Front Fork Oil, Steering head bearings, tires!

[FIZZER6]

Tonight I start the tear down of my trusty 06 FZ6!

On the list for the next 2 weeks:

1. Remove forks; Change oil to 5Wt. & change seals

2. Replace steering head bearings with All Balls roller type.

3. Replace tires with new Michelin Road 2's

I plan to do a write up on the fork oil change since there doesn't appear to be a good 2004-2009 FZ6 specific writeup with lots of pictures. There's more information on the steering head bearings though so I won't detail that part.

Here's the writeup on Fork Oil/Seal changing! Link to FORK OIL & SEAL DIY thread: http://www.600riders.com/forum/how-to-s-/54664-04-09-fz6-fork-oil-seal-replacement.html

Anyone interested be sure to comment in this thread for future reference as I will link the write-up in here when I'm done! :thumbup:

For the rest of you procrastinating that winter maintenance it's getting to be mid winter! Get on with it!

 

[nivag]

I went for heavier oil than standard when I changed mine - http://www.600riders.com/forum/fz6-performance-mods-section/46348-suspension-upgrade.html - annoyingly I didn't taken many photos.

I did* the bearings just before christmas, didn't realise how bad they were till after the swap!


*by I did, I mean my mate who's a mechanic lol

 

[Hellgate]

Here's one: http://www.600riders.com/forum/how-...on-mod-step-step-w-pics.html?highlight=Spring

 

[FIZZER6]

Here's one: http://www.600riders.com/forum/how-...on-mod-step-step-w-pics.html?highlight=Spring

Good find but see what I mean about a lack of pictures on the fork oil change? I plan to post over 30 pictures of the process! :thumbup:

 

[FIZZER6]

Link to FORK OIL & SEAL DIY thread: http://www.600riders.com/forum/how-to-s-/54664-04-09-fz6-fork-oil-seal-replacement.html

 

[2007Z6ALL-LED]

Fizzer, if possible, can you do the video recording of the steps in 720p as well?

Thx,
j

 

[FIZZER6]

Fizzer, if possible, can you do the video recording of the steps in 720p as well?

Thx,
j

Sorry, my Camera only records in full 1080p HD.

 

[ozgurakman]

I think 5wt oil is crappy for our bikes. I would prefer 10w

good luck

 

[FinalImpact]

I'm not sure if you have a proper seal driver but I made a hack tool which i used to use on MX forks. It also works on these 43mm forks.

Our 43mm forks can have the seals and bushings driven in with 2" SCH40 PVC pipe (2.0" ID). Just take section to a band saw and cut a bunch of 4-5" slices up the pipe. With lots of slits in the pipe (longer than these), you can easily resize the sawed end by placing a hose clamp or zip tie around it. Use the top washer above the bushing to drive the bushing down. Its heavy gauge. The bushing itself is so thin it can slide under the PVC. Use an old seal to drive in a new seal. Its quick, easy, adjusts to different sizes, and it works!

The washer I'm referring to is on the stanchion tube here. Just above top bushing in the chrome section of the stanchion tube. The seal is further up.
R6 - R6S fork:

 

[FIZZER6]

I'm not sure if you have a proper seal driver but I made a hack tool which i used to use on MX forks. It also works on these 43mm forks.

Our 43mm forks can have the seals and bushings driven in with 2" SCH40 PVC pipe (2.0" ID). Just take section to a band saw and cut a bunch of 4-5" slices up the pipe. With lots of slits in the pipe (longer than these), you can easily resize the sawed end by placing a hose clamp or zip tie around it. Use the top washer above the bushing to drive the bushing down. Its heavy gauge. The bushing itself is so thin it can slide under the PVC. Use an old seal to drive in a new seal. Its quick, easy, adjusts to different sizes, and it works!

The washer I'm referring to is on the stanchion tube here. Just above top bushing in the chrome section of the stanchion tube. The seal is further up.
R6 - R6S fork:

Thanks for the tips! I'll be considering all options for driving in the new seals. this is why I am doing this in the middle of winter. I wasn't going to ride again till Early March most likely. February weather sucks here.