What's the AT rear shock supposed to feel like???

[TJE]

Hey guys,

I have a silly question, that will probably be difficult to answer, but I ask because I have absolutely no references at all (other than my Vespa) as to how the rear shock is supposed to feel like going over bumps.

Put on the stand, my AT (RD07A with stock shock) looks like it can handle quite a beating without upsetting the driver, but when I get on it (82 kilo, no luggage) it's like it sinks down and becomes quite hard and uncomfortable in rough riding, unless I stand up. It also feels too low (I'm 187cm)

One night, I actually thought I had broken it, while riding through some mighty bumpy terrain Sneaked home standing up, haha

If I jump a little in the seat, nothing much happens, maybe 5-10cm movement.

I read several places that the shock on the AT is very soft and provides good cushion on bumps, etc ... eh, the front is like that, I'll give them that.

Now I'm thinking crazy stuff, like buying a new rear shock, but they cost a fortune, like you all probably know ... found a Oehlins for more than 1100USD ...

What do you guys reckon? Am I dreaming, or is there something odd going on?

If it comes to a new shock, which one would you recommend? I ride on a lot of bad tarmac roads, with little luggage, and usually just 1 up. It would be great if it could make the bike a little taller also, maybe a few cm.

Cheers!

/Thomas

[RodYork]

In UK- part of the training ensures you are familiar with the working parts of your bike. To check your Front Suspension, you might like to do a visual inspection- looking for any oil leaks /rust etc. This will then determine whether you replace or repair the front forks. If you do have a problem- replace BOTH together- it is false economy to repair just one side. The same applies to the rear shock.. Push down on it after a visual inspection & see how it returns- it should not capapult you back ( like a james bond eject seat)- everything must be smooth.

Dependent upon the terraine and the weights carried affects the life of the shock. Can you give the mileage/kpm as a rough guide.

You can get them overhauled- certainly in UK ( Bradford) has a good place- so Vietnam should have loads of industrious people keen to refurb at a fraction of the cost of new.( typically seals & oil are changed- while other working parts are checked)

Of course you can also alter the shock on the @- Im not sure you can do this with the twin shocks of a vespa- have you tried tightening/loosening accordingly?- here the toolkit from the @ will come in handy as I believe it has a rear shock adjuster ( tightening down the shock will make the spring firmer and therefore make the ride more firm)
hope this helps a bit

[TJE]

Hi RodYork, thanks for the advice ...

I did inspect the shock (didn't remove it though), and there's nothing visually to suggest any damage or leak...

The bike has gone about 69,000km, and has, as far as I know, not been carrying too much of a load at any point, exept 2up at times, of course.

At what milage would you suggest a shock like this need to be overhauled?

I might be able to locate some industrious people here, that can give it an overhaul. Are the seals some kind of standard size, or should they be bought especially for the AT?

Thanks again

[RodYork]

not sure- but my first port of call would be The UK’s biggest choice of motorcycle parts for Japanese and European machines. or David Silver Spares - HOME They also post out!

but first my yellow friend... try to tighten down the shock using the tool kit- it may just require a turn or two downwards on the settings

[ladder106]

What model AT do you ride?

Adjust your rear sag correctly before you do anything else.

Your rear sag (with you on the bike in riding kit, feet up....yes, you'll need help to do this correctly) should be about 50-55mm (about 30% of total rear travel for off-road/broken tarmac).

Lift bike so the suspension is competely extended but not lifted off the ground. Measure from some fixed point on the frame (not the swingarm or wheel) to the ground. Then sit on the bike and measure from the SAME POINT to the ground. The difference is your "race sag".

Record what you have at present then adjust so you get about 50-55 mm drop. You do this with the pre-load adjuster.

Reduce compression damping (is your AT adjustable?) to the minimum.

Go ride.

Your description of the bike dropping a lot with your weigh leads me to think that your rear spring is either too soft or is old and has "sacked-out".

All that being said, the standard damper is not all that great even with the correct spring.

I will most likely be working with Ricor Racing shocks to help develop their IAS shock for the Africa Twin. These shocks are reasonably priced and have gotten great reviews from the off-road KLR650 riding group here in the states.

For more information look here:

SHOCKING Revolutionary change - KLR650.NET Forums - Your Kawasaki KLR650 Resource! KLR Discussion Forum
....best information is in the last 10 pages or so.

You may want to give this a look before spending big on Ohlins or something.

[TJE]

That's good advice, Ladder106! Thanks, mate!

It seems that the rear shock I have can only adjust pre-load, not on the compression.

I read somewhere else, that the bike should be on the center stand, with the rear wheel off the ground? Anyway, with no compression adjuster, I guess theres not much I can do ... I did find a shop that may be able to service it. Will they need any special gaskets or seals?

I checked the thread about the new RICOR spring, and I definately think I'll invest in both the Intiminators (do they go directly on the stock springs?) and the new rear shock when it comes out. Sounds amazing! Maybe they will make a discount to this forum also?

Cheers!

/Thomas

[TJE]

Ah, RodYork, I don't have this tool you talk about ... did it come with the bike? Is it a standard tools, found anywhere?

Cheers!

/T