Is the Anti-Dive Working
The Anti-Dive, AD, is designed to work when either or both the foot or hand break(s) are applied and the bike is moving. Because of the linked braking system, with the secondary master, the use of the hand break will not activate the AD while the bike is stopped. Below are a few tests you can do at very low speeds, 1-3 mph, to check and to assure yourself if the AD is working or not.
1. At very slow speed (1 mph ) let the front tire pump against a curb, or anything that will stop the bike, without using any breaks. If the forks compress 3-4 inches upon impact you can be assured that the AD is not stuck at that moment and it gives you a feel for the amount of compression the forks should absorb.
2. Now, without moving, apply the hand break and attempt to bounce the front of the bike as hard as you can, at only 5-9 (short legged) and 160 lbs I have to really work at this part. Again, the forks should compress 3-4 inches if the AD is not stuck.
3. Again while stopped, release the hand break, apply only the foot break, and try to bounce the front of the bike. If the forks do not compress more than a fraction of an inch then the AD has properly activated and prevented the forks from compressing.
4. Release the foot break and repeat 2 above. If the forks compress 3-4 inches all is well. If it compresses only a fraction of an inch you have the dreaded sticking AD valve.
5. As a final test to prove the front break does activate the AD valve, use the front break only while rolling forward, again slowly. The forks should not compress more than a fraction of an inch.
Repeat 1-5 a couple of times so you know what it feels like and to assure yourself that the AD is either working or not working. Instead of attempting to bounce the front forks you can gently “slip the clutch” while stopped and use the bike’s power to test in 2, 3, and 4 above.
Personally, I like the AD system. Many have eliminated it as a cure for the rough ride of a sticking AD valve. I take the AD apart and grease it every 20 k miles and have had no problems in 50 k miles on my 2001.