Yamanewf
New member
What can I do to stiffen up my rear skid. Is there any advantage to using Viper parts? What is this "fat boy/big boy" spring I've seen some guys talking about on here. The rear is fine when I'm solo but it's a little lacking when treking two up with a full load of gear ( I'm 220lbs, wife 110lbs, gear 60-80lbs). It continuously bottoms. Also, has anyone ever had that knocking in the front shock when travelling slow speeds over small bumps? Mine has done it since new and it can get really annoying.
How old are the springs? They may simply be shot. You also may have a cracked W arm.
Let us know what you have now, and what your setup and riding weight and style is. (I see some of this info above)
Let us know what you have now, and what your setup and riding weight and style is. (I see some of this info above)
- Is it on the '04 Venture?
- Does it have the stock springs and shocks?
- How many miles on it?
- Where is the FRA set at?
Last edited:
Yamanewf
New member
Machine has 2100 km on it. Everything is stock. No visible damage. yes its my venture,
Where is the FRA when you ride double?
Be sure the FRA is in the lower (higher rate) position when riding 2-up.
That likely came with a 3.5-5.3 x 390 (color code Red/Blue) spring in the rear. You may want to switch to a 3.5-5.3 x 399.5 (Green) or even a 3.5-5.5 x 408.5 (Red/Red) to handle that total weight.
You could of course switch to an RX/1 Aluminum body shock and put the big boy spring on it. It will be hard to get the same preload though, so it may ride lower and harsher with that weight on it.
That likely came with a 3.5-5.3 x 390 (color code Red/Blue) spring in the rear. You may want to switch to a 3.5-5.3 x 399.5 (Green) or even a 3.5-5.5 x 408.5 (Red/Red) to handle that total weight.
You could of course switch to an RX/1 Aluminum body shock and put the big boy spring on it. It will be hard to get the same preload though, so it may ride lower and harsher with that weight on it.
Yamahammer485
Member
Jus tdo as Ding suggested with the heavier spring, that guarentees no bottoming.
As of right now however, set the setting for the rear shock on the stiffest setting (out of 3 positions), and set the front shock for the rear suspension to highest preload and and same with the rear shock. Then your sled wil be maxed out to prevent bottoming with everything you have right now, all you have to do is adjust. Your manual will explain everything, but just to give you a heads up before you look, you jack up the sled, taking the pressure off the skid, then you can rotate the preload adjusters and the setting for the rear suspension.
As of right now however, set the setting for the rear shock on the stiffest setting (out of 3 positions), and set the front shock for the rear suspension to highest preload and and same with the rear shock. Then your sled wil be maxed out to prevent bottoming with everything you have right now, all you have to do is adjust. Your manual will explain everything, but just to give you a heads up before you look, you jack up the sled, taking the pressure off the skid, then you can rotate the preload adjusters and the setting for the rear suspension.
Yamanewf
New member
Suspension is always maxed out to the stiffest when riding double. I usually have to back off the front shock to get rid of the knocking. But bottoming is always an issue.
PZ 1
Member
- Joined
- Mar 12, 2005
- Messages
- 987
It could be that the shock or shocks are shot. That would cause the bottoming. I would think with the load you listed, it should be able to be adjusted stiff enough if everything is in good condition.
Is the rear shock in the third position?
The greater the amount of travel (limiter strap settings), the better it will resist bottoming.
Is the rear shock in the third position?
The greater the amount of travel (limiter strap settings), the better it will resist bottoming.