Vulcan Drifter Riders

DISCUSSIONS => Drifter 1500 only => Topic started by: aralph on September 15, 2013, 11:31:06 AM

Title: Bottoming Out
Post by: aralph on September 15, 2013, 11:31:06 AM
I understand how the rear shocks and springs work together and
how to set them up for different loads and road conditions.
That said, I keep bottoming out over small bumps and train tracks.
When my wife or daughter rides with me I have to warn them if I approach a bump
so they can shift their weight to their legs.
I noticed that when I adjust the air pressure it spits a little oil when I release the pump.
Have I lost to much oil  but not enough to cause jouncing?
Any thoughts on this issue?

thanks
aralph
Title: Re: Bottoming Out
Post by: Troll on September 15, 2013, 14:37:45 PM
What kind of pump are you using to adjust the air pressure? What air pressure are you setting it to for passenger use? I run 25 in mine all the time, and I ride solo.
Title: Re: Bottoming Out
Post by: aralph on September 15, 2013, 14:50:32 PM
I'm using one of those no loss air pumps, usually set to 20 psi.
Tried more but doesn't make any difference.
I'm 185 lbs, and no more then 320 depending on who's on the back.
Title: Re: Bottoming Out
Post by: Troll on September 15, 2013, 15:08:55 PM
Are you sure that you are bottoming out...the rear ends on these bikes move quite a bit. Have a look at this page about refilling the damping oil
http://www.gadgetjq.com/gw_shockfill.htm
Title: Re: Bottoming Out
Post by: aralph on September 15, 2013, 15:44:50 PM
When going over a small bump or tracks it hits really hard with a bang.
If you don't shift your weight to your legs it is very jarring and can hurt.
Title: Re: Bottoming Out
Post by: chief on September 15, 2013, 19:17:09 PM
Its important to set up the suspension properly.

First the dampener... Range 1-4... with 1=Soft,light load, good roads, or low speeds. and 4= Hard, Heavy,Bad roads, High Speeds.

Air pressure: Really important... at 0 psi the suspension is right for about 150 lbs with no passenger. I used to ride with 40psi in mine. (I changed the rear shocks). NEVER GO OVER 71psi or you will pop the seals. Use a suspension lossless pump... a few drops of oil in the tube isn't unusual.

On our bikes, since the fender moves with the tire, any "bottoming out" means the rear of the two up seat will be hitting the fender. Check that out.

ALSO, ALL two up seats MUST have the horseshoe bracket installed. This includes Corbin two ups. If its not there, the rear of the seat is over flexing and the pan will eventually fail.