Is it the gixxer or me?

**Pussy** · 9th January 2008, 21:40

Originally Posted by KS34

Thanks heaps for all your help, pussy for first putting me onto TDC and to TDC you ROCK!! its amazing what cunning, good old fashion knowledge can do. haven't fully tested bike yet but the ride home was like I was on a different bike! I'll do my home work TDC set me and I'll report back....

Looking forward to hearing of progress!

**boomer** · 9th January 2008, 22:00

Originally Posted by Pussy

Looking forward to hearing of progress!

Who da man...???? !!!!

So what is/was it..Do tell KS34.

**Blue Velvet** · 10th January 2008, 09:28

Originally Posted by boomer

Who da man...???? !!!!

So what is/was it..Do tell KS34.

Yes, please tell...

**KS34** · 10th January 2008, 20:44

TDC reset the front wheel, he loosened off the extremely tight front axle nut, then the axle clamp bolts (also way to tight) and bounced/compressed forks abit then tightened axle nut almost all the way, more compressing then tightened axle clamp bolts (christ I hope thats right) then finished off axle bolt. He explained that if this is not done correctly the forks will not be in true alignment and stiction will accure. there is a huge disclaimer with this as He's the pro not me but I think that was the order in which things were done. Then he explained how to check if your rear wheel is true. Get a bit of string (fine stuff, not big course stuff) I tied one end to an axlestand ruffly 1m infront of bike (i had the bike on a rear paddock stand) run the string down the bike and around the back tyre, then down the other side of the bike to a second axlestand (gaffa tape the string to the back (Tread) of the rear tyre so it doesnt slip down, and have the bike in gear) I had it just below the under side of the swing arm.Bring the string nice and taught and move the string to and away from the bike to make sure the string is running straight down the tyre and down the bike. Once all this is set look at the string it should be of equal distances running passed the front tyre ( when i had adjusted the rear wheel the string was 34mm away from each side of the front tyre. Just re read this and it sounds Fn complicated good job I'm not a teacher!! Anyway test rode tonight and for me it was hard to believe but it felt good I was running into corners faster and putting power on earlier, it was my bike of old pushing me to go faster. One other thing I have changed is my riding style, I used to drag my kneesliders hanging off like a loon everywhere but by sticking closer to the bike even when my bum cheek is off it felt a lot better. If you have managed to read this with out taking a nap good on ya and sorry!
Cheers to all again!!!

**Pussy** · 10th January 2008, 21:43

Totally agree regarding mounting the front wheel. I always follow torque recommendations from the service manual regarding axle nut/pinch bolt torque settings, and centrallising the axle (72.5 ft/lbs axle nut, 16.5 ft/lbs pinch bolts). Incorrectly installing the wheel can make a huge difference to fork action etc. I've had the forks out of both sem fiddys that live here lately, and can quite happily report that they were reinstalled with no ill effects.Must get around to checking front/rear alignment with the string method

**TDC** · 11th January 2008, 04:50

Originally Posted by KS34

Thanks heaps for all your help, pussy for first putting me onto TDC and to TDC you ROCK!! its amazing what cunning, good old fashion knowledge can do. haven't fully tested bike yet but the ride home was like I was on a different bike! I'll do my home work TDC set me and I'll report back....

No worries, thats nice etc

But the really important bit is KS34 real skills and talent have improved my morning cup of coffee beyond my wildest expectations.....

Your a coffee god!!!! Thank you!

**TDC** · 11th January 2008, 04:53

Originally Posted by KS34

Get a bit of string (fine stuff, not big course stuff) I tied one end to an axlestand ruffly 1m infront of bike (i had the bike on a rear paddock stand) run the string down the bike and around the back tyre, then down the other side of the bike to a second axlestand (gaffa tape the string to the back (Tread) of the rear tyre so it doesnt slip down, and have the bike in gear) I had it just below the under side of the swing arm.Bring the string nice and taught and move the string to and away from the bike to make sure the string is running straight down the tyre and down the bike. Once all this is set look at the string it should be of equal distances running passed the front tyre ( when i had adjusted the rear wheel the string was 34mm away from each side of the front tyre.

Your description works for me (typing wasn't difficult at all). With the GSXR it is a good idea to file down the edge of one adjuster block so that the marks are even on both sides of the bike, thus correcting the factory marks which are unfortunately not the best on some models......

**skelstar** · 11th January 2008, 08:28

So things are much better than they were before, TDC ...

**Blue Velvet** · 11th January 2008, 08:40

Originally Posted by TDC

Your description works for me (typing wasn't difficult at all). With the GSXR it is a good idea to file down the edge of one adjuster block so that the marks are even on both sides of the bike, thus correcting the factory marks which are unfortunately not the best on some models......

Looking forward to some help from you next week TDC. Measured up the alignment last night (thanks, you rock) but would like to try the things you have done with KS34.

**Pussy** · 11th January 2008, 09:49

FWIW, I reckon you should possibly get the forks sitting central in the triple clamps and re-install the front wheel first, and that will give you a more accurate basis to start the alignment with, especially if there has been any dislodging in the front

**KS34** · 11th January 2008, 10:45

Good point if you don't then you are wasting your time, you wont have the front wheel as a reference point.

**Pussy** · 11th January 2008, 19:20

Originally Posted by KS34

Good point if you don't then you are wasting your time, you wont have the front wheel as a reference point.

Ain't that the truth

**KS34** · 11th January 2008, 19:58

I've had a bit of a set back. I went for a ride this afternoon on my test track (Rimutakas) and the bike although far better than before still has a small issue on the fast righthanders, I'm going to check the tripleclamps and bars. I inadvertantly glanced down in the triple clamp area when riding today and my first impression was they are ever so slightly on the piss. WHen on my bike, like in the shower is my best thinking spots, it dawned on me that the first time I felt the problem was at the trackday, which coincidently was the first and only time the bike has been on a ute, I'm now thinking we may have pulled something out of alignment with the tiedowns. Will get to the bottom of this yet. The bike is feeling great though!

**boomer** · 11th January 2008, 19:59

I had stiction.

Some loosening off.. bouncing, some tightening and now im faster than ever.

i know my rear ain't straight but thats ok.. i got Gold on the back.

funny thing about these suzukis huh... they're benter than a honduh rider huh?!! how ironic is that !