loose rear end???

[Big Rig]

Ok, best as I can tell it feels as if the rear end is loose or sliding thru corners rather than sticking in corners, new metzlers on the rear at 38psi.

Can anyone give some insight???

[Robert]

You said new Metz how old like maybe 20 miles or so? Maybe they are still wearing in? did you have this before  you did the tire change? I would also recheck the pressures.

[Black Dog]

Just a thought...  With new tires, you now have a very good feel of the whole rear suspension.  OEM shocks?  Check yer upper shock bushings.  Once these start to qo, you can get the same goofy feeling when leaning in to turns.  Pull the upper shock bolt, and check out the rubber bushing.  If it is anything but a perfect round hole (where the mounting bolt goes through) the bushings are bad.  I've seen some that had cut all the way through the bushing.  Not easy to notice unless you remove the mounting bolt and washer.  Also check the torque of the swing arm mount.

Good luck.

Black Dog

[Farther]

Without a bike jack, what do people do to support the bike when replacing the shock bushings?

[R J]

I guess I no understand,

Why ya need a jack or a bike stand.

[Black Dog]

A 'poor man's' version of a bike lift/stand, can be an easy thing, if you have a set of 'Jack Stands', and a floor or Bottle Jack.

It's best, if you have a helper.  Bike on kick stand, Both Jack Stands adjusted to maybe an inch higher than the height of the lower portion of the front of the crash bars, when bike is level.

Place one Jack Stand under the right side (while on the bike) crash bar.  It will not be touching.  Here is where the helper comes in handy...  Grab the handle bars, with both hands.  Get a fist full of front brake.  Put your hip in to the side of the seat, and lift the bike, using the jack stand under the right part of the crash bar, high enough for your assistant to slide the jack stand under the left crash bar.  If done right, your bike should be sitting level, on the Jack Stands, front tire about 1/2 inch above the ground,  and the rear wheel holding the rear.  To lift the rear wheel off the ground, or to support the bike when shocks are removed, use the floor jack or bottle jack and a 2X4 block, under the engine block.

Sounds hard to do, but once you get the hang of it, it is pretty easy, although I'm 6'2", and my 270 lbs can work to my advantage    I used this method for many years, until I got my Center Stand.  It was easier than using the MC jack, for basic cleaning, or maintaince.

Black Dog

[Farther]

I guess I no understand, Why ya need a jack or a bike stand.

  Don't you need to take the weight off the shock mounts when you remove the shock mount bolts?

[alan]

That is funny. I'm 62, 5'6" tall and weigh about 170lbs. If by some miracle I even got the bike up I would need a nap. If I had an assistant she would be useful for rolling the bike jack over to me. Put my hip against the seat...... indeed.......

[Big Rig]

Thanks guys, new tires to me are 3000 miles + a little...so not new tire slide...I will check the bushings...with a MC jack...I do like Alan's response with the nap...and if i had an assistant...I would be tickering with her and not the bike!   

[Farther]

A 'poor man's' version of a bike lift/stand, can be an easy thing, if you have a set of 'Jack Stands', and a floor or Bottle Jack.

  If I had all of that stuff, I would probably have a MC jack too.  I do all of my maintenance on the dirt in fair weather when I should be riding.

[Black Dog]

If I had all of that stuff, I would probably have a MC jack too.  I do all of my maintenance on the dirt in fair weather when I should be riding.

Farther,

Jack Stands can be had for $15 a pair, and a Bottle Jack for another $10 or so...  Makes a good sturdy base, even if done in the dirt.

I'll take some pictures of my method, and post 'em.  Really not a bad way to do things 

Black Dog

[6jugzz]

I dated a girl in high school---she had one of those

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

 :)You could try and eat alot of cheese.