2007 Buell Lightning: Maintenance 1-55
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SUSPENSION
When making adjustments, remember there are two medi-
ums in setting up a bike, geometry and suspension. Both
components work together because suspension is a part of
geometry. In order to solve handling problems, it is important
to diagnose the problem’s true nature.
Chattering, sliding or an uncomfortable feeling are suspen-
sion-related. Handling and a swinging fork are geometry-
related, but often these unwanted characteristics can be
solved by suspension adjustments.
The following tables list possible suspension and operating
troubles and their probable causes.
Table 1-13. General Suspension Problems
TROUBLESHOOTING CONDITION ADJUSTMENT SOLUTION
Bike wallows through turns.
Feels loose or vague after bumps.
Wheel tends to “pogo” after passing over a bump. This is noticeable by watching the
bike continue to bounce as it travels over multiple bumps.
Increase rebound damping.
Wheel responds to bump, but doesn’t return to ground quickly after bumps. This is
more pronounced over a series of bumps and is often referred to as “packing down.”
Reduce rebound damping.
The bike bottoms out or dips while cornering.
Bike has excessive brake dive.
Increase compression damping.
Harsh ride particularly over washboard surfaces.
Bumps kick through handlebars or seat.
Suspension seems not to respond to bumps. This is evidenced by tire chattering (a
movement with short stroke and high frequency) through corners or by jolting the rider
over rough roads.
Reduce compression damping.
Table 1-14. Rear Suspension Problems
TROUBLESHOOTING CONDITION ADJUSTMENT SOLUTION
“Pumping on the Rear” occurs when you are accelerating out
of a corner. This problems occurs in two varieties.
1. The first type has a movement with a long stroke and a
high frequency.
2. The second version has a movement with a short stroke
and high frequency.
1. The shock is too soft. Increase compression damping. If
the adjuster is already set to the maximum, add more
preload to the spring (one turn maximum).
2. In this case the shock is too hard. Decrease compres-
sion damping.
Chattering during braking. Decrease the compression damping. If the problem persists,
decrease rebound damping for a faster rebound rate. Less
spring preload may also help.
Lack of tire feedback. The suspension is too soft. Increase compression damping.
Sliding during cornering. Sliding may occur going into the
corner or accelerating out of the corner.
The suspension is too hard. Decrease compression damp-
ing.
Table 1-15. Front Suspension Problems
TROUBLESHOOTING CONDITION ADJUSTMENT SOLUTION
Not absorbing bumps. A good suspension is a balance between damping
and track condition. Finding this balance requires
exploring all possible compression settings.
Lack of tire feedback. Increase compression damping.
Tire slides. Decrease compression damping.
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