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Author Topic: Fork Service Done  (Read 2183 times)

jotjotde

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Fork Service Done
« on: October 30, 2025, 01:41:45 PM »

For anyone who is interested.

As per recommendation of Chris Paz/Demoni, I had my fork serviced after a bit more than 3 years and 95,000 km.
Went for a spin yesterday. For me, the difference in performance is nearly  imperceptible. I think the fork might work a bit smoother now, but I am not skilled enough to push the bike to the limit.

Cost were 430 € for the service incl. 3 work hours, new seals and taxes.

The fork was working without any problems so far, but I am a friend of preventive maintenance and I fully trust Chris' recommendations.
It was not easy to find a workshop doing this. Two Ducati workshops refused, they probably do not want to service unknown bikes, especially electric ones which are known to spontaneously combust at every possible opportunity  ::)

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Specter

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Re: Fork Service Done
« Reply #1 on: October 30, 2025, 11:30:41 PM »

Sounds like you got shitty bike shops around you.  Forks are a 'motorcycle' thing, not an 'electric motorcycle' thing, nothing magic about them.

you'll notice a bit of difference, the fluid picks up water/crap over time, just like brake fluid does.  i do mine annually but then again im beating the hell out of mine.  besides, you blow a seal on the road you are done.  its best to keep everything fresh and tight so you don't end up stranded somewhere.  you may not think you feel it now but wait until you hit a shitty washboard road or a pothole and it rebounds a lot better, you'll notice it then :D  Since he did the full fork for you, he should have also tuned it for you too, have you sit on the bike and bounce it a few times to set them properly for you, did he do that?

Aaron
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Demoni

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Re: Fork Service Done
« Reply #2 on: October 31, 2025, 11:31:22 AM »

Suspension service is one of those items that most riders ignore or don't know needs maintenance.

The oil in your bikes forks and shock does a lot of work. The additives in oil break down over time resulting in changes to their viscosity and lubrication properties. The seals that sit between the outside world and the inside of your suspension stop most of the crap from getting through but not 100%. Over time dirt suspended in the oil acts as liquid sandpaper to the internal parts of your suspension. In addition to the oil the fork seals wear out over time, resulting in more contamination getting past and into your oil.

Finding a shop to service non Ohlins forks can be a bit hit or miss. Shops need to know what parts they need to order to perform the service and if any special tools are required for disassembly
There are tons of options if you have the ability to remove the forks/shock from your bike and ship them to a shop for service.
Energica of New England is set up for servicing these parts. AF1 racing is also a good option.

If you are looking for a local shop
MV Agusta and Ducati both have some models equipped with Marzocchi forks similar to those that come standard on Energica EVA, EGO and EsseEsse9
The Experia is fitted with Sachs suspension, some Beta dirtbikes and Aprilia run similar forks.

It would not hurt to discuss possible changes to the tuning of your suspension that can be made during a standard service. Adjustments to the fork oil weight, total oil height, spring rate, and rebound/compression circuits can better match the suspension to your weight and riding abilities. That being said if you are happy with how your bike feels keeping it stock is probably best.
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Pard

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Re: Fork Service Done
« Reply #3 on: October 31, 2025, 03:10:47 PM »

+1 @Demoni

I ship my suspension components to my suspension guy for service.  Ship them in a hard rifle case for protection.

If you are a do it yourselfer, or shops not close by, you can cut corners with a dump and run fork oil change.



« Last Edit: October 31, 2025, 03:18:28 PM by Pard »
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PWM

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Re: Fork Service Done
« Reply #4 on: November 01, 2025, 01:02:15 AM »

Yikes...Ohlins recommendation for oil change interval is 2-years, 20km under normal use...in my case, the exposed tubes are kept exceedingly clean w/ light film of Rem Oil (teflon infused stuff very slick)...bike is always parked in low humidity environment (my machine tools don't rust)...never ride in rain conditions either.  Sounds like it's time after 4-years but will wait for the 20km mark as the better interval.  Thanks for posting.
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Specter

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Re: Fork Service Done
« Reply #5 on: November 04, 2025, 12:03:21 AM »

just like things can wear out / dry rot, being used or not over time, yah the rubber seals, and fluids can suffer ageing issues as well.  Even though you keep them clean, pollutants in the air, Sox Nox can eat at them over time too.  Some super fine grit / silt manages to roll up in there past the wiper / seal, and now it's churning around.

If you ever notice your brake fluid reservoir, over time that can turn darker as the fluid picks up crap out of the air, oxidizes, gets superheated during stops etc etc, that's the fluid breaking down over time, discoloring it, from the should be pretty much clear when brand new.  The oil in your shocks is constantly agitated from riding and being forced thru tiny ports over and over again.  While we can see our brake fluid and know oh yah its getting worn, there really isn't a way to see the forks w/o opening them up, which is not really a standard thing to do.

Depending on where you live and condition of the roads, can really take a toll on them as well

aaron
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