2-41
Table 2-7. 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 2-8. 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 maxi-
mum, add more preload to the spring (one turn
maximum).
2. In this case the shock is too hard. Decrease com-
pression 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
damping.
Table 2-9. 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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