| Author | Message | ||
     Rhinowerx |
This past weekend I rode up to Laguna Seca for MotoGP. With camping gear loaded, at some point, where road conditions were a little worse for wear, I felt what I thought was a 'dragging' feeling as the bike's rear end reacted to the conditions. Later that day, as the wife and I rode two-up out through Barloy Canyon Rd, the bike handled very poorly. It's as if it had no compression/rebound dampening from the rear shock. As the rear end compressed, I would feel a vibration through the seat. The bike wallowed, and responded slowly to inputs. I cranked up the rebound but it made no difference. So I just got back from having left the bike at the dealer. They tell me there is nothing wrong, and that it just needed the clicker crank up a few more times. But after checking it by hand (pushing on the rear luggage rack), it feels exactly the same. Apparently the service guys won’t test the bike riding two-up. So here are my questions: Is there some way to test the shock - other than riding it two-up? Our combined weight is around 340lb. How much the stock shock should be able to handle? I thought about comparing it to another Uly in the shop, but the only one there is an 08 model (in blue - this weekend is demo days), but I think the new shock is different. The bike is still at the dealership. Sorry for the long winded post. -Jack | ||
| Az_m2 |
Jack, any weight over 290 lb. and Buell recommends maximum rear preload setting (tightened all the way down). Recommended setting for front preload is 3 lines. Hope that helps . . . Chris | ||
| Rhinowerx |
Thanks Chris. So given that I did have the rear preload set to max, is the bottoming out and wallowing I experienced normal response for the rear shock? Not that we ride two up often, but I don't remember having experienced this type of response in the past. Cheers, -Jack Is this considered too much gear for the Uly to carry (hard bags full of clothes)?  | ||
| Az_m2 |
It doesn't sound normal to me. I've had close to 400lb. on my Uly and the bike handled very well. Even on a tight, twisty, bumpy road. Were your other settings correct? Front/Rear compression and rebound damping? | ||
| Bad_karma |
Jack Could this be a tire problem? Joe | ||
| Rhinowerx |
Tyres are Conti Road Attack, with just under 2k miles - running at 41PSI rear, 40 up front. I spoke with the shop manager again yesterday afternoon. He basically said that he does not know how to test (measure) if there is a problem, especially because there is no visible leak. Comparing the suspension (pushing down by hand on the back of the bike) with a new (08) model in the shop, it is significantly different - the new uly is like a rock where as mine is like a sponge. The shop manager said he would call tech services to see what they had to say. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. -Jack | ||
| Andrejs2112 |
Mine has that vibe when riding two up. It doesn't handle poorly though. I asked the same question here a few months ago. Several others said their's did the same. | ||
| Calidrew |
Rhinowerx, Dude your bike is jacked (pardon the pun) and you need a new Uly. I would recommend the TT, but you're a little long in tooth for a hooligan bike. Maybe if you plan on keeping it a couple years a works shock. Sell the replacement from Cal HD/Buell on eBay. See ya tomorrow? | ||
| Michael1 |
Combined two-up weight for myself and passenger is 360 lbs. Maxed out preload, maxed out compression and close to maxed out rebound. It works good. I can flog it fully loaded with loaded bags and not have a worry. It does sit in the mddle of the stroke though on the rear shock. The vibes you feel is during compression the belt vibrates a bit and feels a bit like rubbing. One up and the bike loaded, I don't feel that at all. The problem is the stock shock is meant to cover a huge range of GVW that when you reach the heavier class, you tax and over work the shock. This winter I'll be sending it to Traxxion to get a stiffer spring and possibly rework the shim stacks inside. That should cost around $200~$300. I don't want to drop $700+ on a new shock with the same features as the stocker just yet. The front end, I find is fine, save for stiffer springs. But that's an easy fix. I'll just go with a set of straight rate springs, but increase the spring rate a few notches. In your case Jack...I'd say you shock is shot. I'd bet your nitrogen level is low and the oil is sheared (broken down). Hopefully the dealer will replace, but maybe some suspension shop can refreshen it a bit. I think it's a rebuildable shock...well, I hope it is. A good way to check is to measure your sag. Good sag should be around 30mm for the rear and front. Mine isn't close to that full loaded. Rider only, I can get it. But fully loaded and with bags packed for a camping weekend... not even close. | ||
| Stevenknapp |
The rear shock can be rebuilt and revalved. I had good luck with Trackside. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/258169.html |
