96 RSTC Suspension ?

[WAC1972]

Hello, I have a 1996 RSTC and I was wondering if there is any adjusting that I can do on the suspension. I have always felt that the front of my bike bounces too much going over bumps even at low speeds and today after the bike fell I took it for a test ride and it seemed to me that it was bouncing an awful lot in the rear also. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Bob

[Jerry W]

I don't think there is much you can do on the front, on the rear however I think there is an adjustment using a spanner wrench to adjust the shock. I used to have a '96, I will see if I can find the manual.

 

Also, you might send pegscraper a note, he has a '96 and probably knows more about them than anyone on here.

[wes0778]

What's the pressure in the front shocks?

[WAC1972]

I am not sure. Where do I check the pressure and how would I change/add pressure? Thanks

[pegscraper]

There isn't much adjustment available in these. About all you can do with the front is change the oil. There are no air valves, although you could add them if you want. Just get the fork caps from a later bike that had them. Then you could put some air pressure in the front.

 

The oil can't even be changed in the rear. No air there either. All you can do is set the maximum spring preload or buy a new shock.

[wes0778]

There are no air valves, although you could add them if you want. Just get the fork caps from a later bike that had them. Then you could put some air pressure in the front.

 

Sorry, didn't realize they all did not have air valves at the top of the front fork tubes.

[tazmocycle]

the newer models have air valves on the top of the forks, where you can add up to 7#s of air max to them. you need to use a hand pump that has a zero air lose fitting. progressive make one that you can find at the harley shop. if you don't have them, you can add them to yours, according to how mechanical you are. i have added them to a couple of other's bike, that i have drilled and added the air valves to them. you can find the air valves at some auto part stores, or big truck supply houses. i have a set of caps i can put the valves in and do a swap with you if you think you can change them out. you can do a oil change and go from 5 weight oil thats in the oem forks to 10 weight and it will help out too. the air-over oil set -up will stop the diving you get when you stop fast or take off. if you have a stock tool kit you should have a spander wrench( about 6" long and has a small hook on curved end) that you use to adjust the back shock. first you need to lok at the shock and see if it's oily, it maybe that your shock has blown a seal.here's a couple of pics of valves. let me know if i can help you out. if you have a repair manual look in it to see if they show them in there.