what to do about forks

Hi guys. It's getting to the point where I have to do something with my forks. I have an 86 vfr750F. Never done any work on forks before, but the seals are leaking badly now, way worse than last summer. The bike has 20 k. The forks feel unstable and bottom out going over driveway entrances. I would like to order all my parts beforehand but I'm wondering what I'll likely see when I get the forks apart. I assume I'll be replacing all the seals but will the bushings likely be shot? What about the springs, should I get a different spring set for sure? Will that improve the performance? I'm thinking about getting the Racetech cartridge emulators but I don't know if they'll make enough of a difference to justify the extra time and expense. The only bikes I've had before this were older Suzuki GS bike so I don't have much to compare to. If I get the cartridge emulators do I have to get the Racetech springs as well?

I want to get riding but I can't even see replacing my worn out front tire before I fix the oil leak. I think the damn anti dive device is leaking as well.

Any sure fire advice out there?

P.S. Anyone need some busted up lowers and upper fairing? Free if you pick them up. Madison, Wi area.

 

Awesome post here. 1st, replace the seals, and bushings. There will be 2 bushings for each fork. Measure your fork springs. There is a spec for this. If out of spec. replace. You can go with orig. fork oil weight or next higher. Make sure you use the correct fork oil capacity 358cc/ right, 370cc left. When you're ready to put the springs back in stop and leave them out. place the palm of your hand over the top of the inner tube and push down. This will push all the air to the top. Do it a bunch of times. Don't forget to replace the sealing washers on the bottom of the fork outer tubes. Clean all internal parts, the bushings will thank you later. Fork caps are under spring pressure, so watch it as unscrew them. Also, watch it as place the caps back on. The threads are narrow and easy to cross thread. Try this before you spend the money at Race Tech.

 

Racetech emulators make a big difference if your forks are the older damper rod style, which I think they are on an '86. You do not have to get Racetech springs, but springs that are the correct rate for your weight will make a big improvement in front end stability and feel. The Racetech website has a spring rate calculator, and you can always call them if your bike isn't listed. Sonic Springs are also a good company to work with.