Sport1200
Tuned and Synch'ed
Went for a ride on my Sport 12 yesterday with a mate. This week I had my rear shock resprung and revalved and it is a totally different bike. It still however isn't a good handler. My ZRX1200R and particularly my GPZ900R would run rings around it, and the GPZ is 30 years old. I do like flogging bikes into corners but this one just doesn't feel safe at speed. (particularly bumpy corners)
Previous to the respring the bike was way too soft in the rear and loaded sag was 60mm on full preload. Now It is adjusted to 35mm around the middle of the adjuster as it should be. Front sag was (and is) 35mm and my understanding is that it should be 25mm or so. (not adjustable for preload the front???) So I am guessing I need a respring there too.
I have checked wheel bearings and steering head bearings and they are spot on. Haven't looked at swingarm bearings yet.
MY ZRX has 128000km on it on standard suspension and my GPZ 166000km, also on standard suspension. My Guz has 41000km and is an expensive bike. The others were cheapies. I am heavy at 140 odd kg, but the Japs steer and handle well and the GPZ I can't ride anywhere near its capabilities. I also own a GT550 Kawasaki which is my fave bike I own (I know I'm strange) and it wobbles around on its suspension but can be flogged through corners really well. Guzzi wobbles and it is scary. I am a bike instructor and have ridden all sorts of bikes (and own all sorts) and this one has me stuffed.
Have I bought a tourer and am asking too much of it? Should I respring the front and see how it goes? TIA!!
Previous to the respring the bike was way too soft in the rear and loaded sag was 60mm on full preload. Now It is adjusted to 35mm around the middle of the adjuster as it should be. Front sag was (and is) 35mm and my understanding is that it should be 25mm or so. (not adjustable for preload the front???) So I am guessing I need a respring there too.
I have checked wheel bearings and steering head bearings and they are spot on. Haven't looked at swingarm bearings yet.
MY ZRX has 128000km on it on standard suspension and my GPZ 166000km, also on standard suspension. My Guz has 41000km and is an expensive bike. The others were cheapies. I am heavy at 140 odd kg, but the Japs steer and handle well and the GPZ I can't ride anywhere near its capabilities. I also own a GT550 Kawasaki which is my fave bike I own (I know I'm strange) and it wobbles around on its suspension but can be flogged through corners really well. Guzzi wobbles and it is scary. I am a bike instructor and have ridden all sorts of bikes (and own all sorts) and this one has me stuffed.
Have I bought a tourer and am asking too much of it? Should I respring the front and see how it goes? TIA!!
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