Handling - is it me? Or...

[Portugeezer42]

CBREDEAN0 and Bodmin - thanks for taking the time to give me those instructions. Will go to the garage and let them read what you've said - if I get that puzzled look on their faces, you know, the kind of look the dog gives you when it hasn't a clue what's going on.....then I will contact Jaws for formal instructions.
Will keep you posted on progress and once done, how it feels.
Cheers,
Pedro

 

[Boggymarsh]

Interesting comments there Lumpy and begs the question...

How many riders actually bother to set the suspension up on their bike to suit their individual weight etc?

Mine has not been touched since I've had her and she handles fine but for the sake of fifty quid I should really go and get it set up properly.

 

[CBRDEAN0]

Completely agree with Lumpy - sort out the basics - then try to improve it.

When I decided mine was a keeper she was treated to a full setup.

JAWS front spring kit.
JAWS front preload adjusters
Racetech gold compression and rebound valve kits
Fully synthetic fork oil
Rear K-Tech shock - valved and sprung for my weight
Sag set up at each end.

After a couple of weeks of getting used to the new softer feeling but better handling bike I tried the 6mm spacer.

I liked the new feel so the 6mm spacer stayed in.

 

[grant57]

Hi pedro

anyone can fit the spacer, just loosten the top shock nut and fit U shaped spacer between the top body of the shock and frame cross support member. Just use washers with a bit sawn out and then retighten shock nut. I personally reccommend 4 mm and not six as then the rear tyre is off of the ground when on centrestand making dynamic chain oiling easier

Good Luck

Grant

 

[mark747eagle]

I've got a spacer I don't need (my legs are too short for the extra 6mm!) together with the instructions sheet - you can have it if you pay the postage.

 

[Portugeezer42]

Dear all!

Right, I went to the garage here in holland and as I feared (they are a Honda dealer), they knew nothing about the spacer mod.

I just to say a sincere thanks to everyone who responded, really, really appreciated.

I also appreciate what people have said about suspension set up etc. On that note, what settings do you guys suggest - as said, I owned my last Bird for just over 7 months and loved the way she turned, and was impressed when riding through Austria two up with luggage...for my style (which is neither mental nor dawdling...more, progressive) was perfect. So, preload etc settings for that - what do you recommend - I am 11stone, missus 9.5stone....just want to get a collective opinion. Reason is, I have to admit, that I changed nothing on my last bike before we went two up, and as said, the handling was better than this newer seemingly unfettled Bird.

So, Mark, I live in holland and would be more than happy to take you up on your offer, just need you to tell me how I can pay you for postage etc. Let me know how we can resolve this.

Once again, a sincere thanks to all.

Cheers,

Pedro

 

[robsbird]

out of interest did you only every ride your last bird two up as i do find the bike does ride a lot better two up load.....

:dunno:

 

[Portugeezer42]

I take your point, but no. When I picked the first Bird after her service and new tyres she was noticeably quick to turn in, two up was, in my opinion, just as good. This new one, again after a comprehensive service - all fluids, suspensions checks (not overhaul), valve clearances etc...it just was NOT as sharp. It disheartened me to be honest as I was smitten after the first Bird.

 

[sidewayscarl]

Spacer thoughts

I made up and fitted a spacer the other week, only managed to test it this weekend, have to say I was very impressed with the improvement, previously the Blackbird seemed slow to turn into corners, now it handles very similar to my previous bike a VFR750. Rather than using a slotted spacer I turned up a 6mm spacer, a bit more fiddly to fit but I feel happy with this arrangement.

 

[Canadian Bird]

The great thing about the Bird is that regardless of the situation the bike can be sorted. Lot's of aftermarket choices that improve the bike. There are weaknesses from suspension to electricals. Especially earlier models and after many miles. There's a wide variety of tires available, depending on the local road surfaces. I've not used the same tire model twice and there's a couple I will try yet. The Bird is the best buy for your used bike dollars, bar none, imo.

 

[grant57]

Its very easy to fit without moving the shock if you use a U shaped one! Just loosen top bolt and slip it in, retighten, Voilla.
On a personal note if you use 6mm, a new rear tyre will touch the ground when on the centrestand making the bike less stable, 5mm is better and leaves the wheel just clear to allow easy chain oiling

Good luck

Grant

 

[Centaur]

just for the record, I ran mine for many successful years without a spacer, including track days and fast road and had no problems with the handling. I fitted an 8mm spacer before taking her to Germany some 6 years ago now and the fitting of the spacer made the bike feel as if it was on new tyres with improved turn in etc. The difference is noticeable, as it is with a 6mm spacer, but the overall impression that some riders on here seem to give is that fitting it is the answer to everything including the third world crisis

The Bird does take a hefty shove to turn with or without the spacer and some riding techniques do not suit the handling of the Bird, I have seen some people unable to turn the beast as they could not active countersteer, or weight the pegs enough. Sometimes a bike, although brilliant, does not suit every rider and no matter how much a bike is loved some people will never feel comfortable on it.

Would you care to explain Lumps?:dunno:

 

[ianrobbo1]

Would you care to explain Lumps?:dunno:

I'm surprised you dont know about that action when riding a motorcycle Bill!! :dunno:

 

[sidewayscarl]

As an ex Speedway and Grasstrack rider I think that I can confidently say that I am well aware of the concept of counter steering !!

 

[Centaur]

As an ex Speedway and Grasstrack rider I think that I can confidently say that I am well aware of the concept of counter steering !!

Every biker is using counter-steering whether they are aware of it or not. Contrary to some beliefs it is not possible to turn a bike by transferring weight from one peg to the other.:-0)

 

[4_4_2]

out of interest did you only every ride your last bird two up as i do find the bike does ride a lot better two up load.....

:dunno:

plus one. mine rides better two up as I suspect the suspension is past its best, the extra weight seems to help it settle quicker and turn better...time mine was fettled I know, winter project looming I think.

 

[Wolfie]

Better two loaded = suspension too hard for solo