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48 suspension upgrades

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Old Jul 6, 2017 | 08:49 AM
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Default 48 suspension upgrades

Hey all, I read a bunch on upgrades for the 48. Coming from racing sport bikes, I've already scraped my exhaust leaning over, and I've noticed some unstability at lean in corners. I recently ordered drag bars, and had to order some low pro fork caps to fit them. My question is should I modify anything while I'm in there? Progressive springs or maybe just a fork oil change? Can't afford to do the rear suspension just yet, but its on the list.

Thanks in advance


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48 suspension upgrades-5t8qzjr.jpg
 
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Old Jul 6, 2017 | 12:13 PM
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The 48 is set up very low. Only way to fix the scraping is to get taller shocks.

If you're over 200lbs those front springs might not cut it. Especially with your weight over the low bars. I used to bottom out a LOT. If you plan to raise the bike up a bit make sure to account for that otherwise you'll be adding spacers. Not sure if heavier oil alone will do the trick for ya, but it's cheap to find out.

And the Sporty will wobble at times in mid-high speed corners. They say to make sure your tire pressure, belt tension, alignment and steering/neck is all good. But even then it's not going to be as stable as a sport bike.
 
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Old Jul 6, 2017 | 12:17 PM
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Originally Posted by mrhammer2u
The 48 is set up very low. Only way to fix the scraping is to get taller shocks.

If you're over 200lbs those front springs might not cut it. Especially with your weight over the low bars. I used to bottom out a LOT. If you plan to raise the bike up a bit make sure to account for that otherwise you'll be adding spacers. Not sure if heavier oil alone will do the trick for ya, but it's cheap to find out.

And the Sporty will wobble at times in mid-high speed corners. They say to make sure your tire pressure, belt tension, alignment and steering/neck is all good. But even then it's not going to be as stable as a sport bike.
Thanks for the info. I'm 190-195. I just bought some bassani sweepers to pull the exhaust higher off so I should be ok there now. I guess my second question is should I do the progressive fronts now or wait until I can do the rear at the same time.
 
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Old Jul 6, 2017 | 12:32 PM
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I think stronger springs are the answer to cure bottoming. Isn't the oil only in there to lubricate the springs, not to do the dampening, that's the springs job.

As stated above Progressive Suspension or even Burly Brand should cure your bouncy front end.

I am open to correction.

Dave.
 
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Old Jul 6, 2017 | 12:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Rob Roy's Revenge
I think stronger springs are the answer to cure bottoming. Isn't the oil only in there to lubricate the springs, not to do the dampening, that's the springs job.

As stated above Progressive Suspension or even Burly Brand should cure your bouncy front end.

I am open to correction.

Dave.
The oil passes through an oriface to dampen the action of the suspension. Without damping, you would have crazy oscillation.
 
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Old Jul 6, 2017 | 12:46 PM
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Thanks for that screaminfast,

It just proves the point, that every day that passes is part of a learning curve.

Dave.
 
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Old Jul 6, 2017 | 01:05 PM
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Originally Posted by screaminfast
Thanks for the info. I'm 190-195. I just bought some bassani sweepers to pull the exhaust higher off so I should be ok there now. I guess my second question is should I do the progressive fronts now or wait until I can do the rear at the same time.
You're pegs may still scrape but that's for you to decide if you can live with. Some would say do it all together especially if you're raising the bike a bit. But if you do it piece by piece its not a big deal.

I'd look into better spring options than the mentioned brands. The more I read the more I'm learning that linear rate springs are better. Especially get them paired for your weight and riding style. Progressive and Burly seem to be one size fits all in your weight range.
 
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Old Jul 6, 2017 | 01:07 PM
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Originally Posted by mrhammer2u
You're pegs may still scrape but that's for you to decide if you can live with. Some would say do it all together especially if you're raising the bike a bit. But if you do it piece by piece its not a big deal.

I'd look into better spring options than the mentioned brands. The more I read the more I'm learning that linear rate springs are better. Especially get them paired for your weight and riding style. Progressive and Burly seem to be one size fits all in your weight range.
Ok cool, maybe I'll just do a fork oil change for now and do some more research on suspension upgrades.
 
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Old Jul 6, 2017 | 03:06 PM
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Originally Posted by screaminfast
Ok cool, maybe I'll just do a fork oil change for now and do some more research on suspension upgrades.
As with many of the Sporty range you will probably find that with you seated on it your front forks sag at least half of their total travel. So by upgrading your springs or using other upgrades you can corrrect that sag, lifting the front a little. Along with some decent shocks to raise the rear as well, you will get an improved ride and more ground clearance.

Read the report by sponsor DK on suspension, which holds more info in one place than any of us can easily supply!
 
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Old Jul 6, 2017 | 03:19 PM
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Originally Posted by grbrown
As with many of the Sporty range you will probably find that with you seated on it your front forks sag at least half of their total travel. So by upgrading your springs or using other upgrades you can corrrect that sag, lifting the front a little. Along with some decent shocks to raise the rear as well, you will get an improved ride and more ground clearance.

Read the report by sponsor DK on suspension, which holds more info in one place than any of us can easily supply!
Awesome, thanks! I'll check around for that report.
 
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