Suspension Mod Identification
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Suspension Mod Identification
Hi Everyone...
So I ran my first track day on my Superhawk the other day...What a FahHahReaking BLAST.
Anyway, let me describe my bike for some background...I bought a Red 98' with a Salvage title (mostly cosmetic damage). It came with 2Bros HiMount, K&N, Sargent Seat, otherwise seems stock. I have no documentation, etc.
So I've been using this forum for a couple years now and one thing I've learned for sure is that Superhawk suspension is mediocre at best on the track. I rode the bike fairly aggressively, and really didnt notice any of the symptoms of stock suspension as described in so many other posts on this forum. I felt stable, etc all day. So I'm wondering if maybe the last owner did some upgrades to the suspension, in particular the front. The rear certainly looks stock, but whadooIknow?
Does anyone know of a way to tell if the front forks have been modified without tearing them apart? Up until the track day I was sure I'd find the stock forks to be less than great, but now I'm thinking maybe they were "fixed" already.
Any thoughts or ideas would be great.
Thanks,'
Andy
So I ran my first track day on my Superhawk the other day...What a FahHahReaking BLAST.
Anyway, let me describe my bike for some background...I bought a Red 98' with a Salvage title (mostly cosmetic damage). It came with 2Bros HiMount, K&N, Sargent Seat, otherwise seems stock. I have no documentation, etc.
So I've been using this forum for a couple years now and one thing I've learned for sure is that Superhawk suspension is mediocre at best on the track. I rode the bike fairly aggressively, and really didnt notice any of the symptoms of stock suspension as described in so many other posts on this forum. I felt stable, etc all day. So I'm wondering if maybe the last owner did some upgrades to the suspension, in particular the front. The rear certainly looks stock, but whadooIknow?
Does anyone know of a way to tell if the front forks have been modified without tearing them apart? Up until the track day I was sure I'd find the stock forks to be less than great, but now I'm thinking maybe they were "fixed" already.
Any thoughts or ideas would be great.
Thanks,'
Andy
Senior Member
SuperSport
SuperSport
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 809
From: North Wales, PA
Re: Suspension Mod Identification
I have the same suspissions about my previously owned hawk. when I got a carb cleaning done, they told me I had a dynojet jet kit already installed, which I wasn't told about. not that I mind, but I've had to dial my forks back 4 rings above the top, and eased off on the damping settings too just to get it so it didn't knock my teeth out every time I hit a bump. not exactly typical from all the research I've done. I wonder if maybe its got some stiffer springs in there. travel is fine. just rigid.
Member
Squid
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 82
From: Seattle, USA
It's really hard to know anything except by feel until you start pulling the forks apart. Perhaps a simple check for aftermarket springs is to lift the front of the bike and pop one of the fork caps. Look at the spacer itself to see if it looks hand cut or non-standard material (such as PVC pipe). After that, really the only other way to tell is pull the full cartridge out of the fork.
Rigid forks sounds a lot like they could have changed the springs and probably the fork oil weight to something heavier than stock (maybe 15W - stock is ATF at about 7.5W). Really had to say anything specific without looking inside.
If they're too rigid, I would recommend changing the oil weight. Just drop the forks out of the bike, turn them upside down to drain and refill. Without knowing what was in them previously, I would suggest maybe going back to ATF and seeing how that feels. Too stiff, then drop back again to 5W. Too soft, go to 10W.
Rigid forks sounds a lot like they could have changed the springs and probably the fork oil weight to something heavier than stock (maybe 15W - stock is ATF at about 7.5W). Really had to say anything specific without looking inside.
If they're too rigid, I would recommend changing the oil weight. Just drop the forks out of the bike, turn them upside down to drain and refill. Without knowing what was in them previously, I would suggest maybe going back to ATF and seeing how that feels. Too stiff, then drop back again to 5W. Too soft, go to 10W.
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 758
From: Laurel, MD
First, how much do each of you weigh. Lighter riders will find the forks deficits less vexing.
Second, FYI, the stock spring spacer is a thin steel tube with a machine welded seam down the side. It is exactly 10 cm long.
Second, FYI, the stock spring spacer is a thin steel tube with a machine welded seam down the side. It is exactly 10 cm long.
Senior Member
Back Marker
Back Marker
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 189
From: Central Pennsylvania
The quickest way I know to tell if the front "has been done" is to check the sag. I don't think that it is possible to get the correct setting with the stock suspension.
I weigh the same and it is a world of difference between stock and upgraded suspension. For me it has meant a difference of between 10 and 20 mph in the same turns.
I weigh the same and it is a world of difference between stock and upgraded suspension. For me it has meant a difference of between 10 and 20 mph in the same turns.
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