Front suspension sag
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Passaic County, NJ
Are you getting any brake dive? When I installed the intiminators I didn't cut my spacers down and I filled the forks by measuring the height of the oil to the top of the tube, don't remember the specifics. I only have about 1/4" of sag in the front and 3/4" in the back, have some brake dive but the front handles bumps well, I can see the marks on the tubes from where I clean them so I know they are moving.
In a standing position I could not push the forks down under my own weight.
For sure, a rock hard front is going to play havoc with handling.
For the issue you express of hi speed sweeper instability, I think the main problem is long, unbraced front forks, a rubber mounted non-stabilized engine/tranny unit. Enormously heavy bike in a non sporting frame that is gonna have some big-time flex in heavy duty usage.... fast sweepers, bumps, hard braking, etc.
After you get the forks dialed in, there will still be the engine mount stability issue, and long front fork issues AND no matter the outcome of a possible engine mount stabilizer system, you will still have a very flexible frame hauling around a mega-weight motorcycle.
For the issue you express of hi speed sweeper instability, I think the main problem is long, unbraced front forks, a rubber mounted non-stabilized engine/tranny unit. Enormously heavy bike in a non sporting frame that is gonna have some big-time flex in heavy duty usage.... fast sweepers, bumps, hard braking, etc.
After you get the forks dialed in, there will still be the engine mount stability issue, and long front fork issues AND no matter the outcome of a possible engine mount stabilizer system, you will still have a very flexible frame hauling around a mega-weight motorcycle.
My concern now is getting the front end moving.
I did work on it today. I got half of the front end done. It was 100+ degrees in my workshop (no power = no a/c). Before I could finish completely I was pretty close to passing out so I came home. Muscles started cramping. I knew it was bad when I suddenly stopped sweating.
The right side fork has some give now. Not sure if it's good or not, but I can slightly compress the fork under my own power. The bike is on the lift currently.
Hope to finish either tonight or tomorrow night.
I can't say how many ounces of shock therapy I reinstalled but I have ~8.25" of empty space when the forks are fully extended. The fluid just barely covers the springs/washer. Initially had set it up at 4.5" of empty space compressed w/o spring installed. Not a good setting as when I extended the fork, and tried installed the spring/washer/spacer/cap I had fluid overflowing.
Contacted Brian@Ricor and we made some fluid measurements.
Ricor really does stand behind their products. Thanks, Brian.
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The preload spacer definitely sets the sag, unless you have way too much fluid. The schedule 40 may also displace a little more oil than the thin walled factory spacer adding to the problem. I used a plastic sink adapter tube from the H/W store that was almost Identical to the steel spacer and trimmed it to the same length as the O.E. spacer minus the thickness of the intiminator.
CB
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From: Passaic County, NJ
How is it when you push down on the forks, are you getting any action? Have they been like this since the last time you worked on them or did they get this way over time? You say the spacer was banging, there is no way for the spacer to float inside, so are you getting a clunk?
The preload spacer definitely sets the sag, unless you have way too much fluid. The schedule 40 may also displace a little more oil than the thin walled factory spacer adding to the problem. I used a plastic sink adapter tube from the H/W store that was almost Identical to the steel spacer and trimmed it to the same length as the O.E. spacer minus the thickness of the intiminator.
CB
The preload spacer definitely sets the sag, unless you have way too much fluid. The schedule 40 may also displace a little more oil than the thin walled factory spacer adding to the problem. I used a plastic sink adapter tube from the H/W store that was almost Identical to the steel spacer and trimmed it to the same length as the O.E. spacer minus the thickness of the intiminator.
CB
I have a feeling that how I have the right side up currently is going to be much better than what it was.
I'm still in cool-down mode. I can't believe I was that close to heat stroke. Been a long time since that happened.
Thanks for that tip of advice, regarding the spacer and using sink drain. I know exactly what you're talking about and it's cheap.
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Passaic County, NJ
Yeah, been out test-riding it on a poker run.
Well, I set it up with about 8.25" of air and cut the spacer down 3/4". I have ~ 1.25" of sag now. It does seem to handle bumps a little better. I think I do need to adjust it a little further as I'm not sure I like it just yet but it's much better than it was.
Well, I set it up with about 8.25" of air and cut the spacer down 3/4". I have ~ 1.25" of sag now. It does seem to handle bumps a little better. I think I do need to adjust it a little further as I'm not sure I like it just yet but it's much better than it was.
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