Bandit Alley
MODEL SPECIFIC => BIG BANDIT BANTER => Topic started by: Bazza on June 07, 2005, 07:57:06 PM
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I managed to scrounge a set of these (along with a rear shock) off of E bay. Can anyone tell me what is involved in installing them? Do I have to break the front end right down or can I replace them on the bike?
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I didn't install my front springs on the 12, but did on the DR650.
I think they're the same.
Unless you feel the need to replace the fork oil, you can do it without removing the tubes.
You'll need to jack the bike up a bit, and be careful pulling the old springs out. (drips) You'll need to remove the handlebars, and push them out of the way.
IF the fork oil is fairly old, it may be a good time to replace it.
(Pulling the tubes...)
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Thanks Pete! It looked to me that it was possible to do it without major work.
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Bazza you got a b12, done this work to my b6, took about an hour and a bit, Changed the oil to a 15W, much better now. Just make sure you have some one to help you'll need it. :bigok:
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Hey Jacknife:
Did you pull your forks right apart to change the shock oil?
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On the B6, I took the forks out of the yoke's one at a time tipped out the oil and pump it a few times to get it all out, then followed the instructions on the box for the springs I have (just told you where to fill the oil level to before fitting the spring). So no i did'nt strip them down, but the differance is real! :banana:
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Bazza, use Jwalters' howto in changing the springs--that's what I used, and it was a good reference point. It should be in the suspension forum. With someone to help, and a cold pack of beer, the whole process shouldn't take more than a couple hours, maybe a little bit more if you're really being careful, and drinking more than wrenching. :beers: Just make sure you torque everything down to specs, and loctite everything that you can. Most of your time is taking all of the other parts off and then having to put them back on to get to the fork tubes. I stuck with the the 10W oil. I'm about 185 lbs and usually ride two up with a 3 piece luggage set up and I still don't experience any nose dives when braking or downshifting, so that might be a reference point for you, if you're deciding to changing the oil wt.
As for the rear shock, pretty straightforward process--you can even take it off, and install your new one without taking off the rear wheel, while the bike is on its centerstand. Hope this helps!
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I think it's probably worth taking apart the front end and replacing the oil. The way I installed the springs, there were more metal coils under the oil, so it didn't take as much oil to keep the recommended fluid level. jwalters and I used less than 500mL/tube to get it to the recommended height (I think with stock springs, spec is 509mL?).
On the bright side, while you're taking apart the font end, you can get some good cleaning done (if your bike was as dirty as mine :lol: )
good luck
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Hey Thanks guys, I will keep you posted once the parts arrive.
Bazza
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Here is a quick webpage Jason (land_shark) and I threw together when we did our replacement. (In case you didn't find it on the other thread)
http://genome.uiowa.edu/~jwalters/tmp/springReplacement/
jesse
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And the Hooters shirts are optional! :beers:
-jesse
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Great how to guide guys!
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Well I managed to get the front springs and rar shock installed and I am VERY happy with the outcome. The Bandit is a totally different bike. Very well planted in the corners, and the rear shock gives a firmer but more cushy ride. (I can't believe what a piece of crap the stock rear suspension is)
Thanks for the how to guide, it came in very handy especially after the 6th Vodka when I had to resort to pictures only.
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Glad it worked out! :congrats: :beers:
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Man i really need to go ahead and purchase some springs for mine... What rear shock did you go with?
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I also installed the progresive rear shock. I forget the model but it's listed in their fitiment guide on their website.