Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Electric_Adventures]

Hey all, the time has come for me to do some fork maintenance on my new-ish Ribelle.  I have previously been using a scissor lift and rear stand or most of the time a center stand (like on my DSR/X or Yamaha Tracer) but with the Ribelle comes potential for needing a new solution.  I’m not sure I want to use the scissor lift under the bottom of the bike, but I’m having some difficulty determining a front stand that works well.  Has anyone used a front stand for their Energica Ribelle before to do fork maintenance?  Looking at the Pitbull options (been using a Pitbull rear stand and it’s been great) it seems like there is a custom pin fit required for the front, so I feel like that’s out unless anyone has the trial and error already determined.  If anyone can speak from the experience of using a scissor lift with much success, I suppose I can attempt that way instead as well, I’m just loathe to give it a shot without knowing what Energica might recommend here.

[zerodog]

You could hang the front end off, from the triple clamp to your ceiling if you happen to have exposed rafters in your garage.

[Demoni]

A Pitbull front stand is a great option. I worked with their GM George years ago to get a pin that worked with the bikes.
You need pin #45 for a EGO EVA or EsseEsse9 https://www.pit-bull.com/energica/pin-45-front-f0001-045

You can also use a scissor lift under the battery to lift the front part of the bike off the ground. Make sure you also use a rear stand to support and stabilize the rear of the bike.

[Electric_Adventures]

Is there anything specific I should worry about when using a scissor lift?  I might still get the Pitbull front stand (thank you for the pin spec!!!) but I already have the lift, it just seems like it won’t pick it up as well as front stand could. 

[Demoni]

Nothing specific to worry about the flat bottom of the 21.5kWh battery is more than strong enough to support the weight.
just position the lift towards the front of the battery case so it pivots the bike up wail staying in contact with the rear stand.

When I have Energica one of our lifts I exclusively use a scissor lift like this one ^ as a front stand would get in the way of the wheel chock.

[Specter]

Just remember that the pit bull stand, kind of holds the bike up, the lift, the bike is just balancing on top of it, and while you can knock it over with either one if you tried, id think the lift would be a little more prone to being pushed, tipped over  with the bike perched on top of it.

Aaron

[jotjotde]

As a tip for Europeans: A similar lifter like the Pitbull one Demoni recommended is availabe from Kern Stabi. Sold directly or at Louis.
https://shop.montagestaender.de/motorrad-produkte/kern-stabi-front-montagestaender/montagestaender-set-vorne-lenkkopf-2045-p.html

[jotjotde]

Hey all, the time has come for me to do some fork maintenance on my new-ish Ribelle.  I have previously been using a scissor lift and rear stand or most of the time a center stand (like on my DSR/X or Yamaha Tracer) but with the Ribelle comes potential for needing a new solution.  I’m not sure I want to use the scissor lift under the bottom of the bike, but I’m having some difficulty determining a front stand that works well.  Has anyone used a front stand for their Energica Ribelle before to do fork maintenance?  Looking at the Pitbull options (been using a Pitbull rear stand and it’s been great) it seems like there is a custom pin fit required for the front, so I feel like that’s out unless anyone has the trial and error already determined.  If anyone can speak from the experience of using a scissor lift with much success, I suppose I can attempt that way instead as well, I’m just loathe to give it a shot without knowing what Energica might recommend here.

May I ask why you think maintenance is necessary?
Any oil leaks or lack in performance?

[Richard230]

Nothing specific to worry about the flat bottom of the 21.5kWh battery is more than strong enough to support the weight.
just position the lift towards the front of the battery case so it pivots the bike up wail staying in contact with the rear stand.

When I have Energica one of our lifts I exclusively use a scissor lift like this one ^ as a front stand would get in the way of the wheel chock.

I use a very similar Drag Specialties lift when changing the tires on my Zero. Lift capacity is listed as 1000 pounds. It seems to work well, just be careful to not bump against the bike while it is on the stand. 

[Electric_Adventures]

The right fork is leaking - nothing super severe but after I was halfway done with my recent trip (5500 miles from Wisconsin to Washington State and back) I noticed the bike pulling to the right, and it’s gotten more severe as the leak continued across the trip.  I’m a little disappointed that the factory seals on the fork seemed to have failed in 2 years and 8500 miles, but it’s not that big of a deal - I will put plenty more miles on this bike in short order so a rebuild probably isn’t the worst thing to do right now. 

[Specter]

Forks should have annual maintenance just like everything else imo.  The fluids can pick up moisture from the air, they can get crud in them, viscosity changes and start acting odd etc.  You don't have to overhaul everything, but a quick look and replace the fluid if it's cloudy or gloppy may be in order.  Just like brake fluid can pick up water and contaminants in it and discolor over time and need to be changed.  Especially if you ride your bike a lot or ride it more spirited, you will want to keep your forks in good tune.
aaron

[Electric_Adventures]

As I said, I think it’s disappointing the factory seals have failed as my riding generally shows double the life/time as compared to what I got.

I check my fluids more regularly but this is clearly not only a fluid replacement I need to do.

[MVetter]

Marzocchi is a pretty respectable brand and, to be fair, your issue is the first time I've heard anyone have a problem with the forks on these bikes. I mean it's bound to happen I'm sure but I've yet to encounter it personally.

[Specter]

Besides just changing a bad seal, hopefully you can determine what went bad and why.  A outer wiper damaged can allow crud up there to eventually cause a seal to fail, i had that happen to one of my bikes, not that brand though, but that could happen with anyone.  Being able to see what /why would help prevent it in the future.

electric adventures , my previous post was more for jojotide asking why do you think you need maintenance, i should have been more specific in my reply.

Aaron

[Electric_Adventures]

No worries about that, I could have been more specific in my response too since it was also out of line.

For MVetter, the frequency of such an event does not temper my personal disappointment unfortunately, but I still do love the rest of the bike.  I’ll probably upgrade to the Ohlins suspension by the next maintenance cycle anyways though.