Bit soft up front (nc24 forks)

[Lope]

I have the same problem
My front suspension is really soft and bike does not handle bumps for shit. It regularly bottoms out on bumps. If you just push down on the front while standing still with the brake on you can compress the shocks pretty far.
As you may know, the NC24 has car tyre valves on top of the forks.
Mechanic was suggesting I try add 1 bar to the forks. They are currently at 0 bar. I'm using generic seals.
On these forums I usually see people recommend stiffer springs or spacers. Are spacers easy to come by?

So whats the story on adding some air pressure to the forks to firm them up a bit? Neo do you think as little as 1 bar is going to cause the seals to die young?

[Neosophist]

Yes.. 1 bar is too much.

You are supposed to put 8-11psi in them (0.5 bar - 0.75) according to the handbook so I wouldn't put anymore that that in them.

Maxton do progressive springs for the bike for £60.00.

You may just have worn suspension.. 80's honda bikes are very soft up front but shuold handle well enough if it's in working order.

[Lope]

I like the handling normally... I just shit myself every time I see a bump in the road because either I have to avoid it OR I have to stand up, lean back, grip the tank tightly with my knees, put zero weight on the bars, and pray the shocks don't bottom out.. because it doesn't sound good when it happens.

Ah, thats cool. I thought standard was 0 bar. I'll put 0.5 or 0.75 bar in them and see how it goes :)

[Neosophist]

I like the handling normally... I just shit myself every time I see a bump in the road because either I have to avoid it OR I have to stand up, lean back, grip the tank tightly with my knees, put zero weight on the bars, and pray the shocks don't bottom out.. because it doesn't sound good when it happens.

Ah, thats cool. I thought standard was 0 bar. I'll put 0.5 or 0.75 bar in them and see how it goes :)

Sounds like theres something wrong with your forks!

I ride over pot-holes a lot on my bike and there ok.

Even with pillion its not bad

[Lope]

Next time I see a NC24 I'm gonna go push on the front forks and compare them to mine.
Yeah, I'm sure its too soft.
Where can you buy spacers? are they generic bike parts?

[Cammo]

Where can you buy spacers? are they generic bike parts?

It's easiest to make your own. Some steel tube (or alloy, can't remember what's standard?) and a hacksaw will get you some!

[Biscuits]

the stock spacers are thinwall steel,
left 130mm x 29mm, right 140 x 29mm

washers are 31mm in case you were wondering.

i've used an aluminium mop handle from work for the right at 150mm and just put the right 140mm into the left fork.

yes, yes i'm a cheapskate i know

[Lope]

Racingslug: hacks are good if they work :)

Excuse my ignorance but what must be disassembled to add spacers?
Must the oil and everything come out?

[Biscuits]

i'm in the middle ofdoing that particular modright now;
lift the fron end so the front wheel is off the ground, take the forktops out,19mm (deep socket is your best bet), lift out the old spacers, hey presto :)
just dont do what i've done and get the fork top back on not square.
the tops are ali and the stanchions steel, the thread on the tops is vulnerable
to ham fisted edness

[Lope]

Awesome, I'm glad to hear its an easy mod :)