Marzocchi M1BB fork curiosity

[Kiwi Rider]

I pulled my forks apart today to change the oil and fit new seals. I discovered there is a cylindrical weight fitted inside the bottom of the fork stanchions held in place by an internal circlip. (Item on the left in the photo)
I've never seen this in a fork design before. Anyone know what its purpose is? The racer in me wants to throw it away to lighten the forks up a bit
I'm going to use 10W oil and will try the airgap of 150mm as spec'd in the workshop manual. It's not hard to add more oil at the track if I need. Feel free to offer any opinions on this.

IMG_1539 (1).jpg (234.29 KiB) Viewed 7318 times

[Mc tool]

I think that sleeve is part of a cushion dampner that comes in to effect just before the fork bottoms out . Maybe the lower part of the dampener tube just fits inside it ?

[Kiwi Rider]

With thought, I think it provides the correct length for the top out spring underneath the damper rod piston head to hit against at full extension. Yes the damper rod slides inside the ID. I've decided to keep it!

[Mc tool]

Ooooh , I think it could stand a wee wizz on the lathe

[Kiwi Rider]

Ooooh , I think it could stand a wee wizz on the lathe

It's either that or attack it with the battery drill and give it the swiss cheese look!