|
|
1 Oct 2005
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Posts: 27
|
|
I changed the spring because of the horrible brake dive with the stocker. I haven't tried heavier oil yet as I've over-spent my toy budget for a bit, bike expenses may have to wait until after x-mas, I'm afraid. I was hoping to try anything free or cheap first.
You mention lowering the front. Is lowering the front (raising the fork tubes) worth anything in your opinion?
A new shock is absolutely in the plan for the bike. I figured the lack of damping was not helping. I have found three brands available here in the states; Ohlins ($700.00), Works ($550.00), and Hagon ($375.00 and $50.00 for heavier spring). I have had Ohlins and Works on other bikes and would own either again except for the cost. Since I recently bought my home I am heading towards the Hagon unless I hear their quality is not up to snuff.
|
3 Oct 2005
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Izmir, Turkey
Posts: 101
|
|
I remember myself having the same wobbling problem and trying to solve it all through front end, but at the end it showed itself as a misalignment of chain and sprockets at the rear. Check if your chain stretch is changing in one turn, and if so, check the alignment and rear wheel bearings.
a. can ozcan
i o n i a
|
18 Oct 2005
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 148
|
|
My 3AJ(s) both wobble a little at speed - especially loaded up. Check your steering head bearings.
Having said that, my 2 cents is to look to the rear end - problems at the rear tend to manifest themselves as front end handling issues. Your lack of damping in the rear shock may be the cause...
------------------
Barry
3AJ Tenere
__________________
Barry
XT600Z 3AJ Tenere (rebuild in progress)
SRX600
|
19 Oct 2005
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Posts: 27
|
|
Yes, the next thing I buy for the bike will be a new shock. Unfortunately, this will have to wait until the new year.
|
26 Apr 2006
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: GREECE
Posts: 6
|
|
Just Harden A Lot The Rear Spring And Put About 0,5cm Up The Forks
|
1 May 2006
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Posts: 68
|
|
I cant comment on the Hagon for the XT600, but when the rear OEM shock on my last R100GS headed south I bought one. I was financially challenged at the time, which I would say is the only reason for buying one.
Re wobble, whenever its happened to me its been (in order of frequency):
- tyre pressure
- knackered tyre
- tired forks (oil and springs)
Again not XT specific, but I dont think it needs to be, Im also a robust 100kg plus fellow. Encouraged to hear of similar people on XTs.
bob
|
1 May 2006
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: GREECE
Posts: 6
|
|
it is rear weak problem
|
1 May 2006
|
|
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,304
|
|
Tip - if the front wobbles, it's the back end - if the back wobbles, it's the front
your initial post said it all - no damping in the rear shock. And you're a big bloke.
Tip - if the front wobbles, it's the back end - if the back wobbles, it's the front end. usually...
My suggestion -
time for a decent rear shock. AND the heavier springs in front considering your size are a good idea. Slightly heavier oil in the front, same amount.
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
|
1 May 2006
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Charlottesville, VA, USA
Posts: 6
|
|
Well the posts seem to all be going in the direction of replacing the rear shock, and I agree. I hope you find the funds to do it soon. I have 2 personal experiences with behavior similar to what was described in the original post. First was caused by Givi cases mounted too far back on the bike, and the absurdly soft and underdamped stock suspension on the Suzuki Bandit 600. Second was on a racetrack on a YZF600R at 140mph. This was repeatable lap after lap in the same place on the track. 2 clicks harder on the rear rebound damping adjustment was the difference between some wiggle and no wiggle. These may be different circumstances and different bikes, but I think the causes of wobble are the same with any motorcycle - baring any mechanical problem, it seems to go back to the rear shock being the primary culprit, with a spring that is too soft and/or rebound damping that is too weak. I guess the theory is that with the rear end bouncing around the castor angle is always changing, and that castor angle is one of the fundamental things that makes a bike balance itself.
What's interesting about bikes is even though they can be so unstable with the wrong setup, they are amazingly stable with a decent setup. I can't count the number of times I've experience some road hazard that destabilized the bike and then felt the bike recover from a big wobble in less than a second or two, even at really high speeds like those on a race track - as long as one keeps their arms relaxed and lets the bike's geometry do its thing. Well that's my slightly philosophical thought for the day.
Good luck fixing your problem.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|