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01-16-2023, 08:49 PM | #1 |
Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: Pennsyltuckey
Posts: 309
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Templar fork preload spacers
Has anyone done this yet? I believe my Templar is sprung for a ~150 lb rider and I weigh 250 lbs. I adjusted the rear shock preload but I think I need at least 10mm spacers in the forks.
I've seen Joe Henner's videos for KKE and SZC fork spacers but don't know which (if either) applies to the Templar. I would have opened up the forks by now but it's cold here. If no one knows yet I'll post some pics when I open my forks. TIA
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22 Templar 250 |
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03-02-2023, 04:44 PM | #2 |
Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: Pennsyltuckey
Posts: 309
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Another question gents: Has anyone changed fork oil in their Templar forks and if so, what weight oil did you use? Alternatively, does anyone know the weight of the oem fork oil? I like the damping rate in my forks but the spring is too soft. Since I may have to live with these soft springs I'd like to see how much I can improve the forks with heavier/more fork oil. Any recommendations are welcome and appreciated. TIA
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22 Templar 250 |
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03-02-2023, 07:00 PM | #3 |
Join Date: Feb 2023
Location: Washougal, WA
Posts: 47
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Subscribed as I too am around the same weight.
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Templar X 250 Yamaha XSR900 Kawasaki Brute Force 750 Yamaha TT-R 50 |
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03-02-2023, 10:35 PM | #4 |
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 2,625
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See inside the forks here. Not sure if/where shims might go.
Links to posts in the Temp X thread with FRONT FORK service videos. I recommend a good 15W fork oil like Motul. This will stiffen the fork, improve performance and bring the adjustable range closer to the middle of the "click" range. https://www.chinariders.net/showpost...&postcount=545 https://www.chinariders.net/showpost...&postcount=546 https://www.chinariders.net/showpost...&postcount=549
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-NOS 2020 KTM 250SX (2-stroke motocross) |
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03-02-2023, 10:43 PM | #5 |
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 8,100
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Under the spring at the bottom seems like the best place to me. What a horrific process though. Disassemble the entire fork to add/remove preload
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Hawk Information and Resource guide: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=20331 2018 Hawk 250 - Full Mod list here. http://www.chinariders.net/showpost....62&postcount=1 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 https://chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=34124 |
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03-03-2023, 01:57 AM | #6 |
Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: Pennsyltuckey
Posts: 309
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On the bright side, spring preload should be a one time job. At least for my use it will be good enough. The old damper rod forks sure were a lot easier to work with.
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22 Templar 250 |
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03-03-2023, 01:54 AM | #7 | |
Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: Pennsyltuckey
Posts: 309
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Quote:
Perhaps I should start off by adding more oil to stiffen them up a little by reducing the air volume. At least that should reduce the bottoming out and nose dive. TBH I'm just not sure about 15W and these USD forks are a PITA to change oil. I might be happier with 10W but who really knows? Below are some links to some relevant Joe Henner fork videos. Wish I knew who makes these forks? KKE SZC
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22 Templar 250 |
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03-05-2023, 08:01 PM | #8 |
Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: Pennsyltuckey
Posts: 309
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I heard back from Joe Henner and ordered my preload spacers today for $30. I'll try to take pics of the installation and a review.
I also added 10ml of power steering fluid to each fork today (PSF was the only hydraulic fluid I had laying around). I'm going to add 10ml at a time until I find the level I like and then replace it with the same volume of 15w oil.
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22 Templar 250 |
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04-11-2023, 08:20 PM | #10 |
Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: Pennsyltuckey
Posts: 309
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I finally got the spacers and 15W fork oil installed and Wow! Night and day difference! Reducing the front sag has made a noticeable improvement in steering & stability and greatly reduced nose dive. I haven't ridden it enough to comment on the fork oil because I've been sick but my initial impression is positive.
I should have taken some photos but I forgot. It's pretty self explanatory once you get the fork caps off. Joe Henner told me there is even a video on Youtube but I couldn't find it.
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22 Templar 250 |
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05-22-2023, 09:04 PM | #11 | |
Join Date: Dec 2022
Location: Auburn, NH
Posts: 20
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Quote:
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05-22-2023, 10:13 PM | #12 | |
Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: Pennsyltuckey
Posts: 309
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Quote:
I think you'll like the change with 15w oil. If you still need more preload you can add Henner's slotted spacers without removing the forks. Just remove handlebars and fork caps. GL and post back with your results or any questions.
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22 Templar 250 |
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06-22-2023, 09:01 PM | #13 |
Join Date: Dec 2022
Location: Auburn, NH
Posts: 20
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I changed my fork oil to 15w. Procedure was very simple. I measured 260 ml in each fork but that was with a kitchen measuring cup. I put back in a tad more. I think there is more stiffness but it’s not night and day. The rebound still seems violent. If the wheel gets in the air the shocks extend back down with a bang. That may be normal for a dirt bike but I have nothing to compare to. This is my first dirt bike. I ride on and off road with 15lbs of air front and back. Is there anyway to slow down the rebound??
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06-22-2023, 09:21 PM | #14 | |
Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: Pennsyltuckey
Posts: 309
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Quote:
I'm also looking into adding schrader valves to the fork caps so I can stiffen up the too-soft spring rate. I'm not sure how well this will work with cartridge forks but it worked for me with damper rods. Some guys on FB filled with 30w which seems pretty heavy but 15w still feels kind of light to me. Maybe 20-30w oil will help.
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22 Templar 250 |
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06-22-2023, 10:21 PM | #15 |
Join Date: Mar 2022
Posts: 256
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Could they just be swapped out for a better fork?
Seems like turning a sows ear into a silk purse otherwise
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2022 X-Pro Templar X 250 “Rocinante” 2022 X-Pro Bolt 125cc “Dapple” 2022 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 “Traveller” 2023 Royal Enfield Classic 350 “Trigger” |
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