Front shock adjustment

[Jeff Williams]

I just got back from riding hwy 1(Big Sur) and wanted to get an opinion from someone who uses the sports shock (showa?). I have the front adjustment fully tightened, is this normal?
The front end is stable and does not feel like it will wash out. It track, and is very stable. Is this the reason most people put so little fath in these shocks?

Jeff




"Don't follow me I'm confused"- Ronald Reagan

[remedy70]

Fully tightened? Two possibilities then:

1. the shock is f*xored
2. you should learn how to dial in the shocks.


Even on the track or pushing hard on the road I only need about 5 clicks of rebound damping.

[MarkC]

Have you been reading the 'Boxer Cup Replika Tips Page'?

"A secret among street racers is to adjust the damping settings on the shocks to max stiffness."

I think the Biker Boyz read it, and live by it, almost as much as Replika owners do...Well, maybe.

MarkC

[Jeff Williams]

Remedy,
I think it might be #1. There is no clicking sound and it does not matter where the adjustment is it feels the same and no change in the handling.

MarkC,
Sticks and stones, remember their all 'S'. Butt,(get it), maybe you can help me find those fuel injected spark plugs so I can balance them with the new muffler bearings.
All kidding aside when you get into the states why don't you come out an play. Replikas maybe have their posing characteristics because it looks good in the alpine BMW colors, but its still rock solid riding platform. Get over your prejudices.

Jeff

"When I think of all the good times thats been wasted having good times". Eric Burdon 69

[KiwiPhil]

Hey MarkC

'Bout time u stopped picking on us BCR folks - we can ride as well you know. I see by your photos you have been to NZ. How does going round the outside of a Yamaha R1, downhill and at serious pace, on the Queenstown-Wanaka Crown Range road sound? Not bad for a wussy BCR owner huh?

:-)

KiwiPhil

[remedy70]

Was that R1 parked?

When you hear / feel no clicking then you should carefully take the adjustmentcap off and check it. Carefull because there is a spring in there with a small metal ball that causes the clicking .

[MarkC]

Glad you guys can take a joke. OK, I admit I should've posted something useful to you Jeff. I agree with remedy70, I think there are metal balls with springs, that cause the 'clicking', or 'index movement' of the knob. If the knob turns freely, with no feel, then perhaps that/those metal ball(s) is/are missing. As far as damping adjustments, I too have had a similar experience with the adjusting knob atop the front shock. It doesn't seem to effect the shocks damping properties as much as I would expect it to. I know I'm not alone here, as several other members in the past have also noted the same thing. To compare to another brand shock (FOX, with spring preload and rebound adjustments, installed on the front of the RS I once owned): Adjusting the FOX shock, I could feel a real difference with just a few clicks, unlike the stock Showa which doesn’t seem to offer as much variance. I don't know about other brands.

KiwiPhil: My wife and I spent a good week traveling around the South island and loved every minute of it (except the daily bus rides to each hotel, would’ve been more fun on a large DP bike, like an R1150GS etc, but it was cost effective). I must say you’re very lucky to live there, from glaciers to jungle to sandy beaches, simply a beautiful place.

As far as the Replika page, I just want potential buyers to know the truth about the Replika. From reading BMW USA web page, one would get the impression that the Replika is much more than a cosmetic package. Anyone who believes BMW marketing hype (that the Replika is a race bike for the streets and far different than the street S) will probably believe the ‘Tips’ page, I sure hope they read the disclaimer. As I wrote in an earlier post, we all have our own perceptions of the ideal S based on where and how we ride. Handling mods, Engine mods, Cosmetics mods, and Touring/Utility/Comfort mods: Some add a few mods from each category, while some go extreme in one direction, to each their own.

MarkC

[KiwiPhil]

remedy70: No the R1 was not parked, no it was not my mother riding it and yes the rider had full use of his sight. Actually, said rider had been bragging about his corner speed advantage over the 1100S. Point being the rider often makes more of difference than the choice of machine.

MarkC: Glad you enjoyed our country. I see your point re BCR and FYI I did not consider buying a BCR, I purchased a R1100S BCR. And I for one did not read anything into the BMW promotional b****hit. I liked the bike, the look and the way it rode. I thought the added rarity factor of the BCR was an added bonus - not the sole decision point.

KiwiPhil

[Jeff Williams]

KiwiPhil,
NZ is great. Spent a month in both islands and love the Southern island Canaberry Plains, the road to Queenstown, the lake, Arrowtown. Is the Wanaka Crown Range road the one that goes to Melford Sound? It was to much for me in a car, the road won. As for the Yammer-Hammer, I agree its the rider. Good on ya

Remedy 70,
Thanks for the help, Checked the adjustment cap, cleaned the grease and packing junk out of the area. It clicks very lightly.

MarkC,

As with Remedy70, cleaned it and it works. I feel the same way about the adjustment. It doesn't do much, to fine an adjustment for my riding style(or is it lack of style). Mark you can still come out an play is you ever get to Cali. We won't hold it against you because of you expatriate status.
You can bag on me anytime, just don't talk about my momma,(she is so short she sued the city for making the curbs to close to her butt).
Jeff

"My momma says she loves me, but she may be lying too". BB King

[KiwiPhil]

Jeff: The Crown Range road is a moutain road that runs from Queenstown through to Wanaka - not near Milford Sound, although that is an awsome road as well.