Seeking suspension "Guru" advice
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
Likes: 26
From: Southern Oregon
Seeking suspension "Guru" advice
I installed some progressive drop in springs (not the lowering kit) about a week ago. I have about 600 miles on the setup running to the coast and back 3 times, lots of twisties. Big improvement over stock, especially when riding over R/R tracks, bumps, pot holes etc..., less drive and much more inspiring in the corners.
The problem I'm experiencing is when riding a coarse paved road I'm getting a slight buzz (vibration) in the bars. For lack of a better term: Im getting more feedback from the road surface than I did with the slinky, dive bombing OEM springs.
I was wondering if trying some different fork oil could help eliminate those vibes. I replaced the oil (type E) on install and the forks have 1" of sag. Running 30 psi on stock scorcher, Dunlop K591 @ 40 psi back. Progressive 970 rear springs. I ride pretty aggressive.
I've heard varying reports on the weight of Type E. If its 10w would I be better going to a 5w or going the other direction to 15W?
I picked up the springs for cheap and eventually would like to change to a better setup. Anyone recommend a cartridge kit for 49mm tubes.
Tony
The problem I'm experiencing is when riding a coarse paved road I'm getting a slight buzz (vibration) in the bars. For lack of a better term: Im getting more feedback from the road surface than I did with the slinky, dive bombing OEM springs.
I was wondering if trying some different fork oil could help eliminate those vibes. I replaced the oil (type E) on install and the forks have 1" of sag. Running 30 psi on stock scorcher, Dunlop K591 @ 40 psi back. Progressive 970 rear springs. I ride pretty aggressive.
I've heard varying reports on the weight of Type E. If its 10w would I be better going to a 5w or going the other direction to 15W?
I picked up the springs for cheap and eventually would like to change to a better setup. Anyone recommend a cartridge kit for 49mm tubes.
Tony
Last edited by ynots; May 26, 2012 at 12:22 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 514
Likes: 17
From: SW Mississippi
There's lots of threads referring to suspension here. Do a search for "emulators". They are a small drop-in valve that goes between the spring and damper rod, just pull the springs drop it in, and replace the springs. I think they will be a great help for what your feeling. Rico Intiminators are the absolute hands-down best. You may not wasn't to hear this, having just bought progressives, but progressive springs are not nearly as good as single rate springs, matched specifically to your weight and your bike. Springs are supposed to do one thing, hold your bike up. They should not be considered a part of your "shocks", or, the dampening system of your bike. They (should) simply hold your bike at a certain ride height, and after the dampening system does its thing during a bump, return the bike back to that position. An emulator does a really good job at improving the dampening system, but with progressive springs, you're never going to get the best ride possible. Do a search for Rico Intiminators, and read, read, read!
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 514
Likes: 17
From: SW Mississippi
Sorry for preaching the "do a search" line. I see you have many posts and certainly know how to do that! I'm on the mobile version of the website, and it doesn't show post counts. Find the thread, "who wants their Rico intiminators to work better", or something to that effect. It has allot of good info on the progressive vs. single rate spring thought...
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
Likes: 26
From: Southern Oregon
thanks for the info on Rico Intiminators. The single rate spring & valve makes sense. Although the suspension is not where I want it to be the progressive are better than stock, For 58.00 + fluid it was worth a try
Eventually the Progressive's will go away. Just hoping maybe a fluid change could help
Eventually the Progressive's will go away. Just hoping maybe a fluid change could help
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 3
From: Jefferson, Oregon
If you plan to mess with oil weights, stick with the same brand (IE, use harley or amsoil/redline, etc) as each brand varies a bit in "true" viscosity. If you stick with the same brand, you'll get more even results.
Lighter weight will result in a "softer" or sloppier ride depending on how your pushing it. Heavier weight, will be harder or more harsh.
I'm no expert on this, but suspension upgrades are my next mod instead of the engine as I was going to do, so been doing a lot of searching and reading on the subject.
It seems you have a few choices and your wallet is the only thing holding you back.
Do the Ricor drop in units with good single rate springs seems to be the best setup for the money.
The next step up would the full 30mm kits from Motorcycle metal to give the best tuning possible, but at many thousands of dollars of cash.
My plan is to buy the chassis stabilizers (have you done yours yet?) first, then my rear shocks then address the front end. I'll most likely end up with springs/intiminators with good oil in there for now on my front end.
The buzz or whatever your feeling is just more input which you will get with better suspension. You want to feel the rode, not isolate yourself from it. I'd also run a bit more pressure in your front tire.
Lighter weight will result in a "softer" or sloppier ride depending on how your pushing it. Heavier weight, will be harder or more harsh.
I'm no expert on this, but suspension upgrades are my next mod instead of the engine as I was going to do, so been doing a lot of searching and reading on the subject.
It seems you have a few choices and your wallet is the only thing holding you back.
Do the Ricor drop in units with good single rate springs seems to be the best setup for the money.
The next step up would the full 30mm kits from Motorcycle metal to give the best tuning possible, but at many thousands of dollars of cash.
My plan is to buy the chassis stabilizers (have you done yours yet?) first, then my rear shocks then address the front end. I'll most likely end up with springs/intiminators with good oil in there for now on my front end.
The buzz or whatever your feeling is just more input which you will get with better suspension. You want to feel the rode, not isolate yourself from it. I'd also run a bit more pressure in your front tire.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
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From: Southern Oregon
Thanks for the input, price and performance wise Rikor sounds like a great direction to go.
Any suggestions on single rate springs to best accommodate the Intiminator?
I havent done stabilizers (TT) yet. I started with suspension mods and was impressed with the difference, it has helped minimize upsetting the rubber mount wobble but its definitely not a cure. Anyone with a rubber mounted engine who says their not having a problem must be riding like Mrs. Daisy.
When Im done with the front a true trac will be next.
Run more than 30 psi on front even riding solo?
Any suggestions on single rate springs to best accommodate the Intiminator?
I havent done stabilizers (TT) yet. I started with suspension mods and was impressed with the difference, it has helped minimize upsetting the rubber mount wobble but its definitely not a cure. Anyone with a rubber mounted engine who says their not having a problem must be riding like Mrs. Daisy.
When Im done with the front a true trac will be next.
Run more than 30 psi on front even riding solo?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 3
From: Jefferson, Oregon
Thanks for the input, price and performance wise Rikor sounds like a great direction to go.
Any suggestions on single rate springs to best accommodate the Intiminator?
I havent done stabilizers (TT) yet. I started with suspension mods and was impressed with the difference, it has helped minimize upsetting the rubber mount wobble but its definitely not a cure. Anyone with a rubber mounted engine who says their not having a problem must be riding like Mrs. Daisy.
When Im done with the front a true trac will be next.
Run more than 30 psi on front even riding solo?
Any suggestions on single rate springs to best accommodate the Intiminator?
I havent done stabilizers (TT) yet. I started with suspension mods and was impressed with the difference, it has helped minimize upsetting the rubber mount wobble but its definitely not a cure. Anyone with a rubber mounted engine who says their not having a problem must be riding like Mrs. Daisy.
When Im done with the front a true trac will be next.
Run more than 30 psi on front even riding solo?
From what I have read...race tech single rate springs seem to be good ones. Again, just what I have read and the direction I plan to go. Maybe call up Ricor and get their input on what to use with their product.
I run 38 pounds in my front tire and only solo ride. I believe max pressure is 40? Took some of the mushy feeling out of the front end, but now the mushy suspension rears its head.
FYI, I run a bit less in my rear...35-36 pounds.
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Thread Starter
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
Likes: 26
From: Southern Oregon
The OM lists 30 psi for the front scorcher. The only mush I experienced was when I was running the oem springs. Only have 9,000 miles on tire and its wasted.
I just put the Dunlop K591 on rear. I believe that's what your bike came with? Directional changes seem to be a little quicker. Its noticeably wider than Scorcher
I just put the Dunlop K591 on rear. I believe that's what your bike came with? Directional changes seem to be a little quicker. Its noticeably wider than Scorcher
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 3
From: Jefferson, Oregon
I have the factory Dunlop 401 in the front, 41 psi cold max pressure. You might want to double check yours, 30 just seems WAY too low for a max pressure.
I run a SE180 in the rear on mine, similar max pressure as the front.
I run a SE180 in the rear on mine, similar max pressure as the front.