runner Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 After 2 birds (over 10 years) the question often comes...what single change makes the biggest difference? Easy one for me... my current 98 bird has really started handling rotten. I simply walk to the front & yep....front tire is shot. Time for a PR III. So, what change have you made that makes the biggest difference? Tires for me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chewtoy Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 Resprung the front forks - eliminated the diving under braking and wallowing during transitions 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomek Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 How much do you weight ? If it is around 200 pounds leave the springs rates alone . They are fine , but to answer your question extra ride height in the back works wonderfully . Shim the rear shock , somewhere in 3-6 mm range , see what you like the best . Handling is subjective and even menthal issue anyway , some experemintation won`t hurt . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IcePrick Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Maybe take a look at the head bearings while you're doing the forks. +1 on shimming the back. If you're not doing the fork springs and valving, the oil could probably use a look at that age. Fresh rubber never hurts, if nothing else it makes you feel better! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eliXXir Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 I never had handling issues until I tried to turn. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Krypt Keeper Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 I did the rear spacing. Think I put in a 5.3mm (don't rely on that.. I am getting old) also lowered the front end 2 or 3 mm cant remember that either That really helped but the biggest handling improvment was to stop running sport touring tires.. I got shitty mileage out of them, and get decent mileage out of the BT016's I run.. the tire profile is so much better bike rides great and falls in pretty nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slowrideCX Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 You could also try running a 10 weight fork oil. I did that and it made a huge difference. I have resprung front and rear with Hyperpro springs and did the 6mm shim and also lowered the front forks I think it was 3mm but I don't remember exactly. My 97 seems tohandle pretty good. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbrbear Posted August 24, 2013 Share Posted August 24, 2013 the wheels and brakes were the single biggest improvement I believe but it did amplify how horrible the suspension was so I cant say of the dymag wheels and re doing the brakes was as big as full ohlins suspension as I never had full ohlins with stock brakes and wheels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EVLXX Posted August 27, 2013 Share Posted August 27, 2013 I never had handling issues until I tried to turn. True... But your NOT supposed to Turn on a Dragstrip..... Sorry I just had too.... NBLB. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eliXXir Posted August 28, 2013 Share Posted August 28, 2013 I never had handling issues until I tried to turn. True... But your NOT supposed to Turn on a Dragstrip..... Sorry I just had too.... NBLB. Stoppies? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EVLXX Posted September 3, 2013 Share Posted September 3, 2013 I never had handling issues until I tried to turn. True... But your NOT supposed to Turn on a Dragstrip..... Sorry I just had too.... NBLB. Stoppies? Ummmm.... on a Dragstrip..... No. LOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XXBirdSlapper Posted September 5, 2013 Share Posted September 5, 2013 How do you establish a stock front end setting? Purchased my bird used, and then reset to the way the tubes were when I reassembled the front end... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomek Posted September 5, 2013 Share Posted September 5, 2013 What do you need to know ? I have a stock springs and preload on my bike . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eliXXir Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 I never had handling issues until I tried to turn. True... But your NOT supposed to Turn on a Dragstrip..... Sorry I just had too.... NBLB. Stoppies? Ummmm.... on a Dragstrip..... No. LOL. I totally misread that sport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XXBirdSlapper Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 What is the baseline fork tube height? When I removed my forks for the revalve I just measured from the the cap (shoulder, not top of the hex) to the top of the tree and reinstalled at the same number. I have no idea if it was at the stock tube height though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomek Posted September 8, 2013 Share Posted September 8, 2013 There is a stop ring near the top of the fork tube ( couple millimeters below the fork cap ) . If stop ring is missing you should be able to see the grove for it on the fork tube . Slide forks down so everything is nice and tight with no gaps between stop ring , handlebar ( clip-on) and upper triple tree . That is your OEM setting . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XXBirdSlapper Posted September 9, 2013 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Unfortunately I have bar risers, not sure what kind. Seriously considering putting the clip ons back. I will have to dig them up and compare the clamp thickness. I do know what is installed now is not as you describe, and it is possible the forks have been raised from the factory setting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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