Inspecting The Front And Rear Suspensions; Front Suspension - APRILIA RS 250 - 1998 Manual

INSPECTING THE FRONT
AND REAR SUSPENSIONS
a
Have the front fork oil changed
by an aprilia Official Dealer,
who will ensure you prompt and
accurate servicing.
Carefully read p. 47 (MAINTENANCE).
Change the front fork oil after the first 4000
km (2500 mi).
Check the oil every 4000 km (2500 mi) and
if it is dirty change it.
Further, carry out the following checking
operations:
With pulled front brake lever, press the
handlebar repeatedly, thrusting the fork
downwards.
The stroke must be gentle and there
must be no trace of oil on the rods.
Check the fastening of all the compo-
nents and the functionality of the front
and rear suspension joints.
a
If you notice irregularities in the
operation or if the help of a qual-
ified technician is necessary,
contact your aprilia Official Dealer.
62 use and maintenance RS 250

FRONT SUSPENSION

The front suspension consists of an
hydraulic fork connected to the steering co-
lumn by means of two plates.
For the setting of the vehicle attitude, each
rod of the fork is provided with an upper
screw (1) for the adjustment of the hydrau-
lic braking with extended shock absorber,
a lower screw (2) for the adjustment of the
hydraulic braking with compressed shock
absorber and an upper nut (3) for the adju-
stment of the spring preload.
ADJUSTING THE FRONT FORK
The standard setting of the front fork is
such as to satisfy most driving conditions
at low and high speed, either with reduced
load and full load.
However, it is also possible to adjust the
setting according to the intended use of the
vehicle.
a
Use the notches (1-2) provided
on the adjusters as reference
marks for the adjustment of the
hydraulic braking with compressed and
extended shock absorber.
Give the adjusters (1-2) 1/8 turn at a
time and turn the adjusting nut (3) one
notch at a time. Test the vehicle repea-
tedly on the road, until obtaining the op-
timal adjustment.
S e t t h e s a m e s p r i n g p r e l o a d a n d
hydraulic braking for both rods: a diffe-
rent setting of the rods decreases the
stability of the vehicle while riding.
When the spring preload is increased, it
is necessary to increase also the
hydraulic braking, in order to avoid sud-
den jerks while riding.