A picture a day....biker banter (Vol 4)

[moanthebairns]

So I took the rear off the ninja to get rebuilt

Do I replace the spring with a new one. It's 18 year old. Or do I sand it down and paint over the rust. Does a bike spring loose eh springyness over the years. Does it creep if you will. Is it something to change.

[Jazoli]

The old spring will be fine, you could buy a new one which is rated for your weight (or lack of) but I doubt you'd notice much of a difference really.

[StuB]

moanthebairns said:

So I took the rear off the ninja to get rebuilt

Do I replace the spring with a new one. It's 18 year old. Or do I sand it down and paint over the rust. Does a bike spring loose eh springyness over the years. Does it creep if you will. Is it something to change.

Easily enough to tell. Measure the deflection force or check the length vs original spec. Would be shocked ( no pun intended) if it was still in spec.

[Steve Bass]

moanthebairns said:

Fitted an Ohlins to the 675. However I noticed a little play from side to side if I apply pressure

So if the shock Is at 12 o'clock I can move it 5 degrees clock wise and anti. Is this the norm. My dad's Ohlins also does this. Should I be using spacers as my stock one is solid.

Also do they require a special c spanner for preload

I've three and none fit. Ones close but the radius is too great when bringing it fishing bringing it out of the teeth.

The torx bit never worked on the blade it just chewed it to fk turning it. I might need to try the Irwin sockets

Alex,

Once you have the correct C spanner use it to check how much preload is on that spring. It looks way too much.
Before you do anything measure the current length of the spring without you on it.
If you want to you can use a blunt drift and mallet to knock the top ring away from the compression spring.
Then wind the comp ring off to relax the spring until the spring is loose. You then want about 12mm of preload on the spring.
Also see what number is on the spring to get the weight.
Finally if this is for a track bike look at getting the revised suspension rocker and dogbone as it makes a massive difference to edge grip.

[moanthebairns]

It's a 95 spring apparently for a lighter rider. He's only a stone heavier and I couldn't get it to move when I sat on it.

I was just going to set it up like I did before with your instructions is this a better way? Or will I achieve the same results.

[Steve Bass]

moanthebairns said:

It's a 95 spring apparently for a lighter rider. He's only a stone heavier and I couldn't get it to move when I sat on it.

I was just going to set it up like I did before with your instructions is this a better way? Or will I achieve the same results.

OK. 95 is a 9.5nm/mm spring so should be OK for you.
But the amount of preload wound in looks comical.
Back it right off until you get about 12mm of compression on the spring and start your setting up

[moanthebairns]

Steve Bass said:

moanthebairns said:

It's a 95 spring apparently for a lighter rider. He's only a stone heavier and I couldn't get it to move when I sat on it.

I was just going to set it up like I did before with your instructions is this a better way? Or will I achieve the same results.

OK. 95 is a 9.5nm/mm spring so should be OK for you.
But the amount of preload wound in looks comical.
Back it right off until you get about 12mm of compression on the spring and start your setting up

12 mm compression? is that from the top thread? or have I miss understood you?

[Steve Bass]

moanthebairns said:

Steve Bass said:

moanthebairns said:

It's a 95 spring apparently for a lighter rider. He's only a stone heavier and I couldn't get it to move when I sat on it.

I was just going to set it up like I did before with your instructions is this a better way? Or will I achieve the same results.

OK. 95 is a 9.5nm/mm spring so should be OK for you.
But the amount of preload wound in looks comical.
Back it right off until you get about 12mm of compression on the spring and start your setting up

12 mm compression? is that from the top thread? or have I miss understood you?

Yeah. Measure about 12mm from the top, where the threads start to the top of the spring.

[moanthebairns]

Steve Bass said:

moanthebairns said:

Steve Bass said:

moanthebairns said:

It's a 95 spring apparently for a lighter rider. He's only a stone heavier and I couldn't get it to move when I sat on it.

I was just going to set it up like I did before with your instructions is this a better way? Or will I achieve the same results.

OK. 95 is a 9.5nm/mm spring so should be OK for you.
But the amount of preload wound in looks comical.
Back it right off until you get about 12mm of compression on the spring and start your setting up

12 mm compression? is that from the top thread? or have I miss understood you?

Yeah. Measure about 12mm from the top, where the threads start to the top of the spring.

Should I just set my rebound and compression to mid range and alter it on the track or is there better settings that would suit my weight.

[Steve Bass]

moanthebairns said:

Steve Bass said:

moanthebairns said:

Steve Bass said:

moanthebairns said:

It's a 95 spring apparently for a lighter rider. He's only a stone heavier and I couldn't get it to move when I sat on it.

I was just going to set it up like I did before with your instructions is this a better way? Or will I achieve the same results.

OK. 95 is a 9.5nm/mm spring so should be OK for you.
But the amount of preload wound in looks comical.
Back it right off until you get about 12mm of compression on the spring and start your setting up

12 mm compression? is that from the top thread? or have I miss understood you?

Yeah. Measure about 12mm from the top, where the threads start to the top of the spring.

Should I just set my rebound and compression to mid range and alter it on the track or is there better settings that would suit my weight.

Comp mid way. Rebound all the way out them 30 - 40% in

[moanthebairns]

Steve Bass said:

moanthebairns said:

Steve Bass said:

moanthebairns said:

Steve Bass said:

moanthebairns said:

It's a 95 spring apparently for a lighter rider. He's only a stone heavier and I couldn't get it to move when I sat on it.

I was just going to set it up like I did before with your instructions is this a better way? Or will I achieve the same results.

OK. 95 is a 9.5nm/mm spring so should be OK for you.
But the amount of preload wound in looks comical.
Back it right off until you get about 12mm of compression on the spring and start your setting up

12 mm compression? is that from the top thread? or have I miss understood you?

Yeah. Measure about 12mm from the top, where the threads start to the top of the spring.

Should I just set my rebound and compression to mid range and alter it on the track or is there better settings that would suit my weight.

Comp mid way. Rebound all the way out them 30 - 40% in

cheers steve, really appreciate it.

I'm having a look at the linkage for the 675 but I cant find any of an 06 for sale.

[Steve Bass]

moanthebairns said:

Steve Bass said:

moanthebairns said:

Steve Bass said:

moanthebairns said:

Steve Bass said:

moanthebairns said:

It's a 95 spring apparently for a lighter rider. He's only a stone heavier and I couldn't get it to move when I sat on it.

I was just going to set it up like I did before with your instructions is this a better way? Or will I achieve the same results.

OK. 95 is a 9.5nm/mm spring so should be OK for you.
But the amount of preload wound in looks comical.
Back it right off until you get about 12mm of compression on the spring and start your setting up

12 mm compression? is that from the top thread? or have I miss understood you?

Yeah. Measure about 12mm from the top, where the threads start to the top of the spring.

Should I just set my rebound and compression to mid range and alter it on the track or is there better settings that would suit my weight.

Comp mid way. Rebound all the way out them 30 - 40% in

cheers steve, really appreciate it.

I'm having a look at the linkage for the 675 but I cant find any of an 06 for sale.

Pleasure mate. Obviously these are just a starting point...

As for the linkage, look at the American Triumph forum, there's a place/shop called Discount Riders or something. I think they sponsor the forum or it's actually theirs....
They stock the 675 race linkage & dogbone. Not cheap but one of the best mods you can do for a track bike. Removes the crazy rear suspension progression an dreally improves edge grip and feel.
If you're feeling fluh, look at the different triple clamps as the standard ones have a crazy offset and maybe a valving kit for the front forks.....
Definately going to get another 675 in the garage when I get back. Had so much fun on the little girl...
And the guy who bought it reckons it's a peach, out handles his newer R bikes

[Private Pile]

MTB, if you think this'll fit I can bring it home to FK tonight

[Private Pile]

Almost back on the road after sitting 13 years.

[moanthebairns]

Private Pile said:

MTB, if you think this'll fit I can bring it home to FK tonight

I have three and none fit, apparently its a special ohlins one I say it when I dropped another shock off today.

i'll measure the od of it over next few nights and see if it will fit and let you know cheers.

I cant get an ohlins one anywhere.

[Private Pile]

Mine has a pivot so is adjustable. It's also been blessed by a rabbi, in Amsterdam so is bound to fit.

[tight5]

A little bit of demo fun, today.

[moto_traxport]

moanthebairns said:

Private Pile said:

MTB, if you think this'll fit I can bring it home to FK tonight

I have three and none fit, apparently its a special ohlins one I say it when I dropped another shock off today.

i'll measure the od of it over next few nights and see if it will fit and let you know cheers.

I cant get an ohlins one anywhere.

Be careful - the Öhlins ones vary as well, I suspect according to the diametre and type of the shock preload rings. I've got two in my toolbox and they are fairly different to each other.

[hostyle]

This is one way to f*ck up your bike. Had my first off last sunday... Was riding behind me girlfriend and didn't notice she was slowing down for a side street. Once I did, I grabbed way to much front brake. Next thing I know, I'm on my arse with the bike on my right leg.
Luckily insured all risk. Leg is a bit bruised, but nothing more than that.


Well... That's broken by Erik Hendrikx, on Flickr

[EagleMoto4-2]

hostyle said:

This is one way to f*ck up your bike. Had my first off last sunday... Was riding behind me girlfriend and didn't notice she was slowing down for a side street. Once I did, I grabbed way to much front brake. Next thing I know, I'm on my arse with the bike on my right leg.
Luckily insured all risk. Leg is a bit bruised, but nothing more than that.


Well... That's broken by Erik Hendrikx, on Flickr

That's worrying, I did something similar but did a stoppie on my GSXR, released the front brake and the back wheel came down. No idea how I held it together and carried on riding as if nothing had happened.