Surrey TRF

[newsh]

Took my bike out for a run today, first time. Certainly feels very different to the kind of bikes I've been riding for the last few years . On the bypass it started to weave at about 50 - 55 mph, I'm guessing its the knobbly tyres?
The motor is well punchy but quite controllable, I found some small backroads round Leith hill and had some fun. Standing on the pegs is interesting (the seat is a plank) I found myself gripping with my knees to stabilise myself. I really am clueless as to how to ride one of these things, if I ride it as I would a sportbike by shifting my weight, it wont go round corners, I seem to have to sit upright and lean the bike, interesting..

It felt a bit stiff over the bumps so I had a look at the damping settings with a view to putting them back to standard and going from there. It seems that one of the rebound adjuster on the forks just goes round and round, is this a strip down job does anyone know? I also discovered that one of the comp adjusters was at 20 clicks out (stock) and the other was at 9 clicks.. So that might account for some strangeness..

[newsh]

I found this at KTMTalk, so thats fixed the rebound adjuster.

http://ktmtalk.com/index.php?showtopic=257412&hl=rebound+adjuster+fork

[Steve Sharp]

Hello,

They all seem to weave, but generally at a much higher speed. May be down to your tyres, or your just not used to it.

Standing and gripping the tank with your knees is the correct way to ride on the trail.

KTM suspension always seems to be on the hard side. Ive backed my front and back right off so that its soft. That way it doesnt get deflected when you go over rocks and tree roots. Just keep making it softer until it feels correct.

Cheers
Steve

[newsh]

Thanks Steve, I found a thread on KTM Talk about the Golden Rule, 5 - 10mm spring preload, for 03-04KTMs rear shock with the top out spring. 8mm preload gave me 45mm sag (it was only 25mm!) 120mm rider sag and no more weave! I softened the front too by removing a couple of shims and it feels loads better.

I found the speedo had been set up for 17" wheels too, so my 55mph was probably more like 70 Got that adjusted too now, having put a battery in the speedo as it didn't have one.

I dont feel too safe standing up yet, if I get in balance I feel like I'm going to go over the front so I'm leaning back and hanging on my arms which just get pumped up. I think handlebar risers might help as suggested by Martin as I'm rather tall at 6'6".. I've tipped the bars forwards a bit which has helped.

Just need more practice now. I wish I could remember where we went on saturday Looking forward to the next run, will get my TRF form sent off.
_________________
John

2003 KTM 450 EXC now nice and muddy..

[Steve Sharp]

John,

Please drop me an email with your preferred email address and contact number. I will add you to our yahoo group and contact list, and send you details.

Try and practice standing up on easy stuff, that will help you feel more comfortable. Yes risers will help you feel more comfortable. Try bending the legs a bit more if you feel as if your too far forward, sort of jockey style, this may help until you get your risers fitted. This stance ive found good in ruts..

Cheers
steve
steve.sharp8@btopenworld.com