Shineray GY7 soft front suspension issue

[kens]

My new GY 7 shineray is a great bike.You would not even think it is a china bike it runs so well but the front shocks SUCK.

They are so soft that on wash board they want to pound inside out.

Does any one have any experiance with adjusting oil levels to stiffen up the shocks??

I am open to all info on this as it is not a task I've ever delt with yet.

[2LZ]

On my GY5, they were to soft. (inverted forks) I checked on upping the spring rate but ended up draining each fork out into a measuring cup to record the amount. To my amazement, they were equal! :o I then refilled them with some good name-brand 10w fork oil.... The amounts were almost exacly half of the bottle. (can't remember at the moment) I think each fork may have gotten 3 or 4 more cc's each. No sense leaving that in the bottle.
Helped TREMENDOUSLY. Really evened the bike out front and rear.

[SpudRider]

I think LZ's suggestion is the best advice to follow. However, you might also consider using some pvc spacers to preload the fork springs.

Spud

[Jim]

Hey Kens, got any pictures?

[kens]

I have to figure out the whole "image hosting" thing first,then I can post picture on this forum.

The shocks are conventional style shocks.

[katoranger]

If conventional I think changing the oil and adding spacers to the top will help. Start with changing the oil. Measure how much you drain out to get an idea of how much to replace.

Allen

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by kens

I have to figure out the whole "image hosting" thing first,then I can post picture on this forum.

The shocks are conventional style shocks.

We love photos! Here is a link to a thread showing you how to post photos in these forums.

http://www.chinariders.net/modules.p...ewtopic&t=6240

Spud

[kens]

Got a photo bucket account set up now..

Anyone got tech info on what I need to do to work on these shocks??

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by kens

Got a photo bucket account set up now..

Anyone got tech info on what I need to do to work on these shocks??

We eagerly await your photographs, Ken! I don't have any tech info specific to your bike; however, here is a link to a thread which contains some information you might find useful.

http://www.mychinamoto.com/forums/sh...ight=david3921

Spud

[Jim]

Did you try the oil change as mentioned?

[Cal25]

I would do as sugested in the first reply. That will help alot. If you need still better dampening, try a heavier fork oil like 15W. If you need a little more spring, add an inch or 2 of PVC pipe as a spacer to stiffen it up.

do 1 thing at a time and test your results. if you make lots of changes and it does not work out, you wont be sure which change did not work.

Also, do one fork at a time so that the other side supports the bike while the cap is off.

Let us know what you end up doing and how it works out for you!

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by Cal25

Also, do one fork at a time so that the other side supports the bike while the cap is off.

That's a good tip. Thanks!

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

That's a good tip. Thanks!

That is an excellent tip, Cal! Indeed, even if you are removing the fork tubes to change seals, et cetera, it is probably best to remove one fork at a time. For example, if you should forget to measure the height of the assembled fork tube, you can always refer to the other tube mounted on the motorcycle. :idea:

Spud

[katoranger]

I bought a set of cheap sockets and found two that fit well in the to of the fork tube on a cm400. Just another method. The PVC pipe has the advantage of being able to cut whatever length you want.

Allen

[2LZ]

Just a note..... In the regular forks..some pvc, socket, whatever works great to help preload! I go an inch at a time. The good thing about that is an 8' stick of sched 40 pvc is a couple bucks. Cut what you need!

Concerning the inverted variety like mine....I have yet to truly play with preload. If anyone has a good procedure already....please post away!

I tired tightening the top nut under the cap like I did the wife's Vic but it didn't work the same.....nor did I tear it completely down.
I'm thinking of placing another 2 nuts on top of the dampening rod to have the cap push the rod assembly harder against the spring and see how that works.
Something to think about with the inverted units.......