imported post
Did the head brgs, frt and rear brakes, tires, ALL fluids, lubed all splines, replaced driveshaft boot. The bike is transformed and rides wonderfully.
One tip for those who might want to try it. The fork springs measured same as new so I left them in, but cut new spacers out of white PVC pipe (JUST fits inside fork tube ID) and added about 1/2" of preload (made spacers 1/2" longer than stock) This does two things:
1) Raises the front ride height about 1/2" (reduces sag) but I still have maybe a little too much sag - about 35% of travel.
2) Makes the initial rate higher. Since these are Honda progressives springs, partially compressing them further by increasing preload probably gets you to a slightly higher initial spring rate. Without knowing the travel/rate curve it's hard to tell how much. With 15W oil the forks feel GREAT now. I set the level as the book recommends for '98.
I set the strg head brgs right about 15 lb ft and achieved 5 lbs of force to pull the forks off center (pretty much by the book though I went just above the spec). The bike isn't even close to being tight enough to have a weave (normal symptom of too tight head brgs) so I think you could go a little higher than 5 lbs. I'll try 6 next time around and report back. The bike is straight as an arrow with this setting and the new Dunlop E3's.
One thing I was a little disappointed in. The dealer installed the new rear E3 on my wheel. The bead is seated evenly all around but when running bike on stand ( I know I shouldn't!!) the tire has a side to side (lateral) wobble about 1/8" total. Looks funny, can't be felt riding but still. wheel checks out at zero runout so it's the tire. Anyone else seen this? I shouldn't complain - the tires feel great.
So, after having paid a little too much cuz the bike was so darn clean and then putting more time in it than I planned am I pleased? YEP. Thanks again for the help.
Bob