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Posted by CDNRatMan
- July 22, 2017, 22:18:04 PMTumminelli:
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. 
Posted by Old Drifter
- July 22, 2017, 21:56:26 PMQuote from: Tumminelli on July 22, 2017, 21:50:43 PMTroll is correct, it is 28 PSI for the front tire.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.
Posted by Tumminelli
- July 22, 2017, 21:50:43 PMOk. 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.
Posted by Troll
- July 22, 2017, 19:18:46 PMQuote from: Tumminelli on July 22, 2017, 16:13:26 PMWhen 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!!!!
Posted by Tfrank59
- July 22, 2017, 17:34:16 PMI 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.
Posted by CDNRatMan
- July 22, 2017, 17:26:10 PM 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.
Posted by geewago
- July 22, 2017, 17:09:25 PMIf 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.
Posted by Tumminelli
- July 22, 2017, 16:13:26 PMWhen 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.
Posted by Tfrank59
- July 22, 2017, 12:15:10 PMHere's another question and I hope it doesn't sound like a dumb one but what are you running for tire pressure in the front? It may not be the total problem but would contribute if it's too high
Posted by Tfrank59
- July 22, 2017, 08:47:22 AMWell 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.
Posted by Troll
- July 22, 2017, 05:46:38 AMRivets on the front fender to internal mount bracket? Anybody check those?
Posted by Tumminelli
- July 21, 2017, 20:39:08 PMHi. Have an 01 800 drifter for about a year now and only has 7000 miles on it. When ever I hit a manhole cover or bump in the road, the only way I can explained it is it sounds like a thump. Like the headlight, windshield and road lights are shaking, but the all tight. I've hit the same bumps with my buddies honda shadow and no thump.
Had the shop ( second one) change the fork oil to higher Viscosity and adjust front and rear suspension. He checked all the specs and it is all perfect. It still does it. The bike is smooth as glass otherwise.
Is this just the way these bikes are or is he missing something?