Suspensions - APRILIA SXV / RXV 450 550 Use And Maintenance Book

MAINTENANCE
3.3.2.

SUSPENSIONS

CHECKING THE FRONT SUSPENSION
DANGER
To change the fork fluid, contact an aprilia
Authorized Dealer, who will ensure you prompt
and accurate servicing.
Carefully read (MAINTENANCE).
Change fork fluid more frequently if the vehicle is used in
rainy or dusty areas and in off-road conditions.
Check for the following:
•
With pulled front brake lever, press the handlebar
repeatedly, thrusting the fork downwards.
•
The fork should compress in a smooth movement and
must show no traces of oil on the legs.
•
Ensure that all components are properly tightened and
check the front and rear suspension articulated joints
for correct operation.
DANGER
In the event of faulty operation, or if qualified
servicing is necessary, contact your aprilia
Authorized Dealer.
FRONT SUSPENSION
The front suspension is managed by a hydraulic fork, which
is held to the steering tube by two yokes.
Each fork leg is fitted with suitable adjusters to modify
suspension response. An upper adjuster screw (1) controls
rebound damping, whereas a lower adjuster screw (2)
controls compression damping.
SETTING THE FRONT FORK
WARNING
Do not force the adjusters (1-2) beyond their
limit stops in either direction, or the threads
may strip. Set both fork legs to the same spring
preload, compression and rebound damping
settings: a vehicle whose fork legs are set to
different settings will be unstable. When spring
preload is increased, rebound damping should
be increased accordingly. Failure to do so may
result in the front end jerking unexpectedly
when riding.
Factory setting is designed for any riding condition, low
speed, with reduced or full load.
3 - 44
SXV / RXV 450 - 550