Mike-the-Bike
Well-known member
I've just restored a 81 GPZ550 (the twin shock model) and am really enjoying riding it. I had one as my first ever bike and its bringing back so many good memories.
Having said that I have one issue. If I'm following a car or another vehicle into a corner and can't get on the gas immediately I get some chatter and handlebar oscillation in the front end. It's a little disconcerting.
If I can get on the gas immediately and accelerate through a corner there is no issue at all. its very well behaved.
The forks were just rebuilt with new seals and bushings and I installed new taper bearings in the head stock and wheel bearings when the bike was being rebuilt. I just rechecked the taper bearings
I checked the fork tubes when they were out with rollers and a dial gauge and they are straight, and I've also checked the front wheel with a dial guage.
I've been working my way through the Sports Rider suspension guide. They suggest too little rebound damping so either remove some of the preload on the fork or add some more rebound damping. I've tried both (shorter spacers and heavier oil but not at the same time) and there is not a lot of difference.
I've had the tire re-seated on the bead and the front wheel re-balanced.
The swing-arm bearings are new, as are the real wheel bearings and the rear shocks are a set of brand new Works Performance. The frame alignment was checked before I painted it.
I'm at a bit of a loss. Anyone have any ideas?
TIA
Having said that I have one issue. If I'm following a car or another vehicle into a corner and can't get on the gas immediately I get some chatter and handlebar oscillation in the front end. It's a little disconcerting.
If I can get on the gas immediately and accelerate through a corner there is no issue at all. its very well behaved.
The forks were just rebuilt with new seals and bushings and I installed new taper bearings in the head stock and wheel bearings when the bike was being rebuilt. I just rechecked the taper bearings
I checked the fork tubes when they were out with rollers and a dial gauge and they are straight, and I've also checked the front wheel with a dial guage.
I've been working my way through the Sports Rider suspension guide. They suggest too little rebound damping so either remove some of the preload on the fork or add some more rebound damping. I've tried both (shorter spacers and heavier oil but not at the same time) and there is not a lot of difference.
I've had the tire re-seated on the bead and the front wheel re-balanced.
The swing-arm bearings are new, as are the real wheel bearings and the rear shocks are a set of brand new Works Performance. The frame alignment was checked before I painted it.
I'm at a bit of a loss. Anyone have any ideas?
TIA