Quote:
Originally Posted by Brett675
I would say that the fact that so many riders have such varied opinions as to the merits or lack thereof of the stock suspension, would indicate that the rider input has its effects. I don't relate hard suspension to good handling, I simply don't want a spongy, touring bike fork on a bike like this that would be devoid of any feedback to the rider. If you feel the stock suspension is crap, by all means change it. No one is trying to change your mind, we're just stating our opinions, and for some of us, while the stock units aren't great, I've definately ridden worse. Have fun with your mods and let us know what fork setup you decide on.
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Thats what I mean. The fork spring IS very soft, its only the high speed compression damping that makes it feel hard/harsh, the upshot is that the fork struggles to cope with road imperfections (a bit like having sticky fork seals) and transmits the shock to the frame and rider. Under braking or heavy dips the fork just collapses (put a tie wrap around the fork leg and see how much travel is used during a ride.....I use it all the way to the bump stops). All it needs is a stiffer spring and the proper damping.
On a smooth road, or one with just a few minor bumps, its not an issue. get on a Yorkshire B road which was last repaired in 1960 and I am off the seat and on the pegs and gripping the tank like a jockey, arms as relaxed as possible while still holding on. It gets a bit tiring after about 20 miles
Most bikes I just get on and ride, the exception being a 955i Speed Triple which I also had modified........it was similar to the ST, although the suspension was actually better, it really had to be muscled around on small twisty back roads. Suspension mods made it really nice to ride in all circumstances and I began to see what a proper setup could do without spending a fortune on top spec stuff.
The forks are being modded by Maxton in the UK.....stiffer springs and new cartridges.
