Front Forks - dampers not working - Honda CD200

[Elvin]

Strange, but the dampers are not working when i pump up and down on them. But if i put it on the centre stand and then pump up and down they seem to work! I wonder if the difference is to do with the starting position of the initial depression relative to the stanchion? Anyway, more to the point - what would be wrong? I've tried different amount of fluid. Could it be bushes inside? If it is the bushes, are they easy to replace? Elvin

[BuzZz]

If I was taking a running leap at guessing....

The bushings in the fork tube could be worn enough to bind when trying to compress the forks with wieght on the front end. Once it's in the air, the sideload is light enough to let things move again.

But check the front axel and wheel for tightness nad that they are not bolted up tight but cocked. Try the same for the triple clamp mounts at the same time, before you rip into the forks first.

[Elvin]

Thanks for that Buzz, i do believe you are correct - i subsequently took one leg off and the damping engages if started from the top of its travel but not from anywhere after a centimeter. Do i need any special tool to replace the bushes? Assuming i can get them! Elvin.

[BuzZz]

The first tool you should get is a service manual. It will be invalueable for this and any other problems that come up.

You'll need to buy or make a bushing/seal driver, most likely. Some forks require special sokets or extensions or whatnot to get them fully dismantled, can't say if yours do or not. But the manual will have anything like that in it.

It's do-able if your halfway mechanical, just take care not to nick or dent anything. Specially anything shiney.

[Elvin]

Thanks again Buzzz!
I think i'll take the cowards way after all, and find some second hand forks. Maybe once their off and the replacements are on i'll dive into the old ones. Thanks again, Elvin.