Suspension

[srelegante]

Got IS back from the shop last week-took her 200+ miles to see dad, GF as pillion.

Q: I had the front forks serviced, new, progressive Springs put in. When I pull away from almost every street light, I cannot keep it straight-does that mean that my shocks are toast? Do I need more pre-load?

I would say that combined weight between me and her is probably 350 pounds., We had a few things in the top box, we’re not using the side bags.

The simple answer probably means I’m a pathetic conductor. If that’s really is the answer, I’m OK with it.

[RonW]

They might have not followed the tightening procedure for the axle and pinch bolts per manual.

Or set the locknut equal distance on left and right fork.

[Jess from VA]

Turning up the shock dampening cannot hurt with more weight.

You may have bad shock bushings.  

And putting everything in the trunk down lower in the bags can't hurt either.  A heavy trunk and passenger can give wobbles.

And how are the tires, and do you keep them up at 40-42 lbs?  NOT a mushy mid 30s.

Is the clutch engaging smoothly off from stops?

Some front disk brake drag is normal.  Did you get new pads?  If not, look down in there with a light and see if you have even wear, or if you have heavy wear on one side, and less on the other.

All these things can cause a wobble on launch (or slow coast).  

[srelegante]

Thanks guys!

I actually had brand new tires and New bushings put in the shocks as well.   I went with the tire pressure indicated on the frame, 33/36. Sounds like that’s too low for the load. Let me check the pre-load on the shocks. Breaks, all new, master cylinders as well, all new fluid.

[Bagger John - #3785]

I went with the tire pressure indicated on the frame, 33/36. Sounds like that’s too low for the load. Let me check the pre-load on the shocks.

Don't know how heavy you and your pillion passenger are, but me and my passenger's combined weight is around 430lbs, fully geared.

Add 20lbs for take-alongs: A spares kit (in addition to the stock toolkit), Stop-n-Go inflator, gloves and cool-weather gear as needed, her purse and whatnot.

For that load and with Avon Cobras, I run 40/42. This is on a Tourer with a lot of I/S components added (including trunk and shocks). Shock preload is currently set to "4" but if I was doing exclusive 2-up riding for very long distances with the given load I'd set it to "5".

I run Hyperpro springs in the forks; 10wt fork oil. Set up as described, the bike definitely goes where I point it. No handling quirks whatsoever.

[Jess from VA]

33/36. Sounds like that’s too low for the load

That is too low for any (or no) load.  A softer ride is no excuse for early tire wear, or early cupping, which low pressures can cause.

You do not want to exceed the MAX PSI printed on the sidewall of the tires, but right up to it is fine.  And do not worry about them heating up and gaining a few degrees of pressure hot, that is taken into account.  Only check and set pressure on cold tires.

Another thing, with 40-42 the bike will push (and walk) around easier too.

[Avanti]

I went with the tire pressure indicated on the frame, 33/36. Sounds like that’s too low for the load. Let me check the pre-load on the shocks.

Don't know how heavy you and your pillion passenger are, but me and my passenger's combined weight is around 430lbs, fully geared.

Add 20lbs for  handling quirks whatsoever.

What brand 10w are you using?

[Bagger John - #3785]

What brand 10w are you using?

Mix of Hyperpro and Bel-Ray.