bouncy." I took it down the same road I'd ridden just before doing the work, and the difference was night and day. I'm sure that things could be improved further with aftermarket springs, etc., but for now I'm just happy to have the bike performing the way the factory intended.
Whether it was the oil change or simply having the forks completely out of the triple clamp that made the difference, I have no idea, but it worked. Thanks to all who offered advice.
At that point I decided to go ahead and drain/replace the oil. I did that for both forks, being careful to get the level exactly the same for both. I then reinstalled, making sure that the tops of the forks were aligned equally with the top of the triple clamp. Put it all back together and took it for a ride, not really expecting a difference....
...but amazingly enough, it made a HUGE difference. The front suspension now feels the way I'd expect it to--MUCH more compliant over bumps; no longer "bouncy." I took it down the same road I'd ridden just before doing the work, and the difference was night and day. I'm sure that things could be improved further with aftermarket springs, etc., but for now I'm just happy to have the bike performing the way the factory intended.
Whether it was the oil change or simply having the forks completely out of the triple clamp that made the difference, I have no idea, but it worked. Thanks to all who offered advice.