First bike and first ride (rotating madness)

[rotatingmadness]

Hi guys,

After procrastinating about getting my license and purchasing a motorcycle i finally bit the bullet and got a bike!! (well swapped for car the i no longer used). I got my learners last Friday and had a practice around the suburbs before riding out to Bethells Beach with few close mates who also have bikes. Wasn't going anywhere near their pace but had a great time on my Zeal!! Really looking forward and getting out riding this summer.

I have noticed that a scraped the footpegs a couple of times (got a bit of a fright when it happened but stayed on line) and that bike sits quite low with me on it, Saying that it is a very low seat and I'm a hefty 100kg and 6'2!!!!
Also noticed that the front shocks seem to bottom out when entering driveway/vehicle crossings. Any idea whether it would be worth looking into stiffer fork springs and possibly adjustable rear suspension without killing the wallet or am i simply to big for my bike

Any input would be appreciated,

Cheers guys!

[Akzle]

a small 20 year old bike is a) going to have light slinkies on it to start with and b) have been fucked in the last 20 years.

Yes. You CAN go and spend a lot having this bike tuned for you. You can also do it at home if you're handy.

OR you can save the pennies and buy a big boy bike.

[Akzle]

also. Madness will be stoked to hear that you'll rotate him.

[The Baron]

Congrats on the license and bike. Welcome to the forum.

Ride safe.

[AllanB]

Welcome. Yes the suspenders will probably be a bit soft for a lad your size.

I suspect there will be limited ability to adjust beyond rear preload? Options are out there but I'd start with increasing rear spring preload - front if you have it. Front may not have adjustable anything. The fork oil is possibly original and will not resemble cat-piss - change it out, flush the forks. You can always go up a oil weight too.

Fork springs are easy to change or you could f-around with internal preload spacers if $ are tight.

Accept on that ride it will always be a compromise with limitations and ride to suit.


You need some nice spanner friendly local KBer who works for beer to spend a afternoon fettling it.