1. The suspension components must be maintained in top operating condition to ensure rider safety. Loose, worn or damaged suspension parts decrease the motorcycle's stability and control.
Front suspension
2. While standing alongside the motorcycle, apply the front brake and push on the handlebars to compress the forks several times. See if they move up-and-down smoothly without binding. If binding is felt, the forks should be disassembled and inspected (see Chapter 6).
3. Lift the rubber gaiter off the top of each fork slider. Inspect the area around the dust seal for signs of oil leakage, then carefully lever up the seal using a flat-bladed screwdriver and inspect the area around the fork seal. If leakage is evident, the seals must be replaced with new ones (see Chapter 6). Seat the gaiter back into position after the check.
4. Check the tightness of all suspension nuts and bolts to be sure none have worked loose.
Rear suspension
5. Inspect the rear shock absorber for fluid leakage and tightness of its mountings. If leakage is found, the shock must be replaced with a new one (see Chapter 6).
6. With the aid of an assistant to support the bike, compress the rear suspension several times. It should move up and down freely without binding. If any binding is felt, the worn or faulty component must be identified and checked (see Chapter 6). The problem could be due to either the shock absorber, the suspension linkage components or the swingarm components.
7. Support the motorcycle on its centrestand if fitted, or on an auxiliary stand, so that the rear wheel is off the ground. Grab the swingarm and rock it from side to side - there should be no discernible movement at the rear (see illustration). If there's a little movement or a slight clicking can be heard, inspect the tightness of all the swingarm and rear suspension mounting bolts and nuts, referring to the torque settings specified at the beginning of Chapter 6, and re-check for movement. Next, grasp the top of the rear wheel and pull It upwards - there should be no discernible freeplay before the shock absorber begins to compress (see illustration). Any freeplay felt in either check indicates worn bearings or bushes (according to model) in the suspension linkage or swingarm, or worn shock absorber mountings. The worn components must be identified and replaced with new ones (see Chapter 6).
22.7a. Checking for play in the swingarm bearings
22.7b. Checking for play in the rear shock mountings and suspension linkage bearings
8. To make an accurate assessment of the swingarm bearings, remove the rear wheel (see Chapter 7) and the bolt securing the suspension linkage assembly to the swingarm (see Chapter 6).
9. Grasp the rear of the swingarm with one hand and place your other hand at the junction of the swingarm and the frame. Try to move the rear of the swingarm from side-to-side. Any wear (play) in the bearings should be felt as movement between the swingarm and the frame at the front. If there is any play the swingarm will be felt to move forward and backward at the front (not from side-to-side).
10. Next, move the swingarm up and down through its full travel. It should move freely, without any binding or rough spots. If there is any play in the swingarm or if it does not move freely, remove the bearings for inspection (see Chapter 6),
11. On XL600V-H and J (1987 and 1988) models the suspension linkage components, which have bushes as opposed to bearings, are equipped with giease nipples so that the bushes can be lubricated with fresh grease. Using a suitable grease gun, apply grease to each nipple. Note that the linkage should still be periodically be disassembled so that all the old grease can be cleaned out (see Section 33).