85 tecate fork size

[dcreel]

I need to know the size of the 85 tecate forks. I think they are 36mm, but my manual doesn't say anything about the size. I am going to replace seals in the forks, and I need a seal driver. The one from Kawasaki was $300. Bikebandit has some seal drivers but they go by the size of the tubes.
Thanks in advance..
Do you have to pull the tubes apart from the lowers to get the old seal out? I assume so. I have been watching the how to's on youtube.

Will this work? It only works for 35/36mm forks
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORK-SEAL-DRIVER-35mm-36mm-Motion-Pro-Tool-STD-Inverted_W0QQitemZ390142537428QQcmdZViewItemQQptZM otors_Automotive_Tools?hash=item5ad64eaed4
Tusk sells an adjustable one that goes from 26-45mm and looks really cheap.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Adjustable-Fork-Seal-Driver-26-45mm_W0QQitemZ140321858583QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotor cycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item20abd5a417

[jeswinehart]

Is this what you needed measured dcreel ?
(some day I will get my machine off the barrel stand ~ lol. )

john

[dcreel]

That is exactly what i need. thanks John. The 35/36mm one should work.

[tecat-z]

Yes Doug, they are 36mm. To remove leg from slider, you need to hold damper rod "inside of fork tube' with what i call a T-bar. Its a tool that prevents rotation of damper rod so bottom allen screw can be loosened. Some machines have forks that can be broken down without this tool. First gens need this device to prevent damage. Once separated simply pull apart and remove dust seal, clip and oil seal. Very simple job. A seal tool is not necessary for re-assembly. I use a large socket after gently getting them started, to fully seat them.

[dcreel]

So where would I purchase the T bar? I saw that in my manual but when I checked the part numbers in bike bandit it said that it was for old KX's and not for the 85 tecate. I am also wondering what fork oil I should use? The manual says 10W but was wondering if a thicker weight would make it a little stiffer for jumps, whoops, etc.
Thanks for the help guys.

and when you refill your forks do you just add the specified amount per the manual, or do you use one of these?

http://www.bikebandit.com/assets/product_images/05MotionProForkOilLevelGaugeMD.gif
http://www.bikebandit.com/motion-pro-fork-oil-level-gauge

The T bar handle 57001-183 $30.05
adapter 57001-1011 $28.56

When I check the vehicles the parts fit (per bike bandit website) the oldest is 1982

[fabiodriven]

Johnny is the man!

[jeswinehart]

So where would I purchase the T bar? I saw that in my manual but when I checked the part numbers in bike bandit it said that it was for old KX's and not for the 85 tecate. I am also wondering what fork oil I should use? The manual says 10W but was wondering if a thicker weight would make it a little stiffer for jumps, whoops, etc.
Thanks for the help guys.

and when you refill your forks do you just add the specified amount per the manual, or do you use one of these?

http://www.bikebandit.com/assets/product_images/05MotionProForkOilLevelGaugeMD.gif
http://www.bikebandit.com/motion-pro-fork-oil-level-gauge

The T bar handle 57001-183 $30.05
adapter 57001-1011 $28.56

When I check the vehicles the parts fit (per bike bandit website) the oldest is 1982

Well that looks like it would be alot easier to use then the tape measure method i use.
And easy to make too ! You can get those big syringes at any animal supply places.

john

[tecat-z]

All you need is a ratio-rite graduated cylinder. Pour in the required cc's of oil. Done..I use 15wt oil. I prefer to slow down the action of the forks a bit. I'll post a pic of my T-bar this weekend. I made it out of gas pipe, a nut and mig welder. Can be made for less then 15$ from any hardware store.But, it won't work on 86-87. They are different..

[Tecate 50]

I used 15w Bell Ray........I think it is 255 cc's on each side. Call Kawi to be sure!

[dcreel]

Stupid question.. I never was good at math. Will 1 liter of fork oil do both fork tubes? I think it will. I just want to be sure.

[Tecate 50]

One quart will fill both sides if I remember correctly!