To perform at its peak, a
chassis needs regular maintenance. Oils degrade over time and the loss of performance is difficult
to detect. Unlike say a flat tire, which is obvious, as the
oil breaks down and loses damping the performance drops off in small
increments. Also, you are riding as the oil is being broken down, so it
is difficult to detect the change until the oil is changed and the performance
restored.
Regular service will not only maintain the
performance, also will prevent unnecessary repairs later on.
Typically fork and shock fluids should be changed twice each
season. Complete rebuild service should be done each winter.
The suspension linkage bearings should also be serviced each
winter, as well as the swing arm bearings and steering head
bearings. All of the bushings and bearings in the chassis are
checked with each GMD measurement. If your Tech finds any
mechanical problems with your chassis they will discuss it
with you when your measurement and estimate are reviewed.
Many rider and racers will change the motor
oil every race or 1000 miles but will use the same fork and
shock oil 10,000, 20,000, miles or more. When the oil is
finally changed, thin black metallic fluid is drained out
taking bits of fork material with it. Often many more
expensive parts now need to be replaced. With off road bikes
we have seen many owners wait until after the fork or shock
stops leaking before servicing. Often this will wear out the
sliding surfaces beyond repair making expensive replacement
the only option.
Road Bikes Service interval:
Fork &
Shock fluid-once each year
Fork & Shock rebuild- each
winter
Chassis service- each winter
Road Racing Service Interval:
Fork
& Shock fluids-Twice each season
Fork & Shock
rebuild- each winter
Chassis Service- Each winter
Off Road Service:
Interval Fork &
Shock Fluids-Twice each year
Fork & Shock rebuild-
each winter
Chassis service- each winter
