Suspension upgrades

After getting a chance to ride my 750 ltd for the first time, I've realized how old and tired the suspension is. I'm sure this thing never handled good from the beginning, being an ltd, but I'd like to improve that. For starters, the rear shocks need replaced. The front forks leak a little (new seals on the way). I don't know if the fork oil has ever been changed. I tried adding air to them and it bled down. I'd like some input on making things a little stiffer.

Here is what I was thinking of: Reseal front forks, use 10 or 15 weight oil. Add stiffer front springs (from what/where I don't know). Get new, longer rear shocks. I was thinking a 14" rear shock would reduce the ltd's longer front trail somewhat, making the front more responsive when cornering. The additional ground clearance wouldn't hurt either as I like to ride light trails sometimes.

Do any of these ideas seem reasonable or am I way off?

You're not too far off.

In the front I would flush the front forks and make sure ALL the old gunk is out of them, replace the seals if they're leaking, and put in the CORRECT amount of Bel Ray 15w fork oil. If you add air do NOT add too much. The forks take only a few pounds of air. You may not need different springs. I definitely would do the fork cleansing, fork oil and seal replacement first to see how the forks feel before fiddling with different springs. Personally, I think it's a big mistake to change too many variables at the same time because you can't tell what's effect each is having.

In the rear I would toss the old shocks and install QUALITY replacements. They don't need to cost $1,000, but quality shocks will cost $300 +/-. Personally, I have been extremely happy with my Hagon shocks, but there are other quality brands available . Just don't bother wasting money on cheap junk shocks as they will not work well or last long. If you need info on Hagons just task. Ed

+1

I put progressive shocks on the back of my 650 and have been very happy with them. Still run stock springs up front.

Make sure you're swing arm bearings are still tight and you should also put tapered bearings in the steering stem of you haven't already. Also make sure your wheel bearing are good and your wheels are balanced properly. It all contributes to the ride quality and "feel" of the motorcycle.

Progressive springs up front. (sold under the same name) Replace the rear shocks. I bought some progressive rear shocks for a good price. (not a track bike) lube the swing arm pivot. If it's worn out, you'll know right away. Clean out the gunk in the forks. (you will while doing seals) Ride it and see if anything else is needed. I've taken my bike up and down logging roads and trails. I've furrowed my way through soft sand and held my own in the twisties. They do handle well if taken care of.
Now if you want a canyon carver, get yourself a modern crotch rocket. :whistle:
You can keep'em in my book. :lol:
Steve

Great info, thanks everyone. Ill start out with the front forks as I know those are the worst part of this bikes "suspension". I don't quite understand how the air forks work, is there a separate chamber for the air?

I just fitted a set of these;



Nice quality at a nice price. Havent road tested them yet but when I sit on the bike(on the work bench) and go brmmm brmmm,they feel good.
www.yss.co.th/index.php

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationI put air fitting on my fork caps. USELESS. I ran 20/50 oil in them for years. Finally I got some progressive springs and use 15 WT oil.


I just bought some progressive shocks. They were cheap so I wasn't sure how well they would work. They work great.Can't beat the price.



Handles my weight and the extras on the bike.
Steve

My Z1r always had saggy progressive springs and the suspension would always dive badly under any braking (15W oil) maybe its the R1 brake setup.
I eventually broke the bank and bought racetech emulators and 0.85 springs (10Woil because of the extra dampening ).
I would never go back to standard after that. The rear shocks have always been Koni (no longer made, I think) which are probably not as good as the more expensive shocks but they aren't embarrassed when the going gets hard.

If I were into canyon carving I'd want more expensive shocks and a better front end. Maybe a upgrade like the ones here. :whistle:
Steve

Bozo wrote: My Z1r always had saggy progressive springs and the suspension would always dive badly under any braking (15W oil) maybe its the R1 brake setup.
I eventually broke the bank and bought racetech emulators and 0.85 springs (10Woil because of the extra dampening ).
I would never go back to standard after that. The rear shocks have always been Koni (no longer made, I think) which are probably not as good as the more expensive shocks but they aren't embarrassed when the going gets hard.

Koni are back again under the name 'Ikon'
www.ikonsuspension.com/

No prices?
Steve