Hi Maurice,

As you say “there is no obvious play in the linkages” might be a clue to your problem – so first question – does grease easily extrude from between the forks and their linkages?

If not, there are four spindles passing through the fork links with two thrust washers either side. Check that at these can be just turned by hand – if not, the forks will have a stiff and “jerky” motion. (but they are difficult to adjust to get just right)!

Now!  Has anyone changed the main spring??

Known only to 3.74% of motorcyclists, they have different rates, dependant upon the weight of the machine.  If your forks seem “solid” you could have too higher rate spring fitted.

However, the problem is not steering head bearings – but as Phil says, it could be greasy friction disks creating a greater initial force required to overcome the  “sticktion” (i.e. the initial movement from static  inherent with this type of damping design).

Hi Maurice,

Thank you for those few kind words – Brian is one of the 3.74% I mentioned in my earlier post!

Now, How long have you owned the bike?  Why I ask is that it is not unknown for a seller to tighten up the fork spindles to hide the wear, so a lot will depend upon what you find tomorrow.

What area do you hale from?  There’s a company in the West Midlands who overhaulsd girder forks but will not sell the parts (the miserable git)  – but don’t fret they are not that difficult to do yourself if you have access to a lathe  to make the bushes etc. and a liquid reamer to fit them.

Keep us posted.

Stan.

This is turning into quite some debate Martin!!

You are right that teles give a smother ride, principally because the damping medium (oil) provides a far higher restitutional capability than a friction damper, which requires a greater  force to start it moving than once that is achieved – hence friction dampers have a far greater degree of “jerkyness” in operation by comparison.

Also, a further factor is the ratio of the unsprung mass (front wheel and movable portion of the forks) to the to sprung weight (that portion of the rest of the bike acting as a downward force on the front wheel), which in a girder fork set up is higher.

Simply put, it is the ability of the forks to respond to road surface irregularities whilst also controling the rebound characteristics of the suspension medium – which is better for teles than girders as you say.  Its called the co-efficient of restitution.

Now, about the Parker sun probe. …………………..

Stan.

Stan.

• This reply was modified 6 years, 1 month ago by Deleted User.

Wow! I am finding this discussion fascinating although I freely admit I’m out of my depth. I have tried to cover the points raised in correspondence so far and I’m starting to think that the linkages may be at least part of the problem. Thanks for the pointers Stan. One of them seemed a little stiff so I’ve tried to bed them in as much as possible without really knowing what ‘bedding in’ means. Spindles have been degreased and movement when pushed against front brake seems normal. What I could really do with is something like an exploded diagram with some indication of what would be a satisfactory set up. The point Brian raised about spring rating is a very interesting one. I have just refurbished the telescopic forks on my 1948 Ariel NG. First year of teles with no drain plugs and steel stanchions. I was struck by how much less robust the springs are compared to the Scott but of course there are two of them. But it was noticeable before I did the strip down to find a bit of treacle in each leg just how poor the suspension was. Stan is absolutely right: the fork oil seems to do much of the work and the bike is now transformed. I am starting to wonder if the improvement in the Ariel has coloured my perception of the Scott. However, I still believe that I have not got the set up on the Scott forks right and welcome all the help I get on this.

So,how about this for a theory. There is a problem with the linkages ( or spring rating) on the Scott but I had learned to live with it until refurbishing the forks on the Ariel forced the problem to the forefront of my mind by making for an unfavourable comparison. This combined with ever worsening road surfaces has demanded attention which I should have given it before. Plausible theory or psychobabble? I have really valued the thoughts of members so far and would welcome any further comments. The bike will be out on the road today or tomorrow and I’ll report back.

Thanks again

Maurice