Suspension; General Suspension Problems; Rear Suspension Problems; Front Suspension Problems - Buell XB9R 2003 Service Manual

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SUSPENSION

When making adjustments, remember there are two medi-
ums in setting up a bike, geometry and suspension. Both
components work together because suspension is a part of
geometry. In order to solve handling problems, it is important
to diagnose the problem's true nature. Chattering, sliding or
an uncomfortable feeling are suspension-related. Handling
and a swinging fork are geometry-related, but often these
unwanted characteristics can be solved by suspension
adjustments.
TROUBLESHOOTING CONDITION
Bike wallows through turns.
Feels loose or vague after bumps.
Wheel tends to "pogo" after passing over a bump. This is noticeable by watching the
bike continue to bounce as it travels over multiple bumps.
Wheel responds to bump, but doesn't return to ground quickly after bumps. This is
more pronounced over a series of bumps and is often referred to as "packing down."
The bike bottoms out or dips while cornering.
Bike has excessive brake dive.
Harsh ride particularly over washboard surfaces.
Bumps kick through handlebars or seat.
Suspension seems not to respond to bumps. This is evidenced by tire chattering (a
movement with short stroke and high frequency) through corners or by jolting the rider
over rough roads.
TROUBLESHOOTING CONDITION
"Pumping on the Rear" occurs when you are accelerating out
of a corner. This problems occurs in two varieties.
1. The first type has a movement with a long stroke and a
high frequency.
2. The second version has a movement with a short stroke
and high frequency.
Chattering during braking.
Lack of tire feedback.
Sliding during cornering. Sliding may occur going into the
corner or accelerating out of the corner.
TROUBLESHOOTING CONDITION
Not absorbing bumps.
Lack of tire feedback.
Tire slides.
Table 1-12. General Suspension Problems
Table 1-13. Rear Suspension Problems
Table 1-14. Front Suspension Problems
The following tables list possible suspension and operating
troubles and their probable causes.
Increase rebound damping.
Reduce rebound damping.
Increase compression damping.
Reduce compression damping.
ADJUSTMENT SOLUTION
1. The shock is too soft. Increase compression damping. If
the adjuster is already set to the maximum, add more
preload to the spring (one turn maximum).
2. In this case the shock is too hard. Decrease compres-
sion damping.
Decrease the compression damping. If the problem persists,
decrease rebound damping for a faster rebound rate. Less
spring preload may also help.
The suspension is too soft. Increase compression damping.
The suspension is too hard. Decrease compression damp-
ing.
ADJUSTMENT SOLUTION
A good suspension is a balance between damping
and track condition. Finding this balance requires
exploring all possible compression settings.
Increase compression damping.
Decrease compression damping.
2003 Buell XB9R: Maintenance
ADJUSTMENT SOLUTION
1-53