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Topic: 50,000 miles, time for some suspension work...?  (Read 448 times)

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« on: March 04, 2009, 10:08:57 AM »

Hey Fellas,

I just got back from sea from two months and I need to do some tinkering on the baby, 97 yfz 1000. I bought her with 34,000 miles on the clock and I have tacked on another 20,000 miles. I have no idea what the previous owner did but I would put bones down that nothing but oil changes were done. Soooooooo I bet I could go for some suspension work. I have the suspension adjusted for my weight but I bet it could be better. I don't know if I even need service, but after a little research I was finding out that I way over due.

Right now I ride pillion 25% of the time and about 90% with my givi's 360's on. I am about 180 lbs with gear and she is 100 lbs and my bags are normally around 20-35 lbs. So max weight would be about 315 lbs. Now this is my first performance bike and I don't know a whole lot, just that I know I should be at least changing the fork oil and having the rear shock rebuilt. I do notice that it feels a bit mushy with her and the bags or after a really long ride.

So I am sending out the rear shock to California to get rebuilt and the service guy said he could calibrate for the extra weight. Should I keep it stock or have him dial it in a bit?

Having done everything else on the bike including the valve adjustment I am confident in doing the front forks. I just don't know which springs to put in, maybe off a newer bike if they fit, couldn't find any information on that, or just new springs, or spacers, and what kind of oil. I do like the stiffer feel and my back doesn't complain yet.

Stepping in some new ground and any advice would be wonderful and greatly appreciated.   Bigok
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« on: March 04, 2009, 10:08:57 AM »

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atypical1

« Reply #1 on: March 04, 2009, 10:18:20 AM »

I would definitely respring the forks while you're at it. I would venture to say that with the pillion and bags even springs off of a newer bike wouldn't necessarily work that well. I've heard good things about race-tech and you'll need valves and springs.

Get a good basic book on suspension while you're waiting. You'll need to set everything once you get the parts back.

There is a thread on suspension basics around here somewhere that should help out too. This is from Sport Rider and is pretty good.

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This is what Race Tech says fits your bike

james
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« Reply #2 on: March 04, 2009, 12:52:50 PM »

Ditto the above post. I installed a Wilbers rear shock and a set of Race Tech fork springs on my K1100LT (parts were ordered for my weight and riding style) and it made a world of difference.

My K was transformed in sweeping curves from a wallowing hippo in heat to.... well it just handled a hell of a lot better.

Enjoy the ride


John B

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« Reply #3 on: March 04, 2009, 01:07:29 PM »


Get a good basic book on suspension while you're waiting. You'll need to set everything once you get the parts back.



Any recommendations?
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