Keeping Tyres in contact with the road

[Ingah]

I find riding at a brisk pace on these uneven Welsh roads to be a little bum-clenching at times due to the many many relatively minor bumps, holes and dips in the road (i couldn't swear to it, but it does often feel like the bike's tyres keep losing contact with the road surface momentarily). It detracts alot from my enjoyment of taking corners because of the fear that the bike may not recover properly and send me off, over cliff edges and into the side of mountains (it's very "Welsh" geographically round here)

Because of the bike's age, i'm tempted to blame the bike (it's a 1995 CB500 with nearly 50K on the clocks). However, i don't have the experience to know whether it really is the bike, or whether it's supposed to be like that (i.e. motorbike tyres often feel like they're leaving the road surface and it can't be modified not to do that).

I've replaced a great deal of parts with new on the bike since buying it (relevant things to this probably being the front fork oil and seals, rear wheel bearings and head bearings), and it's finally got to the stage where i can think of replacing parts to improve the bike rather than simply to keep it running properly. Hence this issue is something i'm looking at.

The 2 modifications springing to my mind are progressive (or otherwise improved) front fork springs - i've already been told the fork oil i'm using is high quality. I am unsure if this will help or not though, as i don't think i want a harder ride. The other thing (probably biggest thing) is the rear suspension units, of which i'm thinking of buying Hagon at £120 (not a cheap mod considering the age of this bike). Currently though, the front wheel bearing has slight play, and so that is definitely next before i start any "improvements".

Note: The current rear suspension is definitely not "broken" (in that when pressure is applied to the rear of the bike, it comes up again gradually and smoothly as i expect it to). And it's only adjustable property is the pre-load.

I'm just hoping for ideas and advice (and hopefully to be reassured that replacing the rear suspension isn't going to be largely money down the toilet!), because i don't think i ride very fast, but the bike worries me enough to prevent me relaxing enough to go faster!
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-- Ingah

[AJ]

Difficult one to answer this on the basis of we have no idea of your riding experience. I have a bandit 600 with 67000 miles on the clock on these welsh roads where I live it soaks up the bumps ok. Sometimes out handling my mates on the sports bikes, I see them drifting over the white line on some bends.

But if you know the roads well then try to avoid the potholes and bumps, I know easier said than done or try relaxing your grip a bit on the handlebars. I fitted renthal bars to mine that gives loads more leverage maybe you could try that on yours.

[garth]

I tend to spend most of my time making the wheels come off the ground.
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You ain't a has been if you never was

[Ingah]

[doggone]

A lot of minor roads in North Yorks are the same being more or less tarmac shovelled over rough tracks in the 1950s.
There can be a certain speed where the suspension works better - I mean you might not be going fast enough (or slow enough!) to smooth things out.
Better suspension will help but if the current units are not obviously failing it does seem a big expense for possible moderate improvement.
My bandit (1200) was very good on them too.
I think heavier bikes are better generally.

[Walloper]

This is a Classic Downforce issue.
Have you thought about fitting a massive rear wing/spollier or eating double rations of Welsh Hotpot and Tatties?
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W-ireless A-rtificial L-ifeform L-imited to O-bservation P-eacekeeping and E-fficient R-epair

[Acemastr]

could be possible suspension wearing out, or not set up correctly for your weight etc.
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2017 KTM 350 XC-F - 2014 Yamaha R6 - 2005 Yamaha YZ125
2016 Toyota Tacoma Limited

[Paxovasa]

Check the tyre pressures also
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Suzuki GSF600 K3 (in the fastest colour, black).

[Ingah]

[Paxovasa]

40 psi rear seems high to me.

But if that is what is recommended than fair enough.
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Suzuki GSF600 K3 (in the fastest colour, black).

[chris-red]

I would have thought a soft as shite CB500 would soak up bumpy roads far better than a stiff modern sports 6. The TDM is better than the Four on poor surfaces because the suspention is of softer and of lower quality. The Four is too stiff for shit roads.
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[Ingah]

[njd27]

[Ingah]

[njd27]

[multijoy]

Have you tried dropping the pressures? I run my CB500 on the 29/36 settings and what you're describing has never been an issue. Granted, I'm using Avons, but I doubt there's much in it.
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'11 CBF1000A, '99 C90, '98 CB500
silky666: He rode amazingly well considering his bike is the weight of a small van and had slicks on.

[Tig]