So this isn't about a Husqvarna, but a Maico, I couldn't however find a Maico dedicated forum that's as helpfull as Cafe Husky. I'm currently restoring a Maico 490 (83/84 mono), and the forks are terrible in every way (rebound faster then a pogo stick), what sort of oil should I put in and what about volume (air gap), any other mods I can do while I'm in them?
Im sure I used ATF in mine back in the day, 6 inchs from the top with the fork compressed but mine was a earlier twin shock so would not know if the forks changed at all on the mono version. Mine had air caps on the tops that I used to pump up to blow the fork seals out after the clips were removed, Could change a set of seals and get them back in the bike and away in under 10 minutes
I had an 82 Maico. The forks should be the same, I think they are great forks. I ran 10wt oil 6 inches from the top (forks collapsed springs out) Also run 8 -12 psi in each fork
I only have 5w (Motorex) fork oil, should that be okay or is it to light? How about running atmospheric pressure in the fork (I'm sure they won't leak as quickly).
5 wt oil works ok. It all depends what riding you do. I've ridden them without air, they're a little soft and the forks sag. I would always just pressurize the forks before riding, then bleed the air out when I was done. I only rode the bike 2-3x per season. With fresh fork seals I did not have a leak problem. I also ran good wipers with fork boots over top
