Hi all from Charlotte, NC!
I have a 1998 with 30,400 miles. It seems to have developed a very harsh reaction to road bumps, the best I can describe it is as a 'shudder' that rattles the handlebars and fairing. It seems worse when I am in a curve, or 'banking' in a lean. I am not sure what is causing this, but I figure given the miles and age of the bike it is time for a refresh anyways. I plan to replace the tires, refresh the fork oil, check fork alignment, wheel/head bearings, torque settings and etc. My question is this: Should I just do routine maintenance with fresh seals/oil/etc or should I take this opportunity to upgrade the springs? I have looked a Wilburs Promoto, as well as the Racetech Gold Valves and springs (which feel like overkill, perhaps). I am not looking for a race bike, just to get her well sorted.
Pic is my tiger, sharing because everyone likes pics.
Nice Steamer!
I did mine (a '93) some years back (but few miles), and just fitted a progressive rate spring to match my & the 'bike's all up weight, and 'thickened' the oll to 15 wt.
With the rebuild of the rear shock, and again upgraded spring, suits me fine.
I fitted Hagon Progressive springs a long time ago, must have done 50-60 thou miles since then, they are fine, changed the oil a couple of times. Not sure if they are still available. The Wilber's should be good if they are as good as their rear shocks.
I removed the forks and flushed them, then replaced the oil with 15wt. The fork dive seems improved, but the harsh 'shudder' I described is still there. I'm out of ideas.
Did you check the head bearings? Also check the rear shock linkage, has been known to loose a grease nipple and grind the grease out, at least mine did.
+1 on bearings and linkage. Also chain slack, wheel bearings , and triple tree and axle bolt torque in the proper sequence is important to ensure no binding or head shake.
Before we get into all the technical things it could be, how many miles on your tyres, how old, and what make?