Get this guy a 30 minute TV spot! He is so easy to follow along with and explains what he is doing and why he is doing it that way. I also liked how he is using no special tools like 90% of the people that work on their own stuff. Great video man.
Man, I just have to say thank you for your killer video! Awesome camera shots. They are close up and in focus. And along with your descriptions and explanations make it awesome. You are easy to understands. You are not condescending at all. Unheard of these days. I have a better understanding from watching your 8:56 minute video than the least 20 vids put together! And thank you for your no nonsense, non narcissistic commentary. I am so tired of hearing about someone's day or running on about things that don't pertain to the subject matter. And thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. I wish you the best man.
Hey D-Ray, thanks for making this video. I have a old 1983 Honda CB 550 with a leaky fork. Though there are a few differences, the process is similar. Thank you for making this look so simple and easy. I was a little intimidated by this bit of maintenance but now seeing how simple it actually is, I am confident in performing the service myself now. Keep on making these great videos
I picked up an 83' XL600R today, I wanted to give it a once over, and you sir have literally saved me a lot of time and probably money in looking for the correct information. you make some of the best How To videos on TH-cam, keep up the excellent work! From Australia
Sheeeeyut… I think I found my spirit animal! Every video I’ve found teaches me one more thing to add or order of operations to switch out, and this one is no different! Thanks!!
Thanks for this video . I was changing my stanchions on my Honda XR 150 L (as I bent them in a accident) . Wanted to make sure I was taking the fork seals out properly (as the bushing are not attached to the stanchion , like a bigger fork) . Glad to know that I do not need a fork seal driver as well.
Man, I just got one of these XL yesterday and found your channel today. This will save me so much time ! Super pro, super clean,thanks a lot, you rock !
DIY tip: don't have a seal driver? Try a piece of pvc pipe. Can't find one the right size? Cut a piece of pvc pipe length ways in half. Be sure to have a piece long enough to grip and or tap with a plastic mallet. Nice and light as it doesn't take much. Put the two halves together and lightly clamp them with a couple of hose clamps on the tube. If you can, find a washer the same size as the seal(slightly smaller really) and this makes a decent seal driver. I would also lightly grease the new seal(inside lips) on installation. Also, put a sandwich bag on the tube end as you put the tube through the seal. The bag is then removed. This prevents cutting of the seal from the sharp edges of the tube. Nothing worse than ruining a new seal.
Hey man, great video! I have a 1976 Honda MR250 and was stressing about this because I watched other videos. Glad to see the older bikes are a little easier-thanks for posting!
I seem to remember on the old 70'sera bikes we would it install the old fork seals above the brand new seals....I don't recall how that all worked but it really chimes in on my memory! Probably was only on select models I imagine
thanks for making this video, very clear and thorough instruction. i just got one of these bikes. and need to do the front forks and i am about to watch tthe vid on the carbs. mine is ugly and smokes a bit and can be really hard to start the first time. but is the best 400 bucks i have ever spent.
Nice videos I been looking for a good guide to work on my xr600 forks for ages. Nice work please keep em coming. ps. could you please make 1 on how to service an xr600 rear monoshock !!
Thanks D-Ray...I just bought the twin of that beast which has not been run in over 2 years. New gas and plug and ordering a new coil since the spark is so weak. May need a CDI if that does'nt work and, and new fork boots. Hoping for the best but your vids on the bike really helped out, especially since I may have to tackle the carbs too.
Now I need to ride my big girl out there and put some new fork springs in her...Goldwing springs....raises the front end up a bit and improves the ride alot...
Thanks for making this video! I am definitely a Do It Yourself kind of guy. I have watched several videos on this subject and have been a little hesitant to do this job, until now. Many of the other videos had a lot of information, but didn't take your approach. I am looking forward to taking care of this myself now. :)
Thanks a million DRay - really clear simple instructions for really simple folks such as myself :-) - Restoring an unloved '97 XR 250R and the forks are just one of about 40 jobs I have to do. The first was getting rid of the Black Widow that was living under the tank! You wouldn't happen to have a vid for stripping and rebuilding brake calipers would you? Kind regards, and thanks again.
Nice videos. I really appreciate your clear instructions. I'm restoring a 75 XL250 (in great shape, only 7k miles, not abused, but not run for about 10 years). The front seals both leak. It appears the forks on the 75 honda are constructed about the same as this bike, although the pinch bolts are on the bottom of the forks. Am I correct that the assembly is similar to this bike? If so, I'll do the seals myself. Looks fun.
You can put air in as a preload adjustment, I usually don't, Just always seemed to me that the more pressure you put in the fork, the more likely they are to leak.
The retaining bolt installation at 3:15min may want to spin on you and not completely tighten, especially with a torque wrench. To solve the problem the forks need to be compressed, which is hard to do when they are off the bike, but once you have them completely installed, you can compress the forks with tie downs. Basically, load the bike in the truck and tighten it down. Now there will be enough friction on the inside assembly to apply the proper amount of torque to the bolts.
hey D-Ray can you do a video of a trouble shoot a stator and a coil. I have this same bike, but not sure where the stator is. thanks you for the videos. P.S I love these dual sport bikes.
hi good work , thanks for the help that you give us, i have a Honda xl 600 r m from year 1987, that's the same suspension ? can you give mesures from the front fork seals ? thanks
Please make some new vids! I think all of your subscribers are waiting. Your such a great machanic! show us some new stuff. Thanks Btw nice vid though and greetings from Germany haha
Total noob here so the hydraulic fluid isn't keeping the fork up the spring is and if so what is the point of the fluid just to lubricate it so it goes up and down doesn't scratch ? I ask this because on my Honda I have the fork seal leaking on the right and everytime i make a right turn it doesn't Spring back up right away does this mean I need a new Spring to I thought it was because it is leaking fluid
Get this guy a 30 minute TV spot! He is so easy to follow along with and explains what he is doing and why he is doing it that way. I also liked how he is using no special tools like 90% of the people that work on their own stuff.
Great video man.
No extra chatter, good camera work, no terrible music - A++ Thanks for the info!
Suspension forks were a confusing black magic before I saw this video. You're awesome dude, thanks for posting it!
Man, I just have to say thank you for your killer video! Awesome camera shots. They are close up and in focus. And along with your descriptions and explanations make it awesome. You are easy to understands. You are not condescending at all. Unheard of these days. I have a better understanding from watching your 8:56 minute video than the least 20 vids put together! And thank you for your no nonsense, non narcissistic commentary. I am so tired of hearing about someone's day or running on about things that don't pertain to the subject matter. And thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. I wish you the best man.
I was always scarred of trying this, but you make it look so simple. I'm gonna give it a go next week! Thanks dude
Hey D-Ray, thanks for making this video. I have a old 1983 Honda CB 550 with a leaky fork. Though there are a few differences, the process is similar. Thank you for making this look so simple and easy. I was a little intimidated by this bit of maintenance but now seeing how simple it actually is, I am confident in performing the service myself now. Keep on making these great videos
Finally someone who knows how to teach. Thankyou!
The old xl600r is beginning to shape up, yet another spot on tutorial- - - Thanks a lot Jason.
I picked up an 83' XL600R today, I wanted to give it a once over, and you sir have literally saved me a lot of time and probably money in looking for the correct information. you make some of the best How To videos on TH-cam, keep up the excellent work!
From Australia
You are the man. You need your own tv show
Sheeeeyut… I think I found my spirit animal! Every video I’ve found teaches me one more thing to add or order of operations to switch out, and this one is no different! Thanks!!
Thanks- helped alot on my XR250L- much easier & clearer than the service manual.
look forward to your next post (maybe the rear shock...).
Superb..You just saved me 50 bucks on a seal driver! Easy as could be. I have been working on reviving my 83 XL600. Thanks!
Thanks D-ray! i thought it would harder to change my fork seals and you made me confident i can do it because you explain the whole process so well.
Thanks for this video . I was changing my stanchions on my Honda XR 150 L (as I bent them in a accident) . Wanted to make sure I was taking the fork seals out properly (as the bushing are not attached to the stanchion , like a bigger fork) . Glad to know that I do not need a fork seal driver as well.
Man, I just got one of these XL yesterday and found your channel today.
This will save me so much time ! Super pro, super clean,thanks a lot, you rock !
Big thanks from Sweden D-Ray! Building a retro-scrambler out of an -83 XL600R and your vids have been a great help. Keep em' coming!
Right on!! Thank you D-Ray and great video -to the point, detailed, good angles everything I like about a DIY tutorial.
instablaster
Looking at picking up an 86 XL and just watched your series. I'm handy but this made it all seem like stuff I'm no longer hesitant to try. Thank you!
Thanks for the great videos of the XL 600 R. Would be great to have more about this great bike.
Thank you for the great tutorial! Very easy to follow, well explained. Thanks again for quality TH-cam content!
Bought myself a '92 XL 600, and it came with a ton of work to do.... Thank you for your videos, it's going to help me a lot!
Gday D-Ray
Keep up the good work.
Great clips
Awesome information about the maintenance of the old xl600.
Keep old girls going. 👍👍👍👍
DIY tip: don't have a seal driver? Try a piece of pvc pipe. Can't find one the right size? Cut a piece of pvc pipe length ways in half. Be sure to have a piece long enough to grip and or tap with a plastic mallet. Nice and light as it doesn't take much. Put the two halves together and lightly clamp them with a couple of hose clamps on the tube. If you can, find a washer the same size as the seal(slightly smaller really) and this makes a decent seal driver. I would also lightly grease the new seal(inside lips) on installation. Also, put a sandwich bag on the tube end as you put the tube through the seal. The bag is then removed. This prevents cutting of the seal from the sharp edges of the tube. Nothing worse than ruining a new seal.
Hey man, great video! I have a 1976 Honda MR250 and was stressing about this because I watched other videos. Glad to see the older bikes are a little easier-thanks for posting!
D-Ray...you are the man!...you make it look so easy. Thanks for sharing.
hands down super easy to follow thank you for your time you put in to make this video it's a life savor . awesome job.
great tutorial.
simple ,polite and to the point no nonsense.
5 stars🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I seem to remember on the old 70'sera bikes we would it install the old fork seals above the brand new seals....I don't recall how that all worked but it really chimes in on my memory! Probably was only on select models I imagine
Great video. Thanks for putting in the time to show exactly how to do it. You're a pro!
Thanks for the great video! Now I'm ready to replace the seals on my bike. : )
I dont have and XL600R but you did and damn good job of making this video concise and straight to the point
thanks for making this video, very clear and thorough instruction. i just got one of these bikes. and need to do the front forks and i am about to watch tthe vid on the carbs. mine is ugly and smokes a bit and can be really hard to start the first time. but is the best 400 bucks i have ever spent.
awesome video, you need your own show! Keep them comin
Best video on replacing Fork Seals! Thanks!
Again, thanks D -Ray, I'm picking up a 1993 XR600R today and wanted some info on maintenance.
Very good work, and thank you for taking the time to make this video, it has helped a lot!
Good Job Sr, very well done, simple fast and informative.
Nice videos I been looking for a good guide to work on my xr600 forks for ages.
Nice work please keep em coming.
ps. could you please make 1 on how to service an xr600 rear monoshock !!
your vids are the best, very informative. thanks so much!
Thanks D-Ray...I just bought the twin of that beast which has not been run in over 2 years. New gas and plug and ordering a new coil since the spark is so weak. May need a CDI if that does'nt work and, and new fork boots. Hoping for the best but your vids on the bike really helped out, especially since I may have to tackle the carbs too.
Great video! I'm about to tackle my "new" 81 XL250s shock seals. Your vid is a great resource. Thanks, DRay.
Good video man going to do this next week very good camera work and no nonsense talking that is not use full
Thanks for this video D-Ray, It`s the second time i`ve used the clip to help with replacing the seals.
Doing my 1990 XR250R forks right now, thanks for the video.
Great down to earth video ! Just what I was looking for
Just the video's that I needed to see. I have to replace the seals in my '84 magna and '84 goldwing
you are the man d ray! ive learned a ton from your videos. thank you sir.
Super well done. Very thorough! Thanks so much !
Great informative Video. I'm am about to change my seals your video explains it very clearly!
Thank you so much!
love the music, great job, learned a lot, this is a good video
Now I need to ride my big girl out there and put some new fork springs in her...Goldwing springs....raises the front end up a bit and improves the ride alot...
hey bud very informative and i was looking in the back ground of your shop and noticed i have the same matco toolbox as you do
Thanks for making this video! I am definitely a Do It Yourself kind of guy. I have watched several videos on this subject and have been a little hesitant to do this job, until now. Many of the other videos had a lot of information, but didn't take your approach. I am looking forward to taking care of this myself now. :)
Saved my bacon.. better than the service manual .. and tips as well !
Thanks for this good explantion.As i can see its the same fork as the XL650 Transalp.I'm going to try it out.Greetings from HollandRené
That fender is made my Maier, it was actually for an XR, but worked just fine.
very nice and complete video, enjoyed even if i have not a xl600 YET (hope in 2-3 weeks!)
Thanks a million DRay - really clear simple instructions for really simple folks such as myself :-) - Restoring an unloved '97 XR 250R and the forks are just one of about 40 jobs I have to do. The first was getting rid of the Black Widow that was living under the tank!
You wouldn't happen to have a vid for stripping and rebuilding brake calipers would you?
Kind regards, and thanks again.
Great video, very informative. Greatly appreciated. Thank You,
Nice videos. I really appreciate your clear instructions. I'm restoring a 75 XL250 (in great shape, only 7k miles, not abused, but not run for about 10 years). The front seals both leak. It appears the forks on the 75 honda are constructed about the same as this bike, although the pinch bolts are on the bottom of the forks. Am I correct that the assembly is similar to this bike? If so, I'll do the seals myself. Looks fun.
Excellent Video! Exactly what I needed.
Do we get to see the finished product running?
You can put air in as a preload adjustment, I usually don't, Just always seemed to me that the more pressure you put in the fork, the more likely they are to leak.
Yeah good!What's about pressurising the forks after assembling and filling with oil???
It should be pretty much the same setup. Thanks for watchin'!
Thanks well done video on fort seal replacement.
The retaining bolt installation at 3:15min may want to spin on you and not completely tighten, especially with a torque wrench. To solve the problem the forks need to be compressed, which is hard to do when they are off the bike, but once you have them completely installed, you can compress the forks with tie downs. Basically, load the bike in the truck and tighten it down. Now there will be enough friction on the inside assembly to apply the proper amount of torque to the bolts.
Thanx!! this helped a LOT for my 86 CR500R
Nice job, now I know how to do it on my Cagiva T4.
Great Videos I own the 1983 XL 600 r
Question ?
looked everywhere for the spec manual
I believe its the 50510 know were i can pick one up?
Thanks
grazie mille, filmato chiarissimo e dettagliato, mi metto al lavoro subito sulla mia xl600r paris dakar del 1985.ciao
Great video.
What is the correct type of oil ?
Excellent video buddy!
great video, great explanation. Great job.
thanks for the video. one question , did you fill the tubes with air? looks like it had spec in your book to do so but you did not mention it
Learned a lot. Thanx for the exelent video.!
You're doing a great job!! Thank you!
hey D-Ray can you do a video of a trouble shoot a stator and a coil. I have this same bike, but not sure where the stator is. thanks you for the videos.
P.S I love these dual sport bikes.
You won't recognize the ol' girl when ya finish her there mate. lovin the vids and pickin up some tips too.
Cheers n regards
Thanks bro, this is th' kinda stuff I love to do....
hi good work , thanks for the help that you give us, i have a Honda xl 600 r m from year 1987, that's the same suspension ? can you give mesures from the front fork seals ? thanks
Awesome series !!!
Nice tutorial! On point!
Well done, Thank you!
Please make some new vids! I think all of your subscribers are waiting. Your such a great machanic! show us some new stuff. Thanks Btw nice vid though and greetings from Germany haha
Thanks Jeff!
Great video very helpful
What front fender did ya install there DRay?
Thanks Brother!
D-Ray Smith, thanks for help me, great video, is time to aplicate into my xr 250 1987. Saludos From Chile
What type of oil did you use.?
Great informative video! Thanks
Great videos, man.
Superb, thanks for the tips
Great video, thanks!!!
Total noob here
so the hydraulic fluid isn't keeping the fork up the spring is and if so what is the point of the fluid just to lubricate it so it goes up and down doesn't scratch ? I ask this because on my Honda I have the fork seal leaking on the right and everytime i make a right turn it doesn't Spring back up right away does this mean I need a new Spring to I thought it was because it is leaking fluid
Sir thanks for the information God bless, rajel Dragon from San Diego California
i have the 84 xl350 r is the fork same setup as the 600
Thanks,man!