Fitted shock spacer, now possible issue!

[mattster]

Hey folks!

I fitted a 3mm shock spacer to my bike the other day - yesterday I was out scratching some country roads and on a few occasions it felt like the bars were beginning to get into a weave. Tank-slapper-esque if you will, but nothing even remotely violent.

The bike has never done that before, so I'm presuming that by fitting the spacer I've highlighted the fact that I need to pay some attention to other parts of the bike...

If i'm correct - which parts?

Would the slight shift of weight to the front be enough to show up that the forks are way overdue for a service? I've not changed the oil in the 4 years I've had the bike, so i can only imagine the crap that will come out of there...

On another note though - I can't say that the bike drops in any quicker with the 3mm spacer. Might add a few washers to get it up to 6mm and see how it goes

[mik_str]

Roger D recommends against shimming the shock unless your forks have been done....... now you know why.......

[Watty]

Roger D recommends against shimming the shock unless your forks have been done....... now you know why.......

You beat me to it

[mattster]

Roger D recommends against shimming the shock unless your forks have been done....... now you know why.......

I wish I knew that before I did it! not to worry, I'll get the oil changed this week and see how it goes.

[10robbo]

going by what others have said if you make it 6mm it will be even worse,altering the rake and trail incorrectly can be fatal

[Watty]

Roger D recommends against shimming the shock unless your forks have been done....... now you know why.......

I wish I knew that before I did it! not to worry, I'll get the oil changed this week and see how it goes.

Get those forks Rogered mate, mega difference

[popkat]

3mm is enough, have you adjusted the forks ?, set the sag as close to 25mm as possible, set rebound so the forks return at about the same rate you can compress them by pushing down on them. bike should be ok with front end at 5mm lower, but no more, if you still get a weave check condition of tyres, bearings etc.

[mattster]

3mm is enough, have you adjusted the forks ?, set the sag as close to 25mm as possible, set rebound so the forks return at about the same rate you can compress them by pushing down on them. bike should be ok with front end at 5mm lower, but no more, if you still get a weave check condition of tyres, bearings etc.

Cheers, haven't adjusted the forks yet - will get the oil changed this week and see how it feels. The budget just now can't stretch to getting rogered or hyperpro springs, so I'll see how it goes...

Those of you with renthals - did you find fitting bar end weights made any noticeable difference?

[tony.mon]

Tyres make a difference, too. both in terms of what make/model and how worn they are- plus of course; check the pressures.....

[AMCQ46]

[...

Those of you with renthals - did you find fitting bar end weights made any noticeable difference?

No, they just help with higher frequency vibrations.. In general I found a higher tendency for high speed weave with flat bars. This will be down to a change in the weight distribution and the added leverage combined with the less aerodynamic airflow on your arms and upper body

[NZSpokes]

[...

Those of you with renthals - did you find fitting bar end weights made any noticeable difference?

No, they just help with higher frequency vibrations.. In general I found a higher tendency for high speed weave with flat bars. This will be down to a change in the weight distribution and the added leverage combined with the less aerodynamic airflow on your arms and upper body

Interesting side note on this. I have a tremor like parkinsons. I was getting wobbles on my Hornet 900, it was me not the bike. Went to wider bars and it got worse. My inputs had a greater effect. Spoke to a race specialist in the US and he had worked with this before. He said go low and narrow. as narrow as I can make it.

Worked. Its the reason I went for the VTR. Lower and narrower bars. Can now run at track speeds no worry.

To the OP. What fork springs are you running? If stock then get them changed to suit your weight. Im on 4mm shim and 3mm drop. Bike is very stable but has ungraded fork springs and an Ohlins.