Thought I was done with the CB - trying again (forks)

[kennyw]

Slowly but surely working toward a better (for me) ride on our secondary roads.

Now running with:
- .90 fork springs vs the 1.00 weight springs I originally used.
- drilled the Race Tech valve so that each now has four bleeds vs two. Recommended by Race Tech.
- Using Race Tech Blue valving springs, preload now 2 turns vs 3 turns
- running Honda 10W fork oil, 150mm below top of fork tube when compressed
- Ikon rear shocks

Is it perfect? No, but for me an order of magnitude better. (not really sure what 'an order of magnitude' really is
........ it just rides lots better.

Future options
- change from .90 to .80 fork springs (softer)
- install lighter Race Tech valve preload springs for quicker hydraulic release.

But the good news is, I'm beginning to put some miles on the bike now. Mostly shorter day rides of 70-100 miles, but prior to the changes, the bike sat most of the time. The CB sits in the garage between my 1991 R100GS with over 155,000 miles and the Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport with over 67,000 miles. Catching up with these old twins will be hard, but may, just maybe, I'm getting acclimated to the Honda 4 cylinder. I didn't ride them growing up, so the Honda nostalgia isn't part of my genetic makeup.

Bob

An order of magnitude is comparing 1 to 10, 10 to 100, 100 to 1000, etc.

[ohiorider_imp]

She just turned 5000 miles. I realize that isn't much in the total scheme of things, but considering that I wasn't even riding the bike, adding over 1000 miles in the past month says something positive is happening.

I have a bit more work to do to the front forks before it'll work for me, but RaceTech seems to be steering me in the right direction for not a lot of $$.

I will say ..... Honda has made this 1140cc engine make power totally differently than the IL4s that have to be wrung up to 12,000rpm to appreciate them. I'm stunned at the speed this little bike makes when she's taken up to 5k rpm in 2, 3, and 4th. One very high, flat torque band.

This bike, once I get the suspension sorted, could be a keeper ..... the bike that is just always ready for a ride!

Bob

[DBM_imp]

I am 260 ready to ride, and have the spring preload set in the middle of the range front and rear. So far all is good.

[ohiorider_imp]

I am 260 ready to ride, and have the spring preload set in the middle of the range front and rear. So far all is good.

You make a good point. I imagine that Honda made the bike to handle moderate to good road surfaces, while carrying a rider that weighs 40-60 pounds or more than I do. Or to handle two up-riding. I weigh in at 160, and don't put a dent in the suspension. But with help from RaceTech, I'm getting the bike where it'll work for me.

Bob

[ohiorider_imp]

Next step ..... I have a set of .80 fork springs on the way, as well as the lighter 'tiny little springs' that control when the RaceTech valves open. Additionally, going back to the OEM (Honda) damper rods, but with a few more holes drilled in them, per the Race Tech setup documentation. I'll let you guys and gals know if this gets the CB to the point where it is really a compliant ride for me.

Part of the issue is certainly the fact that I'll be 76 in January, and have a few more aches and pains than I did 10-20 years ago.

So my goal is to get the CB1100 to be a 'rubber cow' like many of the BMW airheads I've ridden over the years. I think the Germans call them 'Gummikuhs.'

Bob

[el duque_imp]

Quote:An order of magnitude is comparing 1 to 10, 10 to 100, 100 to 1000, etc.
thanks for that. I learned something new today!!

[DBM_imp]

My new leftover 2014 standard rides like a dream. What problems are you guys trying to solve?

[PowerDubs_imp]

Comfort- jarring hits on pot holes, expansion cracks, etc.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ohiorider_imp]

That pretty well sums it up.

Bob

[DBM_imp]

Has anyone tried lighter weight fork oil to free up the compression damping?