Tyre question

[JustNick]

It is a suspension problem, its both undersprung and underdamped even for a rider significantly lighter than you. If you raise the tyre pressures ( aside from taking away grip ) it will in fact make the suspension bottom out even more readily. That because the tyres are then doing less of the absorption duty and therefore placing more energy directly into the suspension.

You have a top reputation as a suspension specialist on here. What would your advice be? Given the symptoms is it likely that I could get any old motorcycle shop to look at it or would you recommend heading over to a specialist such as yourself or Shaun up in Auckland?

[Robert Taylor]

You have a top reputation as a suspension specialist on here. What would your advice be? Given the symptoms is it likely that I could get any old motorcycle shop to look at it or would you recommend heading over to a specialist such as yourself or Shaun up in Auckland?

Suspension has become a specialist job as the industry training for motorcycle mechanics has not kept pace with the times in respect of suspension. Thats a stark reality. It is clear that at minimum it needs firmer springs correctly preloaded and attention to oil viscosity. Ideally Race Tech emulators to sort out the remaining 50% of the problem, poor hydraulic control.

[JustNick]

Suspension has become a specialist job as the industry training for motorcycle mechanics has not kept pace with the times in respect of suspension. Thats a stark reality. It is clear that at minimum it needs firmer springs correctly preloaded and attention to oil viscosity. Ideally Race Tech emulators to sort out the remaining 50% of the problem, poor hydraulic control.

Thanks Rob, email sent.

[JustNick]

UPDATE: Well it turned out to be the front forks causing the problem in the end. I took them into the shop and had them disassembled and inspected and we found that they must have been leaking for a while as the oil levels and condition were low and poor, plus the forks had pitting in the travel area. So the forks were sent out of town for re-chroming and then reassembled with new seals and a heavier weight oil (the standard oil is about 7 weight from memory).

I just got the bike back today and put some kms on it and it feels like a completely different bike, no more bottoming out and I feel a lot more comfortable riding on the road again.

Many thanks to Steve from WOT Motorcycles Taupo - you were a big help mate and I'll definitely be paying you a visit in the future.

[LBD]

bingo...another happy camper

Enjoy the experience