[Lexdarex22]

Hello listmates and mechanical geniuses,

Rebuilt my 1971 (external spring year) front forks and have them installed. I read somewhere that 200cc of 10w fork oil is the way to go for filling these forks and have done so. Unfortunately, my suspension seems dangerously stiff and will not depress at all. Any suggestions for other types of fluid/fluid amounts? All advice is appreciated.

 

[Boomer343]

Correct wt and amount of fork oil.
Loosen off the axle and see if there is a difference. You have stiction somewhere so either it is because the forks are being pulled together or spread apart ... or you assembled them wrong .....
Were they working before?

 

[Lexdarex22]

Correct wt and amount of fork oil.
Loosen off the axle and see if there is a difference. You have stiction somewhere so either it is because the forks are being pulled together or spread apart ... or you assembled them wrong .....
Were they working before?

They were working before but were a bit softer than I like. I replaced the fork seals with the common motor seals and assembled them back to spec.

I don't believe I made any mistakes with assembly but my bottom fork clamps are a bit weird and warped so that may be making a difference. Right now I can only tell it's too stiff because it is kind of hovering on the center stand, not resting flat.

I'll try what you suggested and let you know how it goes.