Suspension issue - need guidance
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 529
From: Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
Damn, I never put it together! I was wearing that jacket on both those rides, so is THAT what made the ride so much less jarring on the really bad bumps???
Gosh, it makes sense - that jacket leather is sooooo soft . . . .
And those vertical braids on the sides would definitely soak up road ridges!
Jim G
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
The air pressure in your tires are not for or based on the comfort of your ride. The given tire pressure is tested and based on the type of tire it is, how it is made and what it is being used for. Given that information the tire pressure is critical for how the tire handles, wears and most important for SAFETY!
I would not recommend running on incorrectly inflated tires trying to adjust your "suspension". In my 40+ years of riding I have seen guys do some crazy things over the years, including myself, trying to do this, that or the other and cut corners or to save a few pennies trying to accomplish something. I learned long ago to just do it right, address what need's addressed even if it meant putting up with something until I could afford to do it right AND most of all to NEVER do anything that would compromise the stability and safety of the bike. Tire pressure is CRITICAL!!!
I would not recommend running on incorrectly inflated tires trying to adjust your "suspension". In my 40+ years of riding I have seen guys do some crazy things over the years, including myself, trying to do this, that or the other and cut corners or to save a few pennies trying to accomplish something. I learned long ago to just do it right, address what need's addressed even if it meant putting up with something until I could afford to do it right AND most of all to NEVER do anything that would compromise the stability and safety of the bike. Tire pressure is CRITICAL!!!
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 529
From: Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
The air pressure in your tires are not for or based on the comfort of your ride. The given tire pressure is tested and based on the type of tire it is, how it is made and what it is being used for. Given that information the tire pressure is critical for how the tire handles, wears and most important for SAFETY!
I would not recommend running on incorrectly inflated tires trying to adjust your "suspension". In my 40+ years of riding I have seen guys do some crazy things over the years, including myself, trying to do this, that or the other and cut corners or to save a few pennies trying to accomplish something. I learned long ago to just do it right, address what need's addressed even if it meant putting up with something until I could afford to do it right AND most of all to NEVER do anything that would compromise the stability and safety of the bike. Tire pressure is CRITICAL!!!
I would not recommend running on incorrectly inflated tires trying to adjust your "suspension". In my 40+ years of riding I have seen guys do some crazy things over the years, including myself, trying to do this, that or the other and cut corners or to save a few pennies trying to accomplish something. I learned long ago to just do it right, address what need's addressed even if it meant putting up with something until I could afford to do it right AND most of all to NEVER do anything that would compromise the stability and safety of the bike. Tire pressure is CRITICAL!!!
Jim G
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 529
From: Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
I just rechecked my numbers, and it's even a bit worse than I thought.
HD actually recommends 42 psi for the Breakout, and that's the ONLY psi they give (no recommended psi increase for a passenger).
But Dunlop, who builds the darn tire, rate the tire for a MAXIMUM pressure of 41 psi, not 42, and says the tire can carry 963 lb at that psi.
So what gives with the HD recommended psi???
Jim G
HD actually recommends 42 psi for the Breakout, and that's the ONLY psi they give (no recommended psi increase for a passenger).
But Dunlop, who builds the darn tire, rate the tire for a MAXIMUM pressure of 41 psi, not 42, and says the tire can carry 963 lb at that psi.
So what gives with the HD recommended psi???
Jim G
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 709
From: San Diego
I run 33-35 psi in my rear tire. This gives me great handling and contact patch, and evens the wear a little bit.
Also Jim, the Breakout is 710lbs wet according to Harley.
If you are having issues in pavement changes lift your *** off the seat for that split second. Wont cost you a penny.
Also Jim, the Breakout is 710lbs wet according to Harley.
If you are having issues in pavement changes lift your *** off the seat for that split second. Wont cost you a penny.
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 529
From: Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
I run 33-35 psi in my rear tire. This gives me great handling and contact patch, and evens the wear a little bit.
Also Jim, the Breakout is 710lbs wet according to Harley.
If you are having issues in pavement changes lift your *** off the seat for that split second. Wont cost you a penny.
Also Jim, the Breakout is 710lbs wet according to Harley.
If you are having issues in pavement changes lift your *** off the seat for that split second. Wont cost you a penny.
I WOULD lift my butt on ridges, BUT:
1. I often can't see the ridge before I hit it (that's how small those ridges are that causing the jarring)
2. With the forward peg position on the Breakout, it is mechanically extremely difficult or impossible to lift yourself out of the saddle while underway. On a bike that has mid controls, sure, that is what I would be doing.
Jim G
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 709
From: San Diego
Yeah, you are correct with the 710 pounds.
I WOULD lift my butt on ridges, BUT:
1. I often can't see the ridge before I hit it (that's how small those ridges are that causing the jarring)
2. With the forward peg position on the Breakout, it is mechanically extremely difficult or impossible to lift yourself out of the saddle while underway. On a bike that has mid controls, sure, that is what I would be doing.
Jim G
I WOULD lift my butt on ridges, BUT:
1. I often can't see the ridge before I hit it (that's how small those ridges are that causing the jarring)
2. With the forward peg position on the Breakout, it is mechanically extremely difficult or impossible to lift yourself out of the saddle while underway. On a bike that has mid controls, sure, that is what I would be doing.
Jim G
2) Do more squats.
I ride my bike with very little travel most of the time so I have practiced. I do not have any trouble getting my butt off the seat for a bump.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,156
Likes: 11,244
From: San Diego, CA
Damn, I never put it together! I was wearing that jacket on both those rides, so is THAT what made the ride so much less jarring on the really bad bumps???
Gosh, it makes sense - that jacket leather is sooooo soft . . . .
And those vertical braids on the sides would definitely soak up road ridges!
Jim G
Gosh, it makes sense - that jacket leather is sooooo soft . . . .
And those vertical braids on the sides would definitely soak up road ridges!
Jim G
The air pressure in your tires are not for or based on the comfort of your ride. The given tire pressure is tested and based on the type of tire it is, how it is made and what it is being used for. Given that information the tire pressure is critical for how the tire handles, wears and most important for SAFETY!
I would not recommend running on incorrectly inflated tires trying to adjust your "suspension".
I would not recommend running on incorrectly inflated tires trying to adjust your "suspension".
Good luck..
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