Revisiting Rear Suspension

[jbfla]

I have read SpudRider's suspension tutorial thread several times, watched YouTube suspension videos, and read Race Tech's Suspension Bible.

There appears to be no clear answer (to me) how to alleviate the quick, sharp, up and down motions that, IMO, give a harsh ride. I cringe when I see road patches and potholes ahead.

I return from a ride with my spine and internal organs (kidneys) aching.

I was hoping that as I rode the bike more miles, the suspension would soften up.

At 2,700 miles, it hasn't.

Some of you may be aware I have been posting about this problem on ADV.

I was hoping to appeal for assistance from a wider audience.

So far, some good suggestions, but no answers.

Here is my last post. I'm at an impasse as to what to do next:

Originally Posted by pyoungbl, post: 28787595, member: 55971

Yep, you are spot on. Now, what amount of sag did you measure?

Here are the numbers, remembering they are for my riding weight and bike:

All numbers are rounded to the nearest whole number.

Rider in full riding gear = 188#
RX3: no top case, no rear rack, 5# in side cases, 2# tank bag, 1/2 tank of gas, hand guards, all other stock items.

Published travel of the RX3 rear shock = 5.6" = 142 mm (rounded).

Target sag (per RT Suspension Bible) of 1/3 of full travel = 47 mm.

Preload was measured as the number of full turns of the shock collar.

I have read that 1 full turn is equal to 1 mm, but I haven't verified this for the RX3.

preload.........................static sag (race sag)

0 turns (no preload)......56 mm
3 turns.........................54 mm
6 turns.........................47 mm
9 turns.........................44 mm

IMO, this suggests that the 6 turns would conform to 1/3 of total travel.

And is in agreement with the chart in the RT Bible.

And that the spring is NOT too stiff ?????

I haven't fully test ridden the RX3 in all combinations of preload and damping settings.

The road testing is very time consuming.

At this point, I'm puzzled; is it the spring, preload, damping or ???

The only bike to bike comparison at hand is the Indian Scout (other bikes are in NC).

The Scout, with only 3 inches of travel, and mediocre suspension at best, rides the same poorly maintained roads with far less drama than the RX3.

I'll try a few more preload/damping settings over the weekend....... and then order the Progressive shock?

I am sure there is a solution.

Any educated suggestions are welcomed.

jb