Better handling with luggage on?

...that it is easier to corner and smoother to ride when you have luggage onboard. Went out this weekend with the tankbag on (tis a bit large- 35L) and every corner felt a bit smoother and was able to leen further without feeling overstretched.

Just wondered if this is usual as it felt much better going into the corners with speed and in general all was smoother?

Interested in thoughts

Cheers

[dizzyblonde]

Funny enough, yes! With a fully loaded tailpack and tankbag.

Oh and I need to eat more pies!

But then thats because I need to be bothered to get an allen key out and adjust my rear shock, its ever so slightly, not set up completely right, for me on my own

Dizzy, don't think I need to worry about eating pies, have been cutting down for 6 months now!! However you do have a point about the rear shock. Must ask one of the other Spearies to look into that with me. They all know I'm a danger if I do it meself.

Cheers

[dizzyblonde]

No worries. I only found out when YC looked at my tyres after Hovis's funeral. The rear had a slightly strange marking on them, which he pointed out was because the shock was a little bit out. He also asked if the rear skipped any. I said there was a very slight feeling going round roundabouts without luggage, but nothing that was dangerous, I'd just put it down to wet road, or naff pressures, wouldn't have thought to look there.

Hes told me what to do, but I never did get round to it!

Thanks again Dizzy!!You're a star!

Cheers

[andrewsmith]

I've found putting a bit wieght (i.e chain) in to the pilion seat store seems to settle the rear at speed and helps the bike drop in a bit easier.

[Drew Carey]

The reason it feels easier (and more knowledgable peeps can correct me), but I thought it was all due to the fact you are raising the centre of gravity of the bike as you have more weight further up. As a result, it makes it feel easier to "tip in" to corners.

I found that the Daytona is much easier to handle when two up for this very reason, as I don't have to use so much energy etc when "throwing" the bike into corners.

Plus, when you have more weight over the back wheel, it is less likely to loose contact with the tarmac.

Thats the trouble with the SV no adjustability with the Shock. thats why you feel like its better with more weight on etc.

only way to cure it properly is to get an aftermarket shock with proper adjustability.

a good suspension set up is like worth far more and will make you safer and quicker than all the hanging off and sticky race rubber in the world.

as i am finding out on the R1 compared to my 6R. the R1 is far to soft at the front, i need to change the oil for starters, and i am also getting KTech springs as well. hopefully this will cure its soft feel at the front. I have had the suspension set up ata track day but its almost at the limit of the rebound damping even after that. and i was told on the day in needed a fork service.

Time to get the spanners out.

[andrewsmith]

neio 79
I think thats the treatment mine will requrie sometime in the near future. Shock is either at the softest pre-load or its on the way out.
whats everyone replacing the stock rear shocks with?

If we are just talking about a tail pack or a tank bag then no. I can't feel any difference. If I have pillion or full panniers then yes, a little. More weight on the rear tyre helps to get out the corner a little quicker.