| Author |
Message |
    
Etennuly
| | Posted on Thursday, July 26, 2007 - 07:26 pm: | 
|
HA! You though you got me! The ribs are on the barbie and covered in bbq sauce that has my mouth watering! Yehaw!!
The last two days have been noticeably better, still suffering when cough or sneezes sneek up on me, but healing up fine. Back to working and riding as normal. Thank you.
Hmmmmm......ribs on the barbie......hmmmmmm mebby I need to cut back on that....I'm at 245 lbs.....Nah, just kidding! |
Flf150fireman
| | Posted on Thursday, July 26, 2007 - 08:20 pm: |
|
well im on a XB 2003 lightning.. 280lbs 6'1" and it seems to work great for the stock.. but i am thinking of selling cause it does look like a clown on a circus bike lol hahahaha at least for me.. |
Bigdaddy
| | Posted on Thursday, July 26, 2007 - 08:32 pm: |
|
"235 plus gear."
Tiny FtB  |
Brumbear
| | Posted on Thursday, July 26, 2007 - 10:17 pm: |
|
I am a svelt 280 and nary a problem |
Crashwild
| | Posted on Friday, July 27, 2007 - 01:34 pm: |
|
I am about 240 with gear. I installed racetech 1.0kg/mm springs and gold valves and a rear spring from ironmachine.com. Got rid of the wobbles and nose diving/squatting without creating a harsh ride. Cost me about $450 and was the best thing I had on the bike. I installed them all myself with a buddy and took about 4 hours. You'll need a press though for the shock change. |
Gentleman_jon
| | Posted on Friday, July 27, 2007 - 04:24 pm: |
|
I think this thread may shine some unexpected light on one of the very interesting and mysterious aspects of suspension tuning: the difficulty of knowing when it is "right" and what, indeed, does "right" mean, and how to we know when we may have actually achieved it?
I see that those brothers who ride with stock suspension, even though they are at the top end of the weight range, seem to be satisfied with their bikes. Buells are like that.
Those brothers who have modified their suspension, all report a very big improvement, typically saying it was the best improvement they have made to their unit.
In my case, I started messing with suspension when I got my 2003 XB9S.
A couple of problems began to surface as I tried to get up to speed with my local riding pals. Looking back, I realize that some of the problems I had were definitely related to my own lack of recent experience, and poor technique. Others were caused, I believe by the short wheelbase and soft springs.
My upgrade path followed the normal three phases:
1. Tune stock suspension for rider weight, using the Higbee settings.
2. Add steering damper.
3. Upgrade springs and shocks.
4. Change out forks and shocks for aftermarket items, in my case, Ohlins.
At each phase, I was rewarded with better handling, but I always wondered if it could possibly getter better with more work, and what the improvement would be like.
The answer, to me at least, is that handling can always be improved, especially if the rider is willing to also improve technique, and especially smoothness.
As good as my upgraded suspension was, I was surprised that the Ohlins did seem to be noticeably better, even though I can't put into words, exactly why.
Thoughts? |
L_je
| | Posted on Sunday, July 29, 2007 - 11:27 pm: |
|
Finally, a thread where I can feel comfortable...
Hanging out in BB&D, I'm kinda getting tired of all of the gripes about the Uly being too big. At 5'6", I think it's just right.
Now the Firebolt, now that's a cramped bike! Maybe being so small, I was actually stretched out on it, and that's why my neck hurt; I don't know, but I give all of you guys props for riding a Firebolt.
Ohlins shocks? My wife has Ohlins on her Duc. I think Ohlins are design by towering Swedish behomoths, and tend to suit heavier riders better. Riding two-up, the MTS does great. Riding solo, I cannot get that bike's suspension where I want it.
Finally, a thread where I can feel comfortable...as long as you guys don't eat me! |
Towjam
| | Posted on Sunday, July 29, 2007 - 11:50 pm: |
|
At 5'6", I think it's just right
So what tips would you have for other 5'6" riders who need a freakin' ladder to get up on the Uly? (I'd LOVE a Uly but even with the preload backed all the way off, I can barely get my tiptoes down.)
oops... apologies for hijacking my own thread. |
Blublak
| | Posted on Monday, July 30, 2007 - 01:26 pm: |
|
Hey I can chime in about suspension stuff.. sorta..
I'm 250+ fully geared up. And at 6ft, yep, the 'Bolt is a small bike, but I'd rather think of it as 'compact' and that means I can move it around (or me around it)easily.
I started out with stock suspension, but now have a custom built Elka three way shock (now that is talking about a BIG difference in the way it rides) and had the forks rebuilt by DafanZ Tuning (all race grade components and .95kg springs). HUGE difference.. On the track, corners where I was always dragging a knee, I now barely touch, there is no more 'wallowing' feel coming hard through a bend giving me more confidence to roll on a little sooner so I'm getting better drives out. Soaks up bumps better and seems to give me a more feedback overall.
That said, it did make the street ride a bit more harsh, but it's a compromise, the more feedback on the rougher roads just seems more harsh then before, but I know the rear tire is planted and the front seems to have a bit more 'grab' even on uneven and rough pavement turns. |
Chit
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 31, 2007 - 02:17 pm: |
|
Flf150fireman NO! keep it, trust the bear on a tricycle look pays off. I'm 6'5" 235 (or about depending on gear) the only comments i get about the size is that standing next to it I look even more like I'd be able to crush you scull bare handed... and short chicks (some of the less motorcycle inclined) prefer a bike they 'fit' on.) |
Cityxslicker
| | Posted on Thursday, August 02, 2007 - 02:21 pm: |
|
5-6 Two-fiddy, 29 inch inseam 2006 XB9SX
Blame the parents and coffee for height
Beer and Pizza for the width |
Surveyor
| | Posted on Thursday, August 02, 2007 - 02:31 pm: |
|
Most of you guys are heavier than me!!....don't often get to say that.....I love this site! |
|
