LC Forks

[FNQGreg]

I thought I knew a bit about bikes and old fashioned damper rod forks, well maybe not, when I rebuilt my 350 LC I fitted new tubes, new seals and Hagon springs and carefully measured the oil, well I now can't believe I have NO yes ZERO damping left just bouncy-bouncy with no lose of oil anywhere. I don't think I replaced the damper rings ?. RZ forks have bushes LC forks don't, so could this be caused by to much clearance between tube and slider if so the only remedy is new sliders
I don't think anyone makes emulators for 33mm forks either ???
Have not dismantled them yet was going to order some damper rings first

any thoughts ?????????????????

FNQGreg

[OzzyElsie]

I can't diagnosis your problem but zero zip nil dampening seems very unusual in my limited experience - it might be something simple (a part left out??).

But LC forks are absolute crap in every regard, from dampening to strength. I threw mine in to the corner and fitted RZ forks. There are little differences but a simple game of mix and match RD and RZ parts and it was bolt in. Even the first RZ mud guard gives a pretty good.

The other visual difference is those fins at the bottom of the fork legs.

Unless you are doing OEM or you have gone too far down the resto/expense trail I would suggest you swap if you want a 'rider'

Here's a photo of mine.........

(Keep clicking on the photo and it will take you to photobucket and a BIGGER sized photo.)

P.S. I have LC fork legs if you want them or the sliders - PM me if interested.

P.P.S. If you went RZ I don't think you would need Emulators etc.

[DuncanB]

These guys list emulators for LC forks, i'd be interested to hear from someone who'd fitted them.

http://racetech.com/ProductSearch/2/Yamaha/RD350LC/1981

I've already rechromed, resealed and lovingly cleaned mine up, so throwing a bit more cash at them wouldn't hurt if it helped!

[BRG1200]

Bottom line is LC forks were way too thin as well. I've just fitted RZ variable damper forks to my LC model kit project, as when I offered the LC forks up to the yokes they just rattled about in the holes - D'OH!
Bike came in several boxes, the yokes were from a 1983 RZ.
The upshot is that the LC project now has decent forks with the 83mm Triumph Daytona brake calipers on it.... And it all looks rather happy together. Shame about the wraparound front mudguard though.