Does my RC40 need its damper priming?

Yes if your RC40 has the following symptoms ;

- Fork ‘tops out’ hard

- Launch Control does not immediately and completely lock out the fork

- Rebound dial seems to have little effect

When will it need priming and why?

In certain circumstances when the fork is not being ridden, hydraulic oil can drain out of the damper so that the damper piston is moving through air, not oil. Generally this only happens when;

- Fork has been in transit to your dealer, laid down in its box

- Bike has been stood or stored vertically, or laid down for some time

- Bike may have been transported upside down

How do I prime the fork?

Simple. In most cases compressing the fork right through its travel a few times will push the damper piston low enough to pick up hydraulic oil, drawing it into the damper and bleeding out any air. When priming fork always;

- Engage Launch Control (dial pressed down)

- or rotate Rebound dial to maximum (+)

- Push fork as deeply through travel as you can (brace wheel against a wall or in a dip)

The key here is to make sure the fork is compressed enough so the damper pistons reaches down to the low oil level.

Do I need to do this ever again?

Probably not. When being ridden, stood or in normal operation fork will not need priming again. However you can reduce the possibility of oil draining out of the damper if you get into the habit of always engaging the Launch Control dial whenever bike is laid down, transported or stood upside down.