Shocks & bushings

[dntemp_ca]

I need new shock bushings. The original shocks appear to be in good shape although the holes in the rubber bushings are becoming abit oblong. The bike is handling a little wonky lately despite the Tkat forkbrace and I figure the shock bushings could be part of the problem along with a front tire that's starting to 'cup'. Anyway, my dealer says "no-can-do...you gotta buy new shocks...heh...heh...heh!!!" . I'm thinking that until I save up to spring (so-to-speak) for new shocks, maybe I can find some new bushings for now and keep riding. Ideas anyone?


PS: What’s the slot-head screw in the top of the fork cap for?

[buffalo]

slot head screw in fork cap is for fork spring preload, push down and turn to right to raise preload.

You can probably find some automotive application shock bushings that will work, I just installed some on a Range Rover the other day that looked perfect, but I'm sure quite pricey. I will check around the shop, should be able to come up with something by the end of the week as far as application goes.

[dntemp_ca]

Thanks, buffalo! I'm gonna try that and increase the spring preload on the forks. The bike does have a fair bit of front end dive when braking.....it has a Vetter fairing on it installed by the previous owner. Maybe this will improve handling as well! Thanks for the tip on trying to find automotive subs for the shock bushings. I'll see what I can find. Much appreciated!

[Jerry]

Just a quick note....


Changing the pre-load doesn't change the spring rate...it just determines how much force it will take to get the suspension to move.

Lower preload = suspension will soak up small bumps better.
Higher preload = tends to reduce bottoming out of shocks, forks.

If your front end is diving, best to replace the fork springs or put some PVC pipe spacers in the forks to preload them. If you are bottoming out on the shocks, look at replacement or going to a higher spring rate.

Spring rates are how much force it takes to compress the spring over a given distance, say 1 inch. Yamaha shocks use a dual rate spring, and replacement shocks usually have dual rate springs as well. You can specify the springs for some brands. 90/110 or 110/135 are common figures.

If you have to use a lot of preload, either front or rear, you should look into replacing the fork springs and shocks with new, and possible heavier duty (depends on driving habits and loaded weight of the bike) springs.

[dntemp_ca]

Thanks for the educational note, Jerry. Although I've been mostly a lurker, I really enjoy this forum (and the former list) and have learned a lot. I'm sure glad I bought an XS and am grateful to be part of this owners' group. Not many other makes/models have this kind of support system. I plan on upgrading both front and rear suspension with Progressive hardware as soon as the bank account allows. Since my bike is in full dress and we do mostly two-up riding, I suppose I should opt for the higher spring rates.

[buffalo]

Another thought on reducing dive when braking is to raise the oil level in the forks a little (key word is LITTLE). Only increase oil level a little at a time or you will wind up with a very harsh ride, and may blow seals.
BTW, have you changed fork oil?
I use Bel-Ray 10w, and measure 4 and 3/4 inches from the top of the tube compressed (about 8 0z. per tube). With the preload set at the lightest setting I have a fairly tight front end for aggressive riding and very little dive on hard braking. I might change to 7.5 weight for winter as I suspect it will be too harsh in cold weather with the 10 weight.
I find there is a lot you can do to adjust your front end by using different weights and levels of oil rather than buying springs, adding spacers, and all that rot.
And my wife loves the mess I leave on the porch!

[dntemp_ca]

No, I haven't changed the fork oil yet. Interesting about the affects that different fork oil weights can have. I'll see how she handles with new fork oil. I plan to do that this week when I change the fork dust caps. I'm still waiting on valve shims and have the fairing and tank off anyway, so while I'm waiting I might as well tinker on the front end.

[padre]

Dennis I was just going thru your posts and just wanted to throw my two cents worth in. I have an 81 XS11 H with fairing and bags. I changed the front fork springs this spring, somewhere around $100.00 Canadian if I remember right. I read some stuff on doing the change and one guy said it would make your bike handle like it was on rails. Right after I changed them I took it out for a run. The change was incredible. I thought the Tkat fork brace made a difference but what a difference with Progressive fork springs added in! My brother in law who sold me the bike came out during the summer and took it for a ride. I think he wants it back!! He won't be getting any time soon. I don't know what kind of change it makes on XS11's with no fairing but mine had the same problem as yours, diving bad on stops. the spring change resolved the problem.

Hank Dixon

PS I grew up not to far from your neck of the woods, Sioux Lookout.

[Shack]

Air Pressure?

XS xperts,
I have a 79 xs special with a windshield not a fairing..how much air pressure should i keep in the forks? The bike sure dips when I brake, it has about 7psi now..I have a tuff time figuring ouy the actual psi HELP!!
Thanx Shack

[strom]

PS: What’s the slot-head screw in the top of the fork cap for?


Hmmmm... your profile says you have an 78E... me too, no preload to adjust. You sure you have original forks on that thing?
BTW: Gotta get me some progressive springs and some other shocks... since I'm a bit over 100kg, and my GF aint on the light side either.

LP

[Dennyz]

E&F preload adjustment

my "F" has a 3 position preload. It is the slotted head under the top caps. I believe the "E"s are the same way.

[strom]

it unscrews the top caps, but I don't know if that's the function of that particular screw, since my bike is half rusted - half neglected and half... weird (a bike and a half, the XS)

LP

[rockyr74]

Anybody ID a source for shock bushings?

[dntemp_ca]

No source for the shock bushings yet.

I installed new fork dust caps, changed the fork oil, adjusted the valves and synced the carbs yesterday. There is a significant difference! I was amazed at the torque and power of the old XS before, but I didn't realize she could growl like that when you really get on the throttle!

[MartyA]

Not sure if these will help:
http://www.bds-suspension.com/shockbushings.html

Here:
http://www.shocking.com/~wings/html/trickparts.html

I hears some Harley shocks fit:
http://www.motorcyclegoodies2.com/CA...rsandtools.htm

maybe best bet here:
http://www.prothanesuspension.com/sh...tbushings.html