I ride with my girlfriend a lot on the bike, and when she gets on the bike, the rear end drops enough that I can't put the side stand down with her on the bike. Now, before it gets too far, no, she's not a chub

When I'm on the bike even, I can't fully extend the side stand unless I tilt the bike to the right. Is that normal, or should I stiffen the suspension?

I'm gonna read the manual about stiffening and see what it says about adjustments. I know the bike probably won't be able to drop the side stand with two people on it, but I would think it would at least swing free with just me on it (204lbs. of raw muscle .

Thanks for any input guys.

P.S. I'm getting ready to do some plastic weld work with the rear 3-piece section to make it one. I'll take some pics and let you guys see what happens when an old cabinet maker tries his hand at plastic.

 

Technically you may need a stiffer spring, but set the bike up for whatever riding you do most...either one up or two up. Check the preload, it is probably set at it's lowest setting. That will get you by. Set static sag, that will probably fix your problem. I have not known a stock height bike to hit the side stand, even with people on it, unless it's been lowered

 

I can find the thread where someone walks you through finding/setting sag, but could you help out with the preload part. Unless there is a thread, I'll look right quick. Thanks.

On a side note, what the hell is wrong with people? This is a nice bike, but man, the dude that had it before me just really didn't take care of it at all. I'm the third owner, and I just see all this crap with it. Chain/sprocket is very bad, CCT was beyond "needing fixed," left rear turn signal not even hooked up - blows fuses when it is (working on that) - and just general disconcern for the bike.

Cars are one thing, though inadequate servicing drives me nuts still, you would think someone with a bike would be more apt to take care of it. I mean, it's really quite simple, not much to mainain. Idiots...

[/rant]

 

Here ya go.....read this. Very informative. There is more about suspension on that site if you desire. Maint is really easy to me. Wash, change oil, maint chain and sprockets, add fuel. Not really hard. Something breaks, it's just easier for me to fix it right away than put it off and NEVER get around to it.

http://www.sportrider.com/tech/146_9508_tech/

 

Appreciate the help and information. I'm heading over to a buddy's house now to try and get everything sorted.

Would you recommend reverting to factory settings and then tackling the unique tune up for me?

 

Well, setting preload back wont matter because you are going to adjust it anyway. As for rebound and compression, set them in the half way point and work from there. They are very tedius and time consuming to get right. It depends on how you like it. I have mine set up for the track, and leave it for street riding. It's just easier for me to not deal with it every time I ride. It is not the most comfortable of street rides like that though, so there is comprimise to be made. I tollerate a too harsh street ride so that it's ready to roll when I hit some twisties or the track.

 

Well....how is it? An update please.

 

I stiffined the crap out of it. Very tight right now, but I'm comparing it to a cadillac on two wheels.

I much prefer the ride, and although I though my girlfriend would hate it, when I picked her up last night she actually said she prefered it too.

I appreciate all the help, maybe you'll check out my other thread?