Noob With TE310 Front Suspension Question

[Mike-AK]

Newbie question here. I need to install stiffer springs in the forks on my 2012 TE310. Do I need to remove the fork legs from the triple clamps to do this, or do I simply remove the caps, swap out the springs, and replace the caps? If I have to remove the fork legs, do I have to drain the oil, and if so, what weight oil do I need to replace it with, and how high do I top them off, and do I measure from the top of the tube with the fork legs extended or compressed? Sorry for all the questions, but I don't want to screw this up. Any other advice would be appreciated as well. Thanks.

 

[dalecarlsbad]

To replace the springs only is a simple job.

1) Put the bike on a stand with all weight off of the front wheel.
2) loosen & remove the 4-bolts on the handle bar clamp a set handle bars on the tank or front fender.
3) IMPORTANT- loosen the top "triple clamp" bolts that hold the fork tubes in place, keep the lower bolts as is.
4) remove the fork caps; they will pop-up slightly due to spring pressure from below.
5) either bend a coat hanger to fish the spring out (easiest) or lift the front wheel to expose the spring to remove.
6) the springs will have oil on them so take your time and let the oil drain back into the fork tube.

When putting it all back together, do not over tighten those triple clamp bolts, torque to spec.

 

[Mike-AK]

Wow...I had no idea it would be that easy. Thank you very much!

 

[OlderHuskyRider]

Wow...I had no idea it would be that easy. Thank you very much!

Maybe the schematic will help....

 

[Aaron8]

Mike AK, do me a favor.

I believe part #42 in the schematic above is shown upside down. When you pop your cap off (which I assume has not been off since leaving the factory), tell me if I'm wrong or not?

Thanks!

 

[Mike-AK]

Thanks OHR. As far as I can tell from the service manual, bolt #12 is an M8 and should be torqued to 25Nm, correct?

Aaron8, I will check and let you know. I plan to do the work on the 2nd so I should have you an answer then.

 

[Radar]

Yes #42 is pictured up side down. The collar should go inside the spring.

 

[AndrewS]

To replace the springs only is a simple job.

1) Put the bike on a stand with all weight off of the front wheel.
2) loosen & remove the 4-bolts on the handle bar clamp a set handle bars on the tank or front fender.
3) IMPORTANT- loosen the top "triple clamp" bolts that hold the fork tubes in place, keep the lower bolts as is.
4) remove the fork caps; they will pop-up slightly due to spring pressure from below.
5) either bend a coat hanger to fish the spring out (easiest) or lift the front wheel to expose the spring to remove.
6) the springs will have oil on them so take your time and let the oil drain back into the fork tube.

When putting it all back together, do not over tighten those triple clamp bolts, torque to spec.

Also, do NOT over tighten the fork caps, unless you have $110 burning a hole in your pocket. Ask me how I know...

 

[Mike-AK]

Can anyone verify the torque value for the upper triple clamp bolts? Thanks.

 

[robertk61]

Can anyone verify the torque value for the upper triple clamp bolts? Thanks.

24Nm

 

[Mike-AK]

Thank you.

 

[ray_ray]

Wow...I had no idea it would be that easy. Thank you very much!

Fork work in general is not too difficult BUT it is more delicate than taking a link from a chain and a little tricky at times so no rushing and pay attention to detail ...

 

[Dana44]

Hey Mike,
what did you end up replacing your stock springs with?

I think the suspension in my 2012 TE310 may be too light as well. It's a nice soft ride but I hit the bump stops often.

I'm around 210 lbs with my winter riding gear.

 

[Mike-AK]

Hey Mike,
what did you end up replacing your stock springs with?

I think the suspension in my 2012 TE310 may be too light as well. It's a nice soft ride but I hit the bump stops often.

I'm around 210 lbs with my winter riding gear.

I went with .48Kg/mm springs from Race Tech. I also installed one of their 6.0Kg/mm springs in the back. I'm about 230lbs and I ended up with 25mm of static sag, 100mm of rider sag, and a nice level suspension front to back. I'm pleased with the outcome.

Next project is a TXC injector and ECU.