$350 to swap fork springs on a zr550??

That's what I just got quoted. That's just for labor - I'm providing the springs. Seems insane to me. Granted, I'm in SF where prices in general are insane, but isn't that a 1hr-ish job?

I'll probably just do it myself. Just need to figure out best way to jack up my bike.

Shop prices.
Steve

If you have a center stand, you can place a board and jack under the header and carefully raise the front end up.

I've also taken a jack under the right footpeg and jacked up the bike while propping it up on the side stand.

Later, Doug

If youre only doing springs, all you have to do is loosen the top clamp pinch bolts, remove the cap and pull out the spring.

Kidkawie wrote: If youre only doing springs, all you have to do is loosen the top clamp pinch bolts, remove the cap and pull out the spring.

...with no weight on the front end.

Later, Doug

As is usually the case with an old bike, I bet the forks need to be completely serviced to clean out all of the old grey gook. For someone who's never done it before, the first fork can be a bear to do. After learning how to do it, the second one should be easy,

PS: I made a simple engine block stand --- 2x4s sandwiched together w a 2x8 base. bike on center stand & engine supported by homemade stand.

I used to prop a 2x4 under the triple tree but it was a tad ubstable and so I got a little bit more creative

www.kzrider.com/forum/21-tools/595750-ra...wheel-off-the-ground

You just need to raise the front enough to get the wheel off

Wow. I'm really glad my bike came with a centerstand. I can pull the front forks, rear wheel, swing arm, etc. using it. The only help it needs is a small bottle jack under the front of the engine when pulling the front wheel or forks. It's a shame that newer models didn't at least have a boss or bracket underneath to allow a centerstand to be mounted temporarily for repairs and maintenance. I wonder if such a thing could be welded under the frame for that purpose? It sure would make life easier for folks with bikes that have no permanent centerstand. Ed

How do they fix flats on the road? Poor planning if you ask me. :dry:
Steve

I guess they must call for a tow truck to haul the bike to a motorcycle shop. That would be very convenient on a Sunday evening when all the bike shops are closed and you're 100 miles from home. :whistle: Ed

Yeah, no center stand is a real bummer. So is no kickstart as a backup when the battery runs out of juice.

Anyway, found this clever little solution to lifting the bike on Zephyr Zone. Think I'll give it a shot, though I might go with a floor jack instead.

Hmm, just noticed the bike in the pic I posted has a center stand. Wonder if this would be a stable enough solution without it...