changin fork boots, 200x

[Murph]

I have some new fork boots sittin in my garage, that I need to put on to replace the old torn ones. How hard is this to do? My dad thinks we will have to completely take apart the front end to do it. When I was looking at it a few minutes ago, it looked like I could just loosen up all the bolts holding the forks on, and slide them right out. I'm sure neither of us are completely right on this though. Can somebody fill me in on exactly what we are gonna have to do to replace these boots?

Also, the suspension squeaks terribly. When I have these taken apart, will some WD-40 fix this, or are there parts that need to be greased or anything of that nature? Thanks.

[Red Rider]

With help, you could possibly do it the way you're suggesting, by loosening all of the bolts on both triple clamps, removing the front brake master cylinder from the handlebars, and then sliding the forks out of the triple clamps. I've never tried it that way because I'm usually working on my bike by myself, and doing it your way alone would be nearly impossible, therfore I would resort to doing it your dad's way, by completely disassembling the front end, which isn't difficult either. As for the squeaking, that's most likely coming from the rear suspension.

[Murph]

I would have help if I needed it, but i'm just wondering what would require me to need help by doing it that way? I figured I could just sit the back up on the rear tires and grab bar, that way I wouldn't have to deal with the weight of the bike on it. Is there something else I am missing about this?

About the squeaking, both the front and the rear suspension is squeaking. Is there any way to stop the rear squeaking also?

[Red Rider]

That's a whole lot of weight (both front forks, front wheel, & brake components) to be finessing back into the triple clamps while you're putting it back together. I'm not saying it can't be done. I just think it's easier the other way.

I've never heard forks squeak before. It sounds like they're in dire need of some maintenance, a fork oil change in the least. As for the rear suspension, pay close attention to all 3 pivot points (swingarm pivot, upper & lower shock mounts) to determine where the squeak(s) are coming from. Some silicone lube on the offending area(s) should quiet them temporarily.

[Murph]

thanks man. you may be right about the forks not squeaking. When I was riding it always sounded like it was coming from both the front and the back of the bike, but i couldn't make them squeak again yesturday while it was just sittin in the garage. WD-40 took care of a lot of the rear shock noise too.

I think you are right about my method of doing it also. I should have known it would be harder than it looks.lol. I will still probably do it that way, my dad will be able to help me if/when I need it. Thanks for the help.

[250rAL]

Getting the whole front out of the clamps is easy; getting it back in is the fun part. It's easy to take the front wheel off. Just do that first to make the job a lot easier. The squeak is likely coming from the top shock mount. Take the bolt out and grease it.

[BIG BAD RED]

Can do it with the wheel on if you realy want, Does your garage have rafters or any hooks you can slowly lift the front end of your bike with?


Take your front brake assy off the handle bars, and with the front tire suspended about 3 inches off the ground, loosen off the tripple clamps ( I cant remember if the 200 has 4 per fork leg or 2) and then take the weight off of the forks that being on a angle is putting on them...After the weight is taken off, they will slide out with a bit of ease, then just lift the trike up a few more inches as needed. ;)

Getting them back in make sure your angle is exactly in line with the top tripple clamp and it shouldnt be too hard. Make sure if you have anything cable tied to your forks to cut them before you start.

It can be a one man job if you are patient.

[Murph]

I finally got around to doing it today. It really went pretty well. I got it all taken apart,and put the new boots on by myself, then had to get my dad out there for a few minutes to help me get the forks back in the triple trees, but it was pretty easy overall. I'm a pretty big guy, and my dad isn't small, so it wasn't too hard to deal with the weight. The bike looks a ton better now too. As soon as I get the screws for my shrouds, I'll post some pictures.