Suzuki GSX 1400, Fork Oil Change !

[@tiagofigueiredo2529]

My go to motorcycle repair channel for a few entertaining minutes of youtube time. Thanks. ✌️

[@mickleblade]

Not measuring the fork oil height?

[@wobblysauce]

If you did it before sure… but this is an unknown bike, that level could have been low/higher then required.

[@fader2701]

Common fellas, this is delboy. It was done right. 😂now go ride your bike to the dealer and trust that they do it half as good as he does every week.

[@mickleblade]

@@wobblysauce what does the manual say?

[@R2D2trashcan]

As he says at the end, he is showing you it can be done without stripping the fork down, cleaning it and perhaps measuring the oil level manually as he carefully measured everything. If it was correctly drained and carefully measured I don’t see how the levels could be out but admittedly I’ve never done this job.

[@danmatthews5872]

The way he's done this you can't measure the air gap. That being said, if he measured the amount of oil out of each fork and they were equal then I'd be quite happy with that. Even better if the total equals 1.2 litres as that I'm nearly sure is what the book says.

[@willwye410]

Life was so much easier back when they put drain screws in the bottom of forks. Like grease nipples on swinging arms, shock links, etc I guess some clever accountant deemed them an unnecessary expense and without them it created more work for dealerships.

[@enduromotorradtouren]

Change the fork oil regularly and you'll have a good suspension. Your advice is sound and healthy, Del. We all know people who recommend doing everything at 120% surgically (like strip the forkes down completely), and forget to do the simplest things because of the amount of work involved. Servicing bikes is a rewarding task. But even better than spannering yourself is watching your videos, mate. Back from a long journey, there are stil a few new vids to watch, top! Günter/Nürnberg

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you Sir, glad you're enjoying, good to hear you enjoyed your trip, have a good week there!

[@MrDawson1400]

Nothing to show or name the correct measure of oil or air gap. Let alone mentioning the torque settings for resemble. I remember del when you use mention these things and make it real clear on this kind of jobs.

[@matthewjackson3034]

After taking my forks to a local garage, they said they were too pitted to do an oil change and new seals. Recommended a rechrome. So i took them back home and decided to strip them down myself prior to taking to the rechomers. More cash.. sigh... 1st leg, ping, apart after a few slide pulls. 2nd leg however, over 2 hours trying various stuff inc heat, would not budge. Bk to garage, bushes had jumped internally, dont know how. More cash,😢, but least at the chromers. Needless to say, i will be reasembling myself and buying a whole new bush kit. Good video del, keep up the good work.

[@tommylitchfield3450]

I am glad that they've not invented smell-a-vision while watching this! Fork oil is a special kind of funk!... On the positive side of things, the Suzuki engineer that made the hollow axle hex the same size as a spark plug socket needs a raise! That's purdy clever! Enjoy your weekend, guys!

[@Moonfleet41]

Sure thing Tommy, I'm surprised you couldn't smell it from there! It was a gagger that's for sure... Have a great weekend there, Bank Holidays here, but we'll be working to keep the videos rolling! D&Px

[@Kalkunkuula]

Thank you very much for these videos! The fact that you share your knowledge is worth its weight in gold to me. Because I have that bike.

[@mechanic3d]

Thanks dell perfect shock restoration

[@REKLESSWOLVES1]

See, this is why i like your videos mate. Yesterday i had to change the choke cable on my 2000 HD Sportster. I took the air filter off, took the carb off and reinstalled the new choke cable. In the process i didn`t notice a vacuum hose had popped off from the bottom of the stopcock, i thought it was just a breather hose and left it hanging. i went to start the bike after reassembly and it ran like shite, eventually it wouldn`t start so i went back to your HD Sportster breakdown videos and well. fk me sideways if i didn`t see `said` hose and where it went to. 2 mins later it was back on and the bike runs like sh*t off a proverbial stick. Cheers bloke, you got me out the sh*t loads of times with your videos, cheers for that mucka.

[@Moonfleet41]

Oh wow, that's fantastic news mate and exactly why we started posting videos in the first place! It is those simple little things that are just not obvious straight away that can turn in to a 3 day ordeal lol Have a great weekend mate, and enjoy the Bank Holiday!

[@travisray139]

Been doing my own maintenance for ages, but you know what I like about videos like these? They take the mystery and fear out of some of these regular maintenance jobs. Just sitting here watching videos while recovering from covid. Thanks for keeping me entertained!

[@Moonfleet41]

Most welcome buddy, glad the videos can help... and we hope you're feeling better!

[@wobblysauce]

Yep, giving them a good clean is a thing but changing the oil more often gets rid of the muck also.

[@LS-uv9gg]

My vote again for one of *the* best channels on KZbin. The professional camera work always with perfect focus, no herky-jerky motion sickness inducing continual image changes, no hideous music soundtrack bombarding the senses, no inane running commentary with: "Now I'm turning the wrench. Now I'm opening the bottle. Now I'm setting the bolt down." etc., and a humble Top Bloke who can either simply get on with the task at hand, or show artistic thoughts skillfully brought to life with hard work.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you so much mate for such kind words of support and encouragement... it makes all the difference. Take care and have a wonderful weekend, D&Px

[@TechnMoto]

That’s funny. Others would argue the opposite. Tough to please everyone 👍😀 but I concur.

[@paulregner5335]

Some forks require specialty tooling as well. There is a factory tool for assembly/disassembly of the Triumph inverted stanchion forks that while expensive (around $50, compared to a mere $17 for all of the needed stanchion seals) is worth every penny in saved grief and aggravation. Sure, it's possible to build your own tool that will do the job, provided you can discern specifications based on a grainy, out of focus and poorly lit black and white photograph in a Haynes manual, but where tools are concerned, I tend to lean towards "buy once, cry once" philosophy. When I had to change a fork seal, it was obvious that without the tool the stanchion tube could be taken apart, but without the tool I'd probably STILL be struggling with the task of reassembly.

[@Moonfleet41]

You're absolutely right Sir, I've draws full of 'special tools', you very rarely use them, but irritatingly you can't do jobs with out them!

[@wobblysauce]

Most times the spec tool is great if you do it multiple times a year.

[@Nifilheimur]

That was pretty nasty looking fork oil yeah. Just about every used bike ive bought had horrible fork oil and usually awful brake fluids also. Seems like a lot of people ignore those.

[@Moonfleet41]

Sure thing buddy, believe me it smelled worse than it looked!

[@xklient4175]

Good job! Greatings from Poland!

[@leckywoznicki5393]

Thank you, love watching you videos but just wanted to know why you didn't take them all apart?

[@allanmason7544]

great work del camera work spot on a 1 plus

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you Allan, we appreciate your kind words!

[@michaelevans1658]

I get the feeling this is your favourite bike.

[@loddude5706]

Nice grey fluid. Seeing that reminds me of the original Norton Roadholder front fork internals being based on an ancient paint stirrer found in the tomb of Tutembikemoon. It was called 'the embalmer's bleeve', & if you bleeve that, you'd believe anything : )xx

[@Moonfleet41]

You are, and forever will be, the 'lyrical gangsta'... thank you Sir for our Saturday morning smile!

[@sacheus]

Instead of pulling out the spark plug socket to use the spaner does your extension not go into it from the bottom and therefore torque wrench works. Buy a big nut and bolt that fits the axle then weld them together to make a extension nut for your socket. Drill a hole through the nut and use the extension bar.

[@Moonfleet41]

No mate, look inside your spark plug socket, there's a rubber bung in the way that holds the plug, so the extension doesn't fit... and i did have the correct exact tool (22m axle nut driver) but lent it to a mate, and only realised today that i didn't get it back.. Got a new one on order.!

[@davetowler5108]

Agree vis changing the oil requires little effort or special tools, yet is often overlooked. Turning the plug spanner around in the absence of a 24mm(?) Allen socket is a good idea. Do you not set the forks to prevent "bump travel binding"?

[@michaelmclarney1994]

Nice simple demo Del, you show that with a manual for the bike, basic tools and common sense that most of us can do some basic servicing and save ourselves a fair few quid in the process. I find that i cant put a price on the satisfaction of admiring my work, with a cuppa in hand, when the job is finished and the tools are cleaned and put away 👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Absolutely mate, couldn't put it better myself, there's more to owning a bike than just riding it up the road, taking care of it broadens the pride of ownership! Have a good weekend!

[@loddude5706]

@@Moonfleet41 - 'Broadens the pride of ownership' . . . I'm gonna nick that one! - sod all use for flogging 'Feak & Weeble' corsetry perhaps, but still worthy eh? : )

[@michaelmclarney1994]

@@Moonfleet41 thanks mate, I hope both have a good one too. My weekend involves work in the clock workshop for 2 days and hopefully spanner time on Monday 😀👍

[@tomaszpalkowski4902]

Nice mov. Really useful for owners of Best Bike on world 😀 tnx for series. Im also happy owner of this super gsx

[@Moonfleet41]

Enjoy it mate, thanks for your feedback!

[@FREE_PUREBLOOD333]

Yum yum..i can smell that old fork oil from here mate..😂

[@springy-2112]

Looks like the original fork oil was purchased in Treacle Bumpstead! ✌️❤️🤗

[@Moonfleet41]

Ha ha yeah, i reckon !

[@tasosan]

Hi Del, If I may ask,is it possible to just suck out the oil,without disassemble the fork legs? I have an appropriate hand pump for the job. What I don't have,is space and a way to tie the bike in order to remove the fork legs.(No center stand among other "No") 😊

[@Moonfleet41]

If they are regular forks Tasos then yes you can suck the oil out with a vacuum device, but if they are cartridge forks then you will not be able to get the suction tube down to the bottom of the fork.. and the inner cartridge also needs to be pumped out as i demonstrated in this video..!

[@tasosan]

@Delboy's Garage No,they are just old regular forks,I forgot to mention it in the first 📫 post. Thanx a lot my friend 😀

[@th3v1k1ngW4rri0r]

mmmm that looked sooooo yummy!!! lmao TIlly had new fork seals and oils not so long ago.... 15w and standard fork springs. OLAF has 20w and progressive fork springs - I prefer the progressive, to be honest. I swapped out all 3 of my givi luggage boxes locks for new ones that work on just 1 key, makes life easier.

[@Moonfleet41]

Sounds like you're getting all ready to go mate, bet you're really excited now! Stay in touch and let us know how it's going!

[@nickhellen6303]

LOVE that inverted spark plug socket to tighten up the front axle. Rather than risk marking your forks; couldn’t you just use a 1/2” drive up through the middle of it? Then you could also torque it to spec. Not being critical- that was your usual smooth job. And the same with the camera work.

[@Moonfleet41]

Sure thing Nick, but if you take a squint down inside a spark plug socket, there's a rubber choke in there that cushions the ceramic on the plug, and that stops you inserting the extension in the other end... there is actually a dedicated tool for it, I lent mine to a friend and it's only when I reached for it in this job, I realised he hadn't returned it! ... so got another one on order!

[@johnjubie7144]

Im fairly new to your channel, I like the way you work, steady, neat and organized. Very nice job.

[@johnjubie7144]

Arent the gold colored bolts near the bottom of each fork a drain plug?

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi John, no they are rebound damping adjusters, not drain bolts... and either way, with cartridge forks, if you want to fully empty them, it takes a good couple of minutes working the damper in and out to fully drain all the oil down... it wouldn't all flow out of a drain bolt properly... thanks for your kind words and welcome aboard!

[@Butterfly07949]

I actually fitted the progressive rear shock spring yesterday. What a nightmare. In the end, I had to take it to the garage I used to work at, and it took two of us to get the collet back in lol. On with the front forks tomorrow afternoon, weather permitting. Talking of pumping, how's the ticker Del? All the best, mate.

[@Moonfleet41]

Glad to hear you got is sussed out mate, some jobs can end up being a faff... Health is a 'work in progress' Marc, just got to avoid the stress and the people that bring it.

[@Bajker4ever]

About striping and cleaning forks, I've seen people just spray some brake cleaner or wd40 inside and rinse them.

[@TheJameswort]

Bars off, then magically back

[@donbrowse7980]

Good wee video on maintenance del, god knows how long since that fork oil was changed by the looks of it. That's another job ticked off on the bike. Enjoy the bank holiday del/penny.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Don, have a wonderful Bank Hols yourself, the sun's out here at last! Ride safe, D&Px

[@khanamir5594]

You are doing great work of bikes . You have big technical mind , and you are the GREATEST teacher . Love you SIR .

[@buckndoe1193]

Del casually just did a mint trick with that socket…😮

[@innes59]

Good job mate

[@richardwhittle2302]

Good demo Del, that old oil looked rank. See the Sky Hooks came in use for the Handlebars 😅

[@rickrogers2649]

That Suzuki is really lucky. It found a really good home and is getting a new lease on life. Thanks Del and Penny for the maintenance videos. I can't get enough of them. I just brought a bunch of waste oil and antifreeze for recycling. You must generate a lot of recycle fluids at your shop. In my area in the U.S. it's easy to find places to recycle lube oils but not so much for antifreeze. That takes more effort. Hopefully they make it easy for you in the U.K. Many thanks and best wishes to you both. ❤👍👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Rick, good to hear from you... I fell in love with the big GSX when I found it, I saw it was in a bad way, but I did get it for a great price as it needed plenty of stuff done, and with what really nice ones are selling for, I won't loose out in the end. Yeah, we have a local recycling tip where I can take the oil for free, albeit only 5L at a time! So I have to make frequent trips lol Have a great weekend there, and keep safe! D&Px

[@gunton21]

Great work once again Del, will be one tip top bike once finished. 👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Peter, glad you approve, looking forward to getting out on it!

[@therealkato7958]

Also what was that wrench called that you used to tighten all screws?

[@Bajker4ever]

Torque wrench

[@therealkato7958]

Ok thanks for the great info. 👍🏾 I just subscribed by the way.

[@therealkato7958]

Cheers 🍻 good sir

[@Moonfleet41]

Sorry, realise we forgot to answer that question, yes a torque wrench as Billy Python says, so 3/8 drive. Thanks for the sub and welcome aboard!

[@garya3056]

Nicely done and very good advice, Del. Btw, did you get the service records with this bike? Was just wondering if the previous owner had ever changed up the fork oil over the years. Hope you both are well. Sorry I’m a bit behind in my viewing… we’re on holiday about 1000 miles south of Blighty. 🏍👍🏍

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Gary yes I did, a full service history with this bike, but no record of the fork oil ever being changed. Enjoy your holiday, travel safe! D&Px

[@garya3056]

@@Moonfleet41 ok great stuff. And thx-! Hugs to Penny..

[@MintyGusto]

Spot on! Sadly I think I may have to do the fork seals on the FJR as noticed some misting on the fork legs today 😮 Doesn't help all the roads are a right state at the moment! Have a cracking weekend Del and P x

[@Moonfleet41]

Before you rip the forks apart buddy, try cleaning the seals out with a SealMate, or make yourself a ghetto one, once you hoik the dirt out of them, they usually re-seal... got a video on it if you're not sure!

[@FREE_PUREBLOOD333]

Enjoy.... I've done several FJR's..

[@MintyGusto]

@@Moonfleet41 already tried that and just been out to test. Still misting so it's new seals time. Saying that though, will give me the opportunity to upgrade the springs to a hyperpro set anyway so every cloud and all that mate 👍

[@tonygriffiths2485]

I managed to get someone to agree to do my fork seals. The lot for £155.00 not bad. He is defo up for the task, he used to work for the main dealers, who used to be 15 mins walk away from my front door. It is a little alarming because I only had new stanchions fitted less then 1,500 miles ago ! By someone elsae !

[@Moonfleet41]

That's great news Tony, nice way to start the new riding season! Have a great weekend and ride safe.

[@willfox3650]

Hey del boy, love the vids! Been planning giving this a go on my cb1300. Can i ask, why did you loosen the damping adjusters with the ratchet ? Is that different to just unwinding the flat head damper adjuster at the top? Just want to fully understand before i brave the task myself haha. Keep up the good work mate

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi mate, the damping adjuster is the little tiny screw on the top... what I unwound was the pre-load to take all possible pressure off the spring before undoing the cap... and then I wound it back on again after re-installing the cap. Good luck with yours mate.

[@willfox3650]

@@Moonfleet41 AHH right ok. I'm with it now! Thanks Del, much appreciated!!!

[@brian833]

It looked like you used the whole bottle for each so why use a measuring Cup?

[@Moonfleet41]

Whole bottle, plus a little extra, they're 15oz bottles (American oil) = 443ml, so had to add a little extra from a third bottle.

[@1965computer]

❤

[@1965computer]

been out of work for 13 months because of a total knee replacement, but love me bike and indeed of new oil in me forks. thank you.

[@Moonfleet41]

Sorry to hear about your recovery Mark, hope you will be able to recover fully and get back in to work and on your bike! Take care and let us know how you get on.

[@gncbyron]

You make it looks so easy and I know its not:)

[@andybonney2582]

Job tomorrow for me on my z1000 with the Showa big piston forks. Ordered the right tool as a standard 45mm socket doesn’t fit. I found out the hard way 😂

[@andyjrichie6709]

Nice Friday watch Del, may I ask where you obtained the waste oil jugs from

[@Moonfleet41]

Here you go mate: www.spanner-monkey.co.uk/measuring-jug-with-flexible-spout-2l-115172?search=j2f&description=true www.spanner-monkey.co.uk/measuring-jug-with-flexible-spout-2l-115172?search=j2f&description=true www.spanner-monkey.co.uk/measuring-jug-5l-115176?search=j5RS&description=true

[@andyjrichie6709]

@@Moonfleet41 thank you so much

[@haroldwiser2641]

That's a lotta work for fork oil!

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Harold, I guess at least this way it's a lot less work than stripping them apart completely, and in real time it would probably only take an hour at best... filming things makes it so much longer to do!

[@therealkato7958]

? When should we know when to change oil for the forks?

[@Moonfleet41]

Fork oil deteriorates at different rates, depending on conditions, riding style, and mileage, so as a general rule, it's good to change it every 2yrs at the latest... it doesn't cost much, so well worth it and you will feel the improvement in handling from the new oil...

[@FREE_PUREBLOOD333]

When the weeds starting appearing out the fork seals 😂

[@therealkato7958]

🤣🤣🤣🤣👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@alexanderclarke2774]

Hi Del, that oil looked horrible, I liked the improvised spindle nut tightener, I think they are 24mm if memory serves me, you can use a bolt with a stack of nuts as a temporary tool. You are making want my GSX 14 back although it would probably be too weighty for my poor old knees lol

[@Moonfleet41]

It smelled worse than it looked mate I can tell ya, and the axle socket nut is 22mm, I had the right tool, lent it to a mate, and only realised when filming I didn't get it back! Got a new one on order! Have a great weekend there.

[@alexanderclarke2774]

You to mate, look after yourself

[@davemoore53]

Is it still doable without a bike lift?

[@Moonfleet41]

Yes, as long as you have a main stand and can support the engine so it doesn't tip forward !

[@renzovc]

Great video brother ! completely agreed with you on doing it yourself 🤙 such a great machine this bike is , keep up the great work brother ! stay safe guys cheers from new york 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Moonfleet41]

Ah glad you enjoyed brother, and yes, a beautiful bike. Have a safe weekend there both, and keep in touch, D&Px

[@FREE_PUREBLOOD333]

Get the cereal boxes out mate ..gaskets?.. luxury!!😂

[@panagoskakatosis5314]

is good time to paint maybe with some spey with this jop wehn is ready out.

[@rsbharley4766]

Another excellent production Del and Penny. I think this one will help a lot of people for years to come, job well done mate. Hope all is well with you both, have a great weekend and take care. Cheers

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks so much for your kind support, have a wonderful weekend there, we actually have some sun at the moment! D&Px

[@christophermcreynolds6001]

Great job, what a contrast in the colour of the oil . 👍👍👍👍👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Sure thing mate, and in the feel of the bike as well!

[@syedharis2542]

Fork oil capacity in each leg

[@Cueballproductions1149]

Top

[@johann-ulrichhofstetter2978]

Thank you for another interesting video!

[@tomanpcm]

Thanks:-)

[@marcheighton6436]

Great simple how to as usual Dell. Some might nit pick but any maintenance is better than no maintenance and that was a good job well done !! 👍👍👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks mate, you're dead right, do something rather than nothing!

[@steveflorey8663]

Thanks Del and Penny. Another nice production. I've seen a 2008 GSX 1400 for sale with only 17,000 kilometers on it. The people were asking $10,450 Australian dollars. Non original exhaust and center stand missing. The rest of the bike was in good condition. I look forward to your next instalment.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Steve, that is a damn good deal, if you're looking for one, I'd grab it with both hands! In the UK that bike, with that mileage, would be £6,500, they're getting rare and very sought after now! Glad you're enjoying the videos mate.

[@Goldwing1500rider]

Pretty nasty looking oil, certainly needs a change !! Looks quick and simple!!

[@x-man5056]

You'd think there would be a drain at the bottom of the forks so you could just drain out the bottom and fill from the top. People could easily do it once a year and it wouldn't ever get dirty enough to need to completely dismantle just to exchange the oil.🤔 An admonition to novice viewers that the playback film speed is faster when you were torquing. I know you, and other real mechanics would never be swinging a torque wrench that fast. Slow and steady pull when torquing guys.

[@Moonfleet41]

Yes indeed, double speed just to get through it all, but yes, slide the wrench slowly and feel for the click!

[@jamesweber4938]

The flexible rubber funnel down the forks is a good idea, never seen one like that before.

[@Moonfleet41]

I got a set of four in the pound shop!

[@myz06rocks]

good to see we're tackling similar jobs at the same time :) Have a great weekend.

[@Moonfleet41]

Good luck with yours mate, enjoy your weekend too, soon be summer!

[@pauldavis8421]

Nice one Del ! Have a great bank holiday weekend and ride safe !

[@Moonfleet41]

Cheers Paul, you too mate.

[@tinks43]

Smashed your way through that guys 👊🏻 enjoy the long weekend 😀

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Dave, working Monday, keeping the content wheels rolling! Have a great weekend with the family, D&Px

[@colinsharp1314]

Top job del 👏

[@ooWandereroo]

Just seen the vid -not a good idea to put all the weight of the bike on the exhaust pipes-GSX 1400 owner

[@Moonfleet41]

You're right it wouldn't be, which is why I strapped the rear down to hold the weight and the jack table just in place to steady it.

[@ЮрийСуворов-в9ъ]

👍👍👍✊

[@mohsenkazemi2005]

Good learning Good job dude 💯✔️

[@nicholasbishop3300]

Ahh the simplicity of a big Suzuki Nice job mate Nick Australia

[@Moonfleet41]

Sure thing mate, don't ya love 'em!

[@ObsessiveCarDetailer]

Quality👍

[@shaunglendinning]

Great watch as usual Del. Looking forward to the next one.

[@Moonfleet41]

Cheers buddy..

[@tomislavknezovic1]

when you've done everything you set out to do, you can sell it to me😂😂😂😂... Great job again dell 💪

[@Moonfleet41]

Is that an offer!!

[@tomislavknezovic1]

@@Moonfleet41 I'm kidding, I have one. if I could afford another one I would gladly do it. Now I enjoy watching your pendant work 👏💪

[@tomislavknezovic1]

Btw for how much money can you find a good gsx 1400 in england ?

[@Moonfleet41]

@@tomislavknezovic1 A "good one" in top condition, maybe £6k+, but they're hard to find in the first place, so you could end up paying even more..!

[@tomislavknezovic1]

@@Moonfleet41 thx 💪

[@ChrisRoberts-n7f]

Are these the same forks I would find on my bandit?

[@Moonfleet41]

No, slightly different, these are cartridge forks.