Fork assembly

I'm rebuilding the forks on my 1973 750. I'm sure this has been asked before but what does the thin paper gasket do? It goes on top of the upper bushing and under the fork seal right? They call it a seal also but what does it really do? I've read its a spacer? Does it keep the fork seals from touching the upper fork bushing? Thanks

Helps to do google searches on this as forum only looks in the text not subject line. Any who know one knows what the paper washers are for in factory Roadholders. In RGM fork braces they act as indexing spacers so the brace nuts clamp down in position of least striction. Sure ain't for sealing that's for sure.

Thanks, I tried here but found everything but what i was looking for.

Item 31 here? http://www.oldbritts.com/1972_g14.html

Dave
69S

Sorry this doesn't answer your question, but when I rebuilt my forks years ago I didn't fit the paper washers. They may not have been there before my rebuild, and I guess I didn't notice them in the manual.
I have just rebuilt the forks again, this time with the washers, but I still don't know what they do, and I don't think their omission caused any problem.
I think I read a suggestion a while back that they prevent pilling of the rubber as the nut is tightened, but as they are located below the seal that doesn't seem right.
It'll be interesting to learn what they do.

I've been at Commando's for 13+ year now daily on various lists and have yet to find anyone that knows WTF these useless paper rings are for. A wipe of lube is all the seal needs not to bind up on nip up. One fun thing I used to do was go down my big list of vendors world wide and ask them various questions on esoteric issues. This one is perfect example but one I've not pestered them with yet.

Kinda makes since they help with pilling. Got'm so I will use them. I'm just hoping for decent forks. This bike had been sitting and the gators filled up with water. So the area above the seals were trashed from rust and pitting. Damper rods were all rusted, damper caps ruined from rods honing them out.

Fork maintenance is the bottom of the work list, they are constantly "sucking" in air that condence's into water.
The forks should be drained and flushed each year and replaced with new oil. I have seen some really rusty internals, i must admit i cannot remember changing fork oil back in the 70's..infact i cannot remember if forks had any damping..if the bike started and ran ..well that was good enough..anyway the girl's held on tighter if the bike bounced about :lol: Not a bad trade off :wink: