Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenBonty
I have the 04 MX Comp coil and I don't get the full 85mm( about 70).
Does changing the oil level affect handling by pushing the head tube furthare up?.
My bike was originally designed for 2.5" travel and I lost some handling with the Comp (love the ride though). Not sure if I want to trade more travel for handling anymore, but will be happy to know the facts |
The oil level only affects how far the fork compresses. The standing sagged and/or unsagged height is not affected by the oil level.
Basically if there is too much oil in the fork, when it is compressed there is not enough air cavity for the sliders and oil to slide all the way up to the top. At that point the liquid oil acts as a solid mass since the fluid cannot compress.
It is not at all unusual for forks to come from the factory with too much oil in them. Especially OEM forks. Just get a proper 21mm socket, let the air out of the fork. Get a turkey baster and a short length of rubber hose and suck up a little oil. NOT TOO MUCH. If you take too much out the fork will bottom harshly on bigger hits.
(note all of the internal bolts, caps and such are
very soft metal...USE THE RIGHT SIZE TOOLS!)
While you have it open, you might as well change the oil. Go to a local Motorcycle shop, ask for Golden Spectro synthetic cartridge fluid. It is exactly the same stuff Marzoccchi uses. In fact, they buy their supplies from Spectro.(I called both companies and verified it) The synthetic oil is 7.5wt (marked somewhat differently but it is 7.5w) or if you want better/slower rebound control get the standard Spectro 10wt shock oil. Both Spectro and Marzocchi approve of both types and it's CHEAP $6 or less for lifetime supply.
You'd be suprised how much a difference fresh oil will make in a fork that has been ridden for a while...especially a new one. Normal break-in wear fills the oil with all kinds muck and debris. I changed my oil after only ~5 months and it was full of shlock and it made a huge difference.
Cheers!
