So I did another long ride the other day, about 180 miles. I have been messing with the amount of air in the rear shock to try and make the bike a little more stable in turns. It started at 7psi which seemed to low, went to 35 and that was too much droped to 21.. The ride just seems very harsh on this. I hit a few pumps and the bike realy blasted my lower back. I am limping around on vacation now....
The travel seems fairly short and like I said harsh.
Have you guys stuck with the stock rear suspension or went to a better unit? Seb, comments?
Lee
My old 700F had the stock shock, and IIRC, I was running it in the middle of the psi range to keep it from bottoming out. My 750 resto has a Works Performance shock that I put in(conventional shock, no air).
You can retrofit a conventional shock, but it takes a little measuring, machining, and a stiffer spring. Not an easy or especially cheap change to make, but the benefits are grand...
Your results are typical: adding air pressure to the rear shock only makes things worse. Pretty much the stock shocks on those bikes were not very good when new. Unfortunately they are not like wine - they do not get better with age.
Check out my site for details on an option that could help you out. Shoot me an e-mail if you have any questions!
Seb, I knew you would have made something better..
Jamie I will check out you site, thanks..
As it is the bike is rideable at real low pressure but a killer on the lower back when stiffend up..
Of course it is wish full thinking for a easy bolt on replacement that wont cost more than the old bike did. :dry:
With motorcycles, the money spent on suspension is the best investment you can make. Shoot me an e-mail when you are ready, I'm sure there is something I can do to help you out.