Stiff ride

[pfcreed]

Got on the expressway yesterday night just to see how the headlights hold up in the dark. I started my ride with a little bit of a headache but by the time was done my head was killing me. The speed limit here is 75 and I did that, maybe even 80 in some places. The ride was really stiff at about 70 and kinda took the enjoyment out of it for me. I plan on riding for about 200 miles on that same expressway in a week and was hoping there was something I could do to give it a softer ride. I weigh 240 lbs. Ive never adjusted the springs and I dont do anything on the bike besides ride it, Im not taking any aggressive turns or twisties or anything like that. Any recomendations?

 

[FastFreddy]

What is the rear spring preload set to ?

Putting more weight on the pegs when riding over bumps helps.

 

[raybob]

240lbs? You should consider setting the rear spring at 5 or 6. This will make it stiffer, but less likely to bottom out when you hit the expansion joints, which is where the whack to your spine is occurring.

Wear ear plugs.

Stay hydrated. It is hot as hades, ladies.

Bob

 

[JT]

use your legs for sure and I would try a few rear suspension setting then decide which one is best for you. sounds like a 5 to me

 

[MistahT]

240lbs? You should consider setting the rear spring at 5 or 6. This will make it stiffer, but less likely to bottom out when you hit the expansion joints, which is where the whack to your spine is occurring.

Wear ear plugs.

Stay hydrated. It is hot as hades, ladies.

Bob

Been consistently over 100 here in Maryland... we normally don't have summers like this. Keep drinking water and maybe soften your spring.

 

[Fenixgoon]

240lbs? You should consider setting the rear spring at 5 or 6. This will make it stiffer, but less likely to bottom out when you hit the expansion joints, which is where the whack to your spine is occurring.

Wear ear plugs.

Stay hydrated. It is hot as hades, ladies.

Bob

cannot emphasize this enough. during my track day we had a guy go off course, probably due to dehydration. you don't want to "run off" on public roadways

 

[stuna]

Got on the expressway yesterday night just to see how the headlights hold up in the dark. I started my ride with a little bit of a headache but by the time was done my head was killing me. The speed limit here is 75 and I did that, maybe even 80 in some places. The ride was really stiff at about 70 and kinda took the enjoyment out of it for me. I plan on riding for about 200 miles on that same expressway in a week and was hoping there was something I could do to give it a softer ride. I weigh 240 lbs. Ive never adjusted the springs and I dont do anything on the bike besides ride it, Im not taking any aggressive turns or twisties or anything like that. Any recomendations?

maybe its the opposite at 230 the front was way to soft , so if your bottoming out it will be . very a harsh ride . http://www.600cc.org/forum/f89/racetech-fork-mod-18877/

 

[MNGreg]

What is the rear spring preload set to ?

Putting more weight on the pegs when riding over bumps helps.

I have major expansion joints I ride over every day. This helps, put more weight on you feet when about to hit while squeezing your legs to the tank. Helps balance the bike and reduce the shock on the butt and back.

240lbs? You should consider setting the rear spring at 5 or 6. This will make it stiffer, but less likely to bottom out when you hit the expansion joints, which is where the whack to your spine is occurring.

I have mine set to 6 @ 285. It is stiff but not too much feels better in corners also at my weight.
At your weight I would move it up from the stock 3 to 5. Try that for a few days, then maybe try a 6 and se what works best for you.

Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2

 

[buzzbomb]

I'm going to toss my 2c in with the rest. With a stock setting of three on the rear preload adjuster, and your 240lbs, you've got hardly any shock travel left at all. That would make for a very harsh ride. Also as others have suggested, a trial setting of about five seems about right.

I'll bet you notice a significant difference right away.

 

[pfcreed]

Just an update: so I adjusted the shock from a 3 to a 4 just to see the difference and I did immediate notice a difference, I went on that same exact ride except this time my teeth weren't chattering. I did get a lot of wind buffer but the speed limit is 75 here and I was on the expressway. Tomorrow I might adjust it to 5 and take another ride to see if that's the magic spot or should I should just keep it at 4. I did see a cool thunder storm way off in the distance very nice show from mother nature.