Big Dave
18th November 2005, 20:29
Had the XB12X 10 days now. Having an absolute ball on it - haven't been far from Auckland and have had some great 'adventures'.
The bike does exactly what I wanted it to do. Let's me bimble along sedately on a dirt road and then carves up the sports bike roads that almost inevitably lie at the end of a dirt section.
It has taken me most of this time to tune the suspension. I set it up in accordance with the book. Tyre pressures, pre-load, damping and rebound damping - and had a hard time keeping it in a straight line. it cornered OK, but any sort of bump on the line and felt like it was about to bounce off said line. It was very 'squirrel-ey' on the freeway too. What's up with that?
Of course Murphy sent me the wrong way first and I added starch to all of the above (damping etc) and spent a series of stops after that softening everything off - till I have it so the suspension actually does some work and absorbs bumps - rather than bouncing over the top of them.
I backed everything right off. Pre-load is about half of book - almost minimum rebound damping - lower middle range setting for damping and 32lbs in the front - 34 rear (36-38 recomm). Feels lovely, compliant. Hasn't effected the way it tips - steering is slower - my preference.
Lower tyre pressures made a big difference in creating a neutral feeling in a straight line.
Another pooond in the back tyre and it'll be optimum for me I reckon.
Been working evening shift and taking an hour or two during the day for a skid.
Of course I've had the camera handy.
Most of these places are within an hour or so of the city.
http://www.davidcohen.co.nz/2000km/index.htm
And another weekend beckons - co-pilot is keen - forecast is good too. Onwards tractors onwards!
The bike does exactly what I wanted it to do. Let's me bimble along sedately on a dirt road and then carves up the sports bike roads that almost inevitably lie at the end of a dirt section.
It has taken me most of this time to tune the suspension. I set it up in accordance with the book. Tyre pressures, pre-load, damping and rebound damping - and had a hard time keeping it in a straight line. it cornered OK, but any sort of bump on the line and felt like it was about to bounce off said line. It was very 'squirrel-ey' on the freeway too. What's up with that?
Of course Murphy sent me the wrong way first and I added starch to all of the above (damping etc) and spent a series of stops after that softening everything off - till I have it so the suspension actually does some work and absorbs bumps - rather than bouncing over the top of them.
I backed everything right off. Pre-load is about half of book - almost minimum rebound damping - lower middle range setting for damping and 32lbs in the front - 34 rear (36-38 recomm). Feels lovely, compliant. Hasn't effected the way it tips - steering is slower - my preference.
Lower tyre pressures made a big difference in creating a neutral feeling in a straight line.
Another pooond in the back tyre and it'll be optimum for me I reckon.
Been working evening shift and taking an hour or two during the day for a skid.
Of course I've had the camera handy.
Most of these places are within an hour or so of the city.
http://www.davidcohen.co.nz/2000km/index.htm
And another weekend beckons - co-pilot is keen - forecast is good too. Onwards tractors onwards!