Front fork questions

[MudBug]

on one of my 250ES, the forks seem too soft. I opened the allen head bolt on the bottom of each one and no fluid came out. How do you install fork oil? What type do I buy and how much do I put in? Will it help with my soft suspension?

[jeswinehart]

That you need to pull the fork out of the triple tree on the Big Reds to add oil, and it is a real pain to get them out sometimes.

john

[MudBug]

thanks. once I have the fork out of the triple trees, where on the fork itself do I put oil in?

[NewfieBish]

you need to remove the forks from the "triples" loosen the 2 bolts at the top of each fork (the chrome tube where the boot is) and take the fork out of that clamp. then just pour 110cc (3.8 oz) of ATF (auto trans fluid) into there. then shove it back into the "triple" and retighten the two bolts to reclamp it in. this will make the shock action better, so it will stiffen it up a bit, but if it doesn't, your gonna need new springs.. but without fluid, the piston in the fork doesnt have any action.. so it should stiffen up with some fluid, providing all the internal guts are good. try puttin some fluid in and see how it acts. the service manual for your trike is at this link.. http://72.52.143.80/~trikes/Manuals/ATC%20manuals/atc250es-85-87servicemanual.pdf on page 195/284 at the top.

EDIT, pour the fluid in the top of the part that comes out of the triple.. use a measuring cup to measure it out

[MudBug]

thanks,
on top there is a black cap. im guessing the bolts are under it?

[NewfieBish]

thanks,
on top there is a black cap. im guessing the bolts are under it?

not 100% sure but my 250R has black caps at the top of my forks, where the bolt is fill the fork, so maybe haha

[this guy]

If you are going to the trouble of removing your forks, check your seals and consider replacing them if they are weeping. Also the honda 7wt suspension makes this ride nice too.