How do I fine tune my new Bitubos?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10,846
Likes: 7,482
From: OH
I`ll suggest trying a small change and more test rides on the SAME bumps
Unless the OP is set up for really heavy people, 4 turns is going to top out the adjuster against the body.
Unless the OP is set up for really heavy people, 4 turns is going to top out the adjuster against the body.
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 929
Likes: 906
From: Upstate NY
So the general consensus seems to be (and correct me if Im wrong) that by extending the spring length (Turning adjuster counter clockwise with a spanner wrench) it may reduce some of the moon launching effect when riding solo?
I wont be trying any of these techniques until Ive ridden with my wife on the back, as the shocks were originally set up. If it rides fine with her on the bike and rough when solo, Ill take that as a win.
I wont be trying any of these techniques until Ive ridden with my wife on the back, as the shocks were originally set up. If it rides fine with her on the bike and rough when solo, Ill take that as a win.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
With that much weight directly over the rear wheel it will be a big difference with her on the back.
To clarify. You are correct in terms of lengthening the spring to reduce the preload. The damping lever is also something to play around with.
To clarify. You are correct in terms of lengthening the spring to reduce the preload. The damping lever is also something to play around with.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,703
Likes: 909
From: SE Michigan
First thing I'd want to know is if the shock is bottoming or not.
Place a zip tie on the chromed shock shaft at the shock and hit the bumps.
See if it pushed the zip tie all the way to the bottom.
Place a zip tie on the chromed shock shaft at the shock and hit the bumps.
See if it pushed the zip tie all the way to the bottom.
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 929
Likes: 906
From: Upstate NY
Sadly, Im contractually obligated to be in NY for another 2 years, 1 month and 24 days. (military)
We have VERY short riding seasons up here in Siberiacuse. We only have 2 seasons here, snow and road construction. I get less than 3 months riding a year and It seems like half of that time Im getting bounced up out of the seat. Ill report back once Ive ridden 2-up....lets pray I can feel a 500 dollar difference.
We have VERY short riding seasons up here in Siberiacuse. We only have 2 seasons here, snow and road construction. I get less than 3 months riding a year and It seems like half of that time Im getting bounced up out of the seat. Ill report back once Ive ridden 2-up....lets pray I can feel a 500 dollar difference.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10,846
Likes: 7,482
From: OH
seems like half of that time Im getting bounced up out of the seat. Ill report back once Ive ridden 2-up....lets pray I can feel a 500 dollar difference.[/QUOTE]
You are shortchanging your $500 by accepting 2 up results for solo harshness
it requires some time to arrive at a setting for both but only minutes to make the change between the two once you have determined the settings
get a silver sharpie and make corresponding marks on adjusting collar and shock body
use the damping ****
You are shortchanging your $500 by accepting 2 up results for solo harshness
it requires some time to arrive at a setting for both but only minutes to make the change between the two once you have determined the settings
get a silver sharpie and make corresponding marks on adjusting collar and shock body
use the damping ****
Last edited by eighteight; Jul 7, 2020 at 06:31 PM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10,846
Likes: 7,482
From: OH
[QUOTE...lets pray I can feel a 500 dollar difference.[/QUOTE]
My 2 cents
substitute prayer with patience & perseverance
even thousand dollar shocks require proper setup
esp if the weight difference between solo and 2 up is larger
you spent the money
take the time & effort to make it work optimally
this is why the stock air units and spendy replacements are all ADJUSTABLE!!!
My 2 cents
substitute prayer with patience & perseverance
even thousand dollar shocks require proper setup
esp if the weight difference between solo and 2 up is larger
you spent the money
take the time & effort to make it work optimally
this is why the stock air units and spendy replacements are all ADJUSTABLE!!!
Last edited by eighteight; Jul 7, 2020 at 06:41 PM.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 929
Likes: 906
From: Upstate NY
Oh, this is going to be a painstaking process.
I took the wife out tonight, frost heaves are STILL just as bad. I feel maybe a 15% reduction in 'upward' jump.
Now, on the plus side, Ive noticed less sagging on acceleration (a 50% improvement actually). The bike feels a little more stable when performing a SMDSY wiggle. (The left to right wiggle you do to get cars turning perpendicular to you to see you). The shocks seem to handle potholes a little better (we did bottom out on one really deep construction crater). But overall, I am NOT 525 dollars of impressed.
Im going to spend some time studying their website and maybe back off on some preload and then maybe close the damper valve back to the middle again. Im not giving up yet, I know these are a good product, but Im really frustrated.
I took the wife out tonight, frost heaves are STILL just as bad. I feel maybe a 15% reduction in 'upward' jump.
Now, on the plus side, Ive noticed less sagging on acceleration (a 50% improvement actually). The bike feels a little more stable when performing a SMDSY wiggle. (The left to right wiggle you do to get cars turning perpendicular to you to see you). The shocks seem to handle potholes a little better (we did bottom out on one really deep construction crater). But overall, I am NOT 525 dollars of impressed.
Im going to spend some time studying their website and maybe back off on some preload and then maybe close the damper valve back to the middle again. Im not giving up yet, I know these are a good product, but Im really frustrated.