Question about stock suspension

[Glaserbeam]

I have an '02 Standard, with stock suspension, a fairing and a few other accessories, and I weigh 160 lbs (and rarely carry a passenger).  I have the shocks set on the 'lightest'/#1 setting.  Tires are set to stock pressure.

I find the suspension too harsh - it's a bit jolting over freeway expansion joints.

Is there a modification (different shocks, different weight or amount of fork oil, etc.) that will give a more plush ride without messing up the excellent handling?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[98valk]

check the upper shock bushings, most likely worn out.

[turtle254]

Are you sure its not the front shocks … some times its hard to tell since the time factor between front and back bump is very short.

[Glaserbeam]

CA, that's very astute of you - when I had the tires replaced last month they mentioned the upper shock bushings, which were indeed SHREDDED!, and I replaced them, but to no avail.

[Glaserbeam]

Turtle, it could be the front, but if I'm going to service them, I want to make sure I bias the new parts/fluid/etc. to the softer end of things.

[Itinifni]

I picked up my 97 std. three years ago with 30k on the clock. One of my first impressions was the front suspension was extremely harsh. Not as noticeable over large bumps but I could feel every little bump in the road.

Last winter I pulled the front forks and found one had been significantly overfilled with oil. I didn't measure the amount drained but wish I had. I'm sure the previous owner was trying to stiffen up the front end but went overboard.

The stock Valkyrie is under-sprung so I had already purchased Progressive springs for mine (there are a number of good replacement springs available). I installed the springs with the stock amount and weight of oil. I planned to make subtle adjustments with the oil if needed but so far I'm very happy.

Assuming your rear shocks are ok I would suggest a simple fork oil change starting with the spec weight and oil level, though if you have a fairing you may find things a bit too soft. Of course that assumes you currently have too much or too heavy oil.

How many miles are on the Bike? Are you the original owner? Do you know if the forks have been serviced?

Good luck.

[Glaserbeam]

Thanks, Mr. I.

35K miles on the bike.  Metzeler 888's new & fresh, front & rear.

I'm the 2nd owner; unsure of maintenance done by 1st owner (probably none since he let the bike sit for 7 years) so I should replace fork oil. Just don't know if I should change springs.  

[Challenger]

This may seem silly to most people, but I had the same experience with my 02 Standard,  (41,000 miles) Thought the ride was harsh and suspected the front forks, After replacing springs (progressive)and oil still had the jolt over smaller bumps. I set the rear up from #1 to #3 and it is a joy to ride now.   I'm not a suspension guru, but I think it lifted the rear a little putting more weight on the front suspension. Anyway it worked for me and I'm happy. YMMV  

[98valk]

I was going to mention that also, u might just be bottoming out on setting one. The manual states to be either on two or three. more aggressive riding will require a higher setting to prevent hitting hard parts.