Front suspension?

[CBXBob_imp]

Customariliy Japanese bikes are over damped and under sprung. I usually end up with stiffer springs and lighter oil. Progressive Suspension, Race Tech, and Works Performance have lots of info on their web sites in including spring recommendations.

[TINK_imp]

I agree with CBXBob, Honda's do tend to be under sprung and over dampened.

I've done some research and discovered the 2004/05 Honda 599 (CB600F, Hornet) has the same conventional 41mm Showa front fork setup as the CB1100/A (not the /SA, Deluxe, which has two different length springs for some reason... still researching... ).

Racetech lists front fork springs for the 599 http://racetech.com/ProductSearch/2/Hond...et/2004-05

I run 5w fork oil in all my Honda street bikes, this combined with fork springs for my weight (205 lbs) works great, for me.

TINK

Customariliy Japanese bikes are over damped and under sprung. I usually end up with stiffer springs and lighter oil. Progressive Suspension, Race Tech, and Works Performance have lots of info on their web sites in including spring recommendations.

If the forks have been opened, the wrong fluid height would cause this also.

As Ack mentioned, it sounds like there might be too much fork oil installed. This would allow the initial sag to occur when sitting on the bike, but once you've reached maximum compression for the amount of oil in the tubes, I don't believe that it's going to give any more. The end result would be a very small amount of travel left to absorb bumps and such.

Reading the service manual, it would appear that simply removing the forks and checking/correcting the fluid level is a (relatively) simple procedure. And if I'm understanding correctly what the others have said, taking the forks out of the triple clamps entirely ought to resolve any potential binding issues...so I'm thinking that's what I'll try.

Perhaps that is the way Kawi did it on their KZ in the old days, but the Showa forks that Honda uses require you take the spring out, compress the fork, add oil then measure height. Fork needs to be vertical when checking oil height, hence the need to remove the forks from the bike.

[Red Mist_imp]

Traditionally, Japanese bikes are set up for a 160 lb. rider.

As someone suggested, rather than worrying about measuring the fork oil, one could empty forks of all oil and then add the specified amount. Since that needs to be looked into, the cost of fork oil into the process is not too much. And if it's suspected the oil has been changed or adjusted by the previous owner, it would be best to dump it out and start over with the correct type and amount of fork oil. I believe the Honda SS10 is standard in this bike.

[Ridem32_imp]

+1 red. That's what I would do for sure. I had my forks off when I installed my gaiters it's a easy job to remove the forks dump oil and refill.
Michael

[Mike Bee_imp]

Customariliy Japanese bikes are over damped and under sprung. I usually end up with stiffer springs and lighter oil. Progressive Suspension, Race Tech, and Works Performance have lots of info on their web sites in including spring recommendations.

Hyperpro is another suspension fix that has been suggested in past threads. http://www.epmperf.com/hyperpro-springs.htm

~ The Bee

[Ack-CB11_imp]

I found the HyperPro spring to really smooth the front out. The front didn't seem bad until I installed rear shocks. Now it rides and handles wicked bedda'
I'd go 10w instead of the 15w that comes with the springs. I'm 165lbs
HyperPro on the left:
[url=http://s303.photobucket.com/user/ACKCR500/media/Springs001.jpg.html]

[pechorin75_imp]

Traditionally, Japanese bikes are set up for a 160 lb. rider.

As someone suggested, rather than worrying about measuring the fork oil, one could empty forks of all oil and then add the specified amount. Since that needs to be looked into, the cost of fork oil into the process is not too much. And if it's suspected the oil has been changed or adjusted by the previous owner, it would be best to dump it out and start over with the correct type and amount of fork oil. I believe the Honda SS10 is standard in this bike.

I'm thinking I'll probably go ahead and measure the existing level, just to see if it's actually "off" significantly, but still go ahead and replace all the oil.

I found the HyperPro spring to really smooth the front out. The front didn't seem bad until I installed rear shocks. Now it rides and handles wicked bedda'
I'd go 10w instead of the 15w that comes with the springs. I'm 165lbs
HyperPro on the left:
[url=http://s303.photobucket.com/user/ACKCR500/media/Springs001.jpg.html]

That's something I'm thinking about doing at the same time. Why the recommendation for 10w oil instead of 15w? Would that be different for me, weighing 225?

I've been reasonably happy w/ the rear suspension...wonder if I'd end up in the same situation as you, in reverse! $1000+ for Ohlins is a little harder to swallow!

[Ack-CB11_imp]

Traditionally, Japanese bikes are set up for a 160 lb. rider.

As someone suggested, rather than worrying about measuring the fork oil, one could empty forks of all oil and then add the specified amount. Since that needs to be looked into, the cost of fork oil into the process is not too much. And if it's suspected the oil has been changed or adjusted by the previous owner, it would be best to dump it out and start over with the correct type and amount of fork oil. I believe the Honda SS10 is standard in this bike.

I'm thinking I'll probably go ahead and measure the existing level, just to see if it's actually "off" significantly, but still go ahead and replace all the oil.

I found the HyperPro spring to really smooth the front out. The front didn't seem bad until I installed rear shocks. Now it rides and handles wicked bedda'
I'd go 10w instead of the 15w that comes with the springs. I'm 165lbs
HyperPro on the left:
[url=http://s303.photobucket.com/user/ACKCR500/media/Springs001.jpg.html]

That's something I'm thinking about doing at the same time. Why the recommendation for 10w oil instead of 15w? Would that be different for me, weighing 225?

I've been reasonably happy w/ the rear suspension...wonder if I'd end up in the same situation as you, in reverse! $1000+ for Ohlins is a little harder to swallow!

That's something I'm thinking about doing at the same time. Why the recommendation for 10w oil instead of 15w? Would that be different for me, weighing 225?

I've been reasonably happy w/ the rear suspension...wonder if I'd end up in the same situation as you, in reverse! $1000+ for Ohlins is a little harder to swallow!
The 10w will flow better through the stock valves. Webbike has a valve set now, with those I'd go 15w.
I bet you'll be changing those shocks. The shocks are even more of an improvement then the springs are.
I used this for the fluid height:
[url=http://s303.photobucket.com/user/ACKCR500/media/mproforkoillevelgauge.jpg.html]

[TINK_imp]

Anyone have any idea what a "Barnacle Collar Set" is? http://japan.webike.net/products/9653752.html

[pechorin75_imp]

Anyone have any idea what a "Barnacle Collar Set" is? http://japan.webike.net/products/9653752.html

Poor Japanese - English translation? Otherwise, not a clue...