Re: [ST] Ride height adjustment

[Matt Knowles <matt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Before playing around with changing the triple tees, make sure the 
rear adjuster is in the right position. For any chain length, there 
are two positions that will work, but you want the one that will give 
you the most ground clearance, which will also have the effect of 
putting more weight on the front. That should help a bit. But I also 
think you might be overdoing it on the tire pressure.

When you are adjusting the rear suspension, I take it that you're 
making adjustments to both the preload and damping? Too little 
damping could also be a problem.

>Problem:  Less than perfect handling with saddlebags (no top bag) on and
>loaded.  Total load in saddle bags isn't more than about 20-30 lbs.  Also,
>when trying to pass a semi going the same direction, such as on a four lane,
>when I get up beside him, my bike is trying to hit the ditch.  The bike is
>all over the road and this is all at 120-130 km/hr.  Almost like a slow
>motion speed wobble at the rear of the bike...just a really vague feedback
>and a tendency to wobble with every wind gust.  I do jack up the rear
>suspension when I load up the bike and tire pressures are usually at max or
>just a few lbs less if any.
>
>My theory is that the ride height is too low in the rear of the bike when
>it's loaded and this is changing the steering geometry.  Am I close?  If so,
>should I try lowering my triple trees on the fork tubes by a few mm's?  Say
>3-5 mm?


- -- 
Matt Knowles - Ferndale, CA - http://members.cox.net/aestheticdesign
'99 Sprint ST - for going fast and far (2CZUSA)
'01 KLR650 - for exploring the North Coast backroads
'97 KLX300 & '01 Lakota - for playing in the dirt
'79 KZ400 - just because it was the first vehicle I ever owned

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