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Handling
#243404 02/27/2008 5:26 PM
Joined: Sep 2007
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Okay here goes. I couldn't find anything about this in the archives so maybe one of you guy can help. I've been following this site since Sept. when I got an '04 Speedmaster. (Black) Great site with great info! I'm enjoying the bike and have started down the road on mods. Removed the AI, snorkel, got 18T sprocket, uni, chevy05's long cannons, and 128 jets. (Thanks Dinqua) Bike is moving along much better now.

My question is, how do I improve ground clearance for better handling. Even in moderate left had curves I grind something on the underside of the bike. Scary as he** in the middle of a curve. It's probably the sidestand. I'm thinking of getting new shocks, but I don't know if they would give me any more ground clearance.

Any suggestions?

Re: Handling
MontanaMike #243405 02/27/2008 5:39 PM
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Ensure that the left silencer clamp is orientated so that the side stand fully retracts.


Blowing gravel off rural roads
Re: Handling
MontanaMike #243406 02/27/2008 6:13 PM
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Make sure your rear suspension pre-load adjustment is spot on for your weight and not too soft. I think from memory the pre-load should be adjusted so that the sag (the distance the bike sinks down when you sit on the seat) should be approx' 25mm or 1" or just a tad more.

Most people though work from how the suspension feels but I know I have been caught out having my rear shocks too soft and subsequently was scraping more then than I am now.


Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
Re: Handling
MontanaMike #243407 02/27/2008 6:48 PM
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On mine the tab or whatever that extends from your kickstand so you can lower it when its up had bent. I plan of replacing it. But I just tapped it back where it belonged. Now no more drag on left turns.

Larry

Re: Handling
oilleak #243408 02/27/2008 7:27 PM
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Yep, take a length of pipe and bend that kickstand lever back up where it belongs. I've been up on mine once or twice and it's spooky...


A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
Re: Handling
oldroadie #243409 02/27/2008 8:30 PM
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Quote:

Yep, take a length of pipe and bend that kickstand lever back up where it belongs. I've been up on mine once or twice and it's spooky...




+1 on that. Mine used to grind too. Not the stand, the tab you use to put it down.
Thruxton shocks are 1" longer and will raise the back end.


Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow The Hayabusa Killa 16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled Procom CDI "There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
Re: Handling
BrianT #243410 02/28/2008 3:53 PM
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Thanks everyone! This will give me a place to start. I bought the bike used so I don't know exactly how the sidestand tab is supposed to be positioned, but that's the first thing I'll check.


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