Rear suspension..... in a word, Shocking!

[emjayw]

I've been playing around with the rear shock settings and have found that for relatively smooth roads, either setting "2" or "3" work the best for my 210 pound body. On "2", there's a nasty bounce over really sharp bumps once in a while, but the Cadillac-like smoothness the rest of the time is worth the occasional small jolt.  I tried "5", "6" and "7"; but the ride was too harsh and tough on my back.  (It was lots of fun on twisty roads on 7, but I rarely get to do that down here in straighterthanhell Texas!) I'm enjoying the relaxed ride quality a lot more at the lower setting.  (watch out for those floorboards though)  Mike in TX

[emjayw]

Fate intervened and I cut my rear tire and tube while out riding the other day.  A good friend/riding buddy who happens to own a BMW "Boxer" restoration/fixit shop came to my rescue and picked me and the bike up.  He and I had discussed the "bouncing" ride and he had my new tire and tube in stock, so I'm a happy camper and riding on glass again.  (makes me want to pick up a nail in the front too!)  Mike in TX

[emjayw]

Going to bite the bullet and replace the out-of-round rear tire.  There's just no way to take the bounce out of an oblong tire.  I'll enjoy the smoother ride.  Mike in TX

[emjayw]

Took a good look today and sure enough...the rear tire has a "shallow" spot in it.  Must've come from the factory unbalanced.  5K on it now..so I guess I'll try the quick and dirty "beads" or fluid to get me through the next few thousand miles.  Mike in TX

[chief]

As indicated  - check your tires.

[BOOP]

My last drifter 800 did that after I had new tires installed. The tire wouldn't balance. Had to send it back- factory defect.

[emjayw]

I'm having issues with the rear suspension.  First, it was just bouncing all over the place...too soft.  So I jacked it up to 7....a lot better, but between 53 and 65mph I get a lot of rear wheel "hopping", or slight bouncing...which takes alot of the fun out of going those speeds.  Above 65mph, it smooths out to where 70 to 75mph (all GPS corrected, BTW) it's like riding on glass.  I'm a new owner, and this performance stymies me.  I'm going to switch to an 18 tooth front sprocket this week, and at that time I will give the entire rear wheel a close inspection for out-of-roundness or out-of-balance.  anyone else had this type of rear end hop?
Mike in TX