[askibum02]

I have a Marzocci Z.5 Bomber Circa 2001. When I bought the fork in 2001, the springs were okay. I dusted the bike off last week and took it for a ride. Now the fork is almost completely compressed when I am riding on the street. Where can I get a set of springs and which ones should I get? I am about 6' and 330lbs, so I definately fit in the clydesdale category.:skep:

 

[S-Works]

I have a Marzocci Z.5 Bomber Circa 2001. When I bought the fork in 2001, the springs were okay. I dusted the bike off last week and took it for a ride. Now the fork is almost completely compressed when I am riding on the street. Where can I get a set of springs and which ones should I get? I am about 6' and 330lbs, so I definately fit in the clydesdale category.:skep:

I believe you could remove the springs on one or both sides and get air top caps for that fork. I had the same issue with my 01 Z3 100 coil. got the air caps and made one side air. Made things alot more adjustable.

I'm sure Larry and mtnhighcyclery dot com could get some for you. He could probably help with just the springs too for that matter.

 

[askibum02]

Thanks for the help. I called a LBS and they said it will be about $150 for a fork rebuild and new springs. Does that sound like a fair price or should I look at other bike shops?

 

[RageHardIntoTheBendies]

I just completed an oil/Seal/Wiper change on my Z5 and it was very easy indeed I'd look at doing it yourself.

I think you would need the extra firm springs (Green?) and you can get them directley from Marz.

 

[askibum02]

Is there a DIY somewhere on how to service a Marzocci fork, or any fork for that matter?

 

[RageHardIntoTheBendies]

The manual is downloadable from the Mars site.
This site has a good overview http://myweb.cableone.net/rkindig/marz_marathon_s.html

 

[RageHardIntoTheBendies]

I believe you could remove the springs on one or both sides and get air top caps for that fork.

Yea you can do that, looking at the fork you could also run the air caps with the springs still in place to just have air preload, may have to use a thicker preload washer or somthing though. The caps on mine are a bit mashed so I'm thinking of going that route, maybee just air preload on one side?

I have also added more oil to mine to make them more progressive and switched to 10wt , not ridden yet though.

 

[logbiter]

Is there a DIY somewhere on how to service a Marzocci fork, or any fork for that matter?

check out the enduroforkseals.com site, they make excellent kits & there's a bunch of good instructions on the site.
you can get springs direct from marzocchi or check around some of the closeout shops (ie jensonusa, cambriabike, etc) for xtra firm springs. these are rated for something up to 250lbs, so the air preload caps wouldn't be a bad idea for a clyde of your stature.

easy forks to work on, the $150 sounds steep to me! springs direct from marzocchi would be something like $50 and seal kit about $30.
enduro's seals are more like $20 and better.

get your oil from motorcycle shop- 10-15 weight... Golden spectro is what marzocchi uses (7.5wt stock), but any motorcycle fork oil will do (I like maxima & silkolene as well), there's been threads on this recently, if you want to get more info.

 

[RageHardIntoTheBendies]

Quick update, rode my rebuilt forks for the 1st time last night.
1st thing I noticed is the Enduro seals and wipers are great!! no stiction at all even when new.
I'm about 230lbs and am now running 2 red springs (heavy?), 10wt oil 50mm from top (130mm fork). With full preload on the springs I get about 25mm sag which seems about right.
The fork is much better tuned to my weight like this, previously I could almost get full travel from brake dive alone. going to go for a better ride tonight to see how much ot takes to bottom them out now.
The extra oil really seems to be key as it will still go through the 1st couple of inches quite fast but ramps up nicely toward the end of the travel.

If they are still in once piece by the time I need another rebuild I think I would try a 12.5wt oil and 1 air cap for more preload.

 

[logbiter]

I'm not familiar with the Z5, but in my Z2 (ya, I'm oldschool, pre-2k bombers on 2 bikes) with my ~230lbs I don't like anything heavier than 10wt oil.

Damping gets too harsh even with straight 10wt, for my xc uses.
But yes, enduro seals rock!
I finally tried the special stanchion lube recently, and I'm sold on that stuff, thanks Chris!