Thump in front suspension.

[Tfrank59]

Yep, we (forum guys) determined his problem was overinflated front tire. Pretty sure it's a happy ending now

[DC]

Well to me it sounds like your forks are just too stiff. Why did they change to a higher viscosity oil--wouldn't that make them stiffer?  I haven't done anything with my Drifter suspension, but I know with my other bike the amount of oil and its weight is crucial to getting the right amount of dampening in the front forks (and not too stiff). And just a few ounces too much oil in the fork tubes makes all the difference. it seems like possibly the shop messed up on that. Just a guess.

I was on his bike a few weeks ago and the forks are definitely not too stiff.  If anything, they have a lot more give than my Progressives.

[Pete]

I've just read the rest of this post. 40 psi in 16 year old tyres!   The mind boggles.    Still, on the positive side, the engine oil hasn't run out yet and it hasn't used much brake fluid.
I've said it before,
I'll say it again,
RTFM

[greenbarn]

Hey there Tumminelli.  Any updates on your tire situation yet??   I just noticed this thread and where you mentioned they were original tires.  Personally, I would not even take a chance on going on a long ride on tires that old - I see people all the time with old car tires that come apart, and it is NOT PRETTY.....  M/C tires are not much different .    Like Troll said- your tires are your life.....

[Pete]

A loose fuel tank can sound / feel like a thump in the suspension if the tank isn't properly secure. If you don't find a solution in the front suspension, try taking the fuel tank off, check the condition of the rubber components (replace if in poor condition, e.g. if the rubbers are cracked or have become permanently deformed) and replace the tank, making sure that all the mounting components are present and assembled in the right order. (Use the manual or online parts list as a guide).

[CDNRatMan]

  Tumminelli; just my opinion, but you would be better off to spend the money on "good" tires rather than try and save a few bucks and find they are lacking.

You were once 17, really.......in 66 wow.....lol......

[Tfrank59]

Ok. Got back a few hours ago from our groups ride.  Got to say my bike handled the bumps mush better today with the 28lbs in front and 32lns in rear.

Once I get new tires I think It will be just about perfect.  Thanks for all the feedback, Paul

Great to hear. That's what these forums are all about.

[Troll]

I really don't know what to say.....in 1966, I was 17, the bike was 20 and the tire was a Firestone, and it was shot!

[Tumminelli]

Ok. Got back a few hours ago from our groups ride.  Got to say my bike handled the bumps mush better today with the 28lbs in front and 32lns in rear.

Once I get new tires I think It will be just about perfect.  Thanks for all the feedback, Paul

[Tfrank59]

No it was in '66 on his '46 but at the time he was probably like 76

[CDNRatMan]

  you were 66 on your 46 Knuckle....wow....had to do it just had to do it......

[Trall]

Long about 1966, a cop gave me a ticket for the bald rear tire on my '46 Knuck. I will never forget what he said to me as he was writing the citation: "Your tires are your life, man!"

Amen  Brother

[Troll]

Long about 1966, a cop gave me a ticket for the bald rear tire on my '46 Knuck. I will never forget what he said to me as he was writing the citation: "Your tires are your life, man!"

[Tfrank59]

I bought a Shinko for my dirt bike once.  It saved me a few $ on the purchase but wore out twice as quick.  No experience with their white wall street tires though.

[CDNRatMan]

 No personal experience, but I do know a few folks who had them and their comments were, not again, and will spend the extra funds.

[geewago]

Does anyone have any experiences with Shinzo white wall tires??  There like half the cost of Dunlap. Is it the o'll " you get what you pay for" or are they a good tire.

I put a set of Japanese tires on my car and was very happy with them.

Any thoughts?

I'm sure you mean Shinko.  They're actually not too bad considering their price.   I know a couple of Gilroy Indian guys  who run them and like them.  But if you can afford them.....well you know.

[Tumminelli]

Does anyone have any experiences with Shinzo white wall tires??  There like half the cost of Dunlap. Is it the o'll " you get what you pay for" or are they a good tire.

I put a set of Japanese tires on my car and was very happy with them.

Any thoughts?

[Tumminelli]

Ok  28 lbs it is. It was a little hard to read but I think it said 32 lbs rear?  Going on a club ride in the morning about 150 miles round trip, be a good test.

Thanks again everyone, I'll keep you posted. Paul

[CDNRatMan]

Tumminelli:
Not sure of what brand of tire you are running, but I have attached the manual info for tire pressure for you. When I switched over to Metzler's I was lucky and got to met a really good rep at the Toronto Bike show a few years back. I had a really good talk with him and the end result was he said no matter what the manufacturer said about the PSI in the tire you pump them to the bike manufacturer for the correct psi, so I did that and it made a huge difference. 

[Old Drifter]

Ok. I just checked my tire pressure. I've got 40lbs in the rear and 39 lbs in the front. I checked online and from what I can see for a 2001 drifter they recommend 40lbs rear 38 lbs front. I'm only a lb off. I can't find anywhere where it say 28 lbs!!

I'm going to bring it down to 36 lbs and see if it makes any difference and start shopping for tires.

Fork covers and brake clappers are tight.

Thanks for all your input.

Troll is correct, it is 28 PSI for the front tire.

[Tumminelli]

Ok. I just checked my tire pressure. I've got 40lbs in the rear and 39 lbs in the front. I checked online and from what I can see for a 2001 drifter they recommend 40lbs rear 38 lbs front. I'm only a lb off. I can't find anywhere where it say 28 lbs!!

I'm going to bring it down to 36 lbs and see if it makes any difference and start shopping for tires.

Fork covers and brake clappers are tight.

Thanks for all your input.

[Troll]

When I beat on the fender with my fist it all feels tight. As far as the suspension being too tight now since he changed the the fork oil and adjusted the suspension, it had improved some. So I don't think it is too tight.

As far as the tires, I believe I put 40 lbs in. I'll double check. Speaking of tires they are original. Still have lots of tred and no dry rot.  Maybe the rubber just got hard over the years. Maybe just time to replace them anyway.

The shop that worked on it for me said I could drop it off and he would go through it again for me no charge.

Thanks for all the input. I'll keep you posted.

FORTY POUNDS?!?! The front should be 28!!!!! forty will give you zero traction, a terrible ride and burn the middle out of the tread. Where did you get the idea to run that much air? Metzeler, Michelin and Kawasaki ALL say 28 in the front!!!!

[Tfrank59]

I replaced both my tires last year. I believe they were originals so they were 10 years old.  Most agree it's a good idea to replace tires at 6 years old even if they have good tread.

[CDNRatMan]

     Ok first off check the manufacture date on your tires, they might look good and have tread but they might need to be replaced.
40 psi is too much take it down to 36 lbs or at least 38 lbs. Also check the fork covers on the lower part of the forks if they are loose, and hitting the forks. Check the brake caliper as it is not visible without removing the cover is often forgotten. I would even check the bearings for any play.

[geewago]

If you've got 16 year old tires on your bike they're probably so hard a cat couldn't scratch them.  I'd sure go shoe shopping myself.