XS11 Venture Fork Springs

[rpgoerlich]

So the last few weeks I've been riding the Venture to and from work. I've put 750mi on it since I got it. It had sat outside since 1988 until I got a year ago. I replaced the fork seals after the final rebuild with 20w fork oil, no spring spacer. I added 10psi in the forks. Running 28psi on the front tire.

I've noticed that even with the 10psi the forks drop 2¼" once off the center stand and another 1" with me on it. Which makes it seem like I'm leaning forward. I've tried adding more pressure but it makes for a rough ride.

I've been thinking about adding a spring spacer(I think springs may be wore out though) or getting a set of progressive springs for it. Before I do, I was curious what ya'll are running on standards with front fairings. What kind of springs, spacers, fork oil pressure, tire pressure?




Thanks,

[MaximPhil]

Hi Richard,
You may be right the springs are worn out. regret I have never measured mine so can not compare for you. Mine definitely does not settle 2 1/2 inches off the stand though it may drop the 1 inch with my fat arse on it
I have 15 w oil in mine and it dives a lot when braking. No air as yet which should help. Sure soaks up the bumps on the highway the way mine is set up. I run 38psi in the front tire as my Dunlop felt mushy at lower pressure.

Phil

[DiverRay]

I would spend the $75 or so on new progressive springs. My '79 has the new springs, and it does NOT settle as much as yours. I would also run a little more pressure in the front tire with a fairing, just because.....

[bikerphil]

Don't forget, the way these seem to be designed, they use a lot of travel. Cheap way to fix is with a spacer, maybe 1/4 or 1/2 inch. PVC pipe works well. The cap threads strip easily so be careful.

[rpgoerlich]

Don't forget, the way these seem to be designed, they use a lot of travel. Cheap way to fix is with a spacer, maybe 1/4 or 1/2 inch. PVC pipe works well. The cap threads strip easily so be careful.

I agree with alot of travel. Today I came within an inch or two of the lower triple tree running some back county roads. This is with the T-Kat fork brace on top of the fork lowers.

I came back and bumped pressure up to 20psi. Went for a 70mi ride with a few twisties. Handled ok... but a bit stiff.

Going to pull the caps this week and install a ½" cpvc coupling as a spacer.
Will see how it performs with no pressure first.

[RS Thornton]

on the 78E

running progressive springs on the 2nd of the 3 preload settings. Worked my way up through 15 to 20 and now finally to 30W fork oil. I have the TKAT brace on there as well. I have one of those very heavy Pacifico fairings and with this set up bike has handled gravel, twisties and Interstates. I cannot say that I noticed much difference between the 20 and 30W, but the progressive springs and the fork brace make a huge difference in handling.

[rpgoerlich]

Had some time yesterday after everyone passed out from the turkey .
Iinstalled ¾" pvc for a spring spacer as that was all I could push in and still get the fork cap screwed in.

Seems to have helped the ride and without the air. I was only able to get out for 5miles before I got caught in a downpour. Drops roughly an inch when sat on and still has plenty of travel. Will know more after I get a few more rides in to and from work next week.