• Can't post after logging to the forum for the first time... Try Again - If you can't post in the forum, sign out of both the membership site and the forum and log in again. Make sure your COG membership is active and your browser allow cookies. If you still can't post, contact the COG IT guy at IT@Concours.org.
  • IF YOU GET 404 ERROR: This may be due to using a link in a post from prior to the web migration. Content was brought over from the old forum as is, but the links may be in error. If the link contains "cog-online.org" it is an old link and will not work.

Rear Shock Settings ? Rough Ride !

C

captain one eye

Training Wheels
I got my new 2002 Connie two weeks ago and I love it . I do wish it was smoother over the bumps . The front forks have the Race Tec springs on the lowest setting and seems ok . The rear seems very harsh . Right now I'm running 28 psi on the #2 damper setting two up . I weigh 200lbs and my Wife 140 . The rear shock has 275 cc Mobil One 15W50 . I'm running the suggested 41 psi tire presure . Right now the bumps really jolt me and my pillion . I like a soft smooth ride . Any suggestions ? Thanks ! Paul
 
Paul, I'm wondering if you have too much fluid in the rear shock. It should be 8 ounces which is approx 235cc? At least that is how much I used when I re-did mine. I have not heard of anyone running the 15W50, I went with a 10w shock oil which was a pain to find, ended up getting some leftover from a friendly motorcycle mechanic whom I do not live by anymore. Did you grease all the linkages also, make sure you don't have any binding. HTH
 
I drained and refilled the one on my C10 with 60k miles on it and used 10w shock oil. It made a big improvement. I think the multi-vis engine oil is the problem and also too much oil. Not sure how the internals work but too much oil might not allow enough air space for the air pressure on the shock to work right. I'd drain and refill with 10w and use recommended amounts of oil and see how that works. David in Jax COG# 7898 NE FL AAD & COG Vendor www.dreamjobresumes.com preparing resumes for COG members and friends I ride a KAWASAKI ZZR1200 Euro Review http://www.motorbikestoday.com/reviews/Articles/ZZR1200.htm US Review http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/2002_kawasaki_zzr1200/inde
 
I would agree with replacing the oil in the shock. 15W-50 engine oil probably is not the way to go. At low temps it functions as a 15 weight oil and at high temps it acts as a 50 weight oil. I think this is your problem. Cange it out to a 10 or 20 weight fork oil and I think you'll be much happier. Eddie Sanford, FL 2005 Concours 1969 Triumph Bonneville AMA# 686667 COG# 7073 CDA# 0136 http://picasaweb.google.com/Eddie753
 
More information than any mortal requires on suspension fluids. But essentially you should be using a rear shcok suspension fluid in your rear shock and not fork oil as these are very different fluids designed for very different purposes. Mobil 1 is neither. This is a motor oil not a suspension fluid. So change it out and flush it out asap. http://www.pvdwiki.com/index.php?title=Suspension_Fluid AKA "2linby" That's 2-lin-by folks! Northwest Area Director COG #5539 AMA #927779 IBA #15034 TEAM OREGON MC Instructor http://community.webshots.com/user/2linby http://tinyurl.com/njas8 (IBA BunBurner Gold Trip) http://tinyurl.com/lwelx (Alaska trip)
 
You can get the rear shock oil from Murph. Like the other posters said it should take about 8 oz. Good luck. '02 Connie COG # 6662 Dallas, Tx
 
How about on setting #1? I agree on the use of the shock specific oil. It will make a BIG difference. I think that once you change the shock oil, again, you will probably need to increase the psi setting. 28 psi seems a little low with all weight you mentioned in the initial posting.
 
Problem Solved . I put 39 psi in my rear shock this morning and it made a HUGE difference . Now my Connie floats down the highway like it should . It felt a little springy on the # 1 damper setting so I moved it to # 2 and that might be where I'll leave it . My only issue now is that my front end is a little twitchy . I think the reason is there is a new Avon Azero on back and a pretty worn Metzler on front . I plan to put the Avon Storm on front when the Metzler wears out . I'd like to do it now but I'd have trouble convincing my pillion it was really neccessary , if you know what I mean . Thanks for all the input everybody . I wish I'd tried more air pressure three weeks ago ! Thanks again , Paul :)
 
Paul, Did you measure the fluid you drained out of the shock? Was it the original fill or had it been serviced before? If it was the original fill you should have replaced it with the same amount that you drained out. That is the only recommended amount that I am aware of. The amount will vary depending on how long you allow it to drain. I drained nearly 9 OZ out of my rear shock when I serviced it at 30,000. It had not been done before. I clamped the shock lightly in my vise at about a 45 degree angle and let it drain into a graduated cup for 24 hours. I used Murph's kit with good results.
 
Gene asked :paul, Did you measure the fluid you drained out of the shock? Was it the original fill or had it been serviced before? If it was the original fill you should have replaced it with the same amount that you drained out. That is the only recommended amount that I am aware of. The amount will vary depending on how long you allow it to drain. I drained nearly 9 OZ out of my rear shock when I serviced it at 30,000. It had not been done before. I clamped the shock lightly in my vise at about a 45 degree angle and let it drain into a graduated cup for 24 hours. I used Murph's kit with good results. No , I just added air . I'll probably change the fluid this Winter . Thanks , Paul
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top