[edde]

Hi - I just got a 2004 and on my first ride in open field it seems the shocks have a dead spot or somethings not right up front. There's some funky rattle almost. I did not detect it at all riding on smooth gravel.

Can I expect to reseal and reoil the shocks or is there something everyone knows but I don't?, lol.

I'm experienced with mechanics but have never had a bike.

Is the FSM a must or will a haynes do?

Thanks!

[124]

Welcome to CRF's Only.
Can't comment to much other than:
There shouldn't be any rattles. Check your steering stem nut. Make sure it's tight. Other's can help you on the dead spot issue.

I prefer the Honda service manual, but many claim the Haynes and Clymer manuals are very good too. You can get the HSM from:

www.helminc.com

Good luck...

[edde]

Thanks. I suppose it well could be a stem nut thing. It's more chatter than rattle I guess. Several things appear to be out of proper adjustment so anything is possible.

Other than that the front end seems fairly squishy to me but maybe it's normal.

I see no oil leaks.

[nedirtbikr]

You may see no leaks, but have you actually checked the oil? The "fairly squishy" description make me think there might not be enough (or any) oil to help with dampning. You might be riding on just the springs. The smooth surface wouldn't work the springs as hard as the rough surface. That clankity-clank you're hearing could be the springs bouncing around in the forks with no fluid to help.

Just a thought...

[edde]

Yo - good thought... I wondered basically the same thing. Don't know where this oil would have gone unless it's just blowing back and forth past internal seals.

I was told this bike sat more than it was ridden... it LOOKS ridden

Thanks!