| Author | Message | ||
     Pa_xb9sx  |
I am just starting out on my XB9SX so excuse me if this is a stupid question. I was going around a turn (not sharp) at about 20 mph, which is an adequate speed for that turn. It was slightly wet, and the front wheel became squirrelly. I have not changed the suspension settings yet. The front preload was at 4.5 lines, and the rear shock is at the default #2 preload setting. Could this be negatively effecting handling so much, or does it seem like it is something else? I am about 180 lbs so it should be set at 5.5 preload on the front, and 4 on the rear shock. Thanks in advance for any help that you all can give. | ||
| M1combat  |
Keep in mind that preload affects ride height only (unless your suspension is topped out with you sitting on it). With the rear preload set too low the weight bias is more to the rear. I would probably set the suspension by the book until you have a few thousand miles on the bike. Also remember that the preloads work opposite (as far as number of lines) between the front and rear. Fewer lines on the front = more preload. Fewer lines on the rear = Less preload. (The top step on the rear damper is position seven) Sooo... If you have fewer lines on the front and you are on a lower step on the rear... your weight bias will be further towards the rear of the bike when compared to how the factory feels is correct. This would "help" the front get light. One more thing... Make sure your arms are bent. They act as a bit of a damper for your upper body. On a bike that handles as well as the XB chassis, body position and that sort of thing have a definite impact on how the bike behaves. Proper tire pressure is also more important on an XB. They ARE sensitive to it. | ||
| Surveyor  |
I can't imagine a bike exhibiting that kind of stress in the circumstances you have described unless there is a fundamental problem either with the bike or with the rider. I very much doubt that your suspension setup is at fault unless perhaps you have seriously uneven settings eg. left fork leg set to preload max and right to minimum. As M1 says you need to check your tyre pressures are correct. It's also worth checking that the steering headsets are properly tightened. Wheel bearings could also cause the problem you described. Any or all of the above could have caused your problem but I would have expected the problem to manifest itself in other circumstances as well. Perhaps the toughest problem to identify is one that involves you. I think M1 was aLso hinting at this. There is a natural tendency to tense up when making a turn on wet roads and this transmits itself to the bike, you get to the point that even the slightest movement becomes exaggerated and is perceived as a crisis - the solution.....RELAX. I suspect your problem may have more to do with worrying about riding in wet conditions which is perfectly understandable but tyres are now so good that if you are relaxed and smooth in your riding style riding in the wet can be fun (almost). Hope this is some help. | ||
| Reepicheep  |
Also double check your tire pressure. |
