Shocks and forks

[CowboyX]

Hey guys I was thinking about improving the handling of my 380 project. Any suggestions for shocks? How about firming the front end up too. New springs and fluid is the easy answer. Anyone out there ever swapped forks from something newer?

[RING_DING]

I'd recommend talking to Dave Quinn about shocks:
http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jabcb]

Back in 1974 Cycle World magazine had a good article on upgrading the forks:
http://www.ozebook.com/compendium/suzi/mags/forks.htm

[CowboyX]

Great articles! Has anybody tried those alterations? What were the results like?

[pearljam724]

20/50 motor oil stiffens the rebound and compression nicely if you like to ride at moderate speeds. Using a 3/4 to 1 inch stack of quarters used as spacers under the spring caps works great for preloading the springs. Or better yet buy an aftermarket set of springs suitable to your specific weight.

[yeadon_m]

Pearljam is spot on when he mentions one's own weight. It took me quite a while to appreciate that, as a 'racing snake' of a guy, I need much lighter weight fork oil, else the front end feels almost solid. I moved from 15W to 7.5W and the transformation is a real pleasure. Otherwise stock parts and volumes.
Mike

[pearljam724]

Pearljam is spot on when he mentions one's own weight. It took me quite a while to appreciate that, as a 'racing snake' of a guy, I need much lighter weight fork oil, else the front end feels almost solid. I moved from 15W to 7.5W and the transformation is a real pleasure. Otherwise stock parts and volumes.
Mike

Exactly, modifying stock forks or springs works. But, you have to know how to modify them according to your own weight. Depending on your specific weight, how and where you ride most often. Finding the correct suspension sag for those conditions is what every rider needs to learn how to pinpoint. Those areas of adjustments are different for mostly everyone. What works for me, may not work for someone else. Because of another persons weight and riding habits. It's very satisfying for a rider to learn how to properly make suspension adjustments and matching those adjustments with his own riding habits. Weight, posture, braking and throttle imputs, speeds and terrain.