How to adjust the forks - 3 ways?

[fountainbiker]

I was told that when adding a fairing you should also adjust the forks. Are there 3 different tension adjustments? How is this done? I don't see anything about this procedure. My bike is a 1978 XS1100 standard. Thanks for your help!

[newmaac]

By the registration date, I see that you are new to the site, Welcome.
As for the forks, There are not "settings" per se', that I am aware of.
On the 79 and 80, you can change the amount of air pressure that is in each fork, but I was under the impression that the 78 was not air assisted.
You can change to progressive springs, and you can add a filler piece to the spring to lengthen it, making it stiffer.
Most people just use PVC for fillers, I believe.

I will watch, to see if anyone else chimes-in. Maybe there are other options that I am not aware of.

Good luck,

[skids]

Re: How to adjust the forks - 3 ways?

Look at the rear shock adjustments. The fronts on a 78E are pretty similar, with cams and pins. To adjust, you remove the rubber caps, if there are any, on top of the fork tubes. If I remember correctly, you need to detach the bars to do that and it pays to get a pair of helping hands so you do not scratch the tank or spill brake fluid on your paint job. Get a broad, flat screw driver and push the set screw straight in and turn it one way or the other while it is pushed. The farther in it is set, the more the preload.

Originally posted by fountainbiker
I was told that when adding a fairing you should also adjust the forks. Are there 3 different tension adjustments? How is this done? I don't see anything about this procedure. My bike is a 1978 XS1100 standard. Thanks for your help!

[MartyA]

skids said it - remove the handle bars and cover everything.
Just a thought, you might drain the fork oil if it is old and replace it with fresh stuff. I use 15 wt., works for me. This might improve your ride. I have a Vetter, and last summer I replaced my old springs, too much travel and too much dive.

On the 78 there are 3 settings. Turn the screw in the center with a large flat blade screwdriver to the right to add firmness. With my old springs I was at the firmest setting, but the springs were bad. When I replaced them with new Progressives, the middle setting was the best. Push down as you turn to the right.