New busa owner tire and shocks concern

[Nikk777]

Disclaimer: Before you flame me, I tried the search feature and it said it was updating the process or else I would have tried to research this myself.  I read through several pages also but couldn't find an answer to satisfy my needs.  Sorry if this duplicates stuff already on here.

Just got a 2003 busa with 2300 miles.  Great deal but a couple issues i'm having.  I moved up from a ZX-7R Ninja which was hard on my wrists because of the angle but the busa is worse.  Front shocks are bottoming out also so I'm wondering if they were lowered drastically or seals are shot or what?  The strain on my wrists and the way the headlight is shining low at night tells me the front is way lower than the rear.  Help with identifying what's up with the front?

Also was running down the freeway and buzzed up to ~145 at which point the bike started to wiggle back and forth.  Never experienced that with the ZX-7R at that speed so it was very unsettling to say the least.  The bike has a Mickey Thompson radial on the back, which was my first thought as the culprit of the high speed wiggle.  Other ideas?  Also suggestions for tires on this bike?

Things to look for or common problems to expect?  All help greatly appreciated.

Otherwise LOVE THE BIKE.  I've got several hot rods/toys but this one actually scares me a little.  Even with the front so low the front tire grabs sky winding first gear out.  Full Muzzy exhaust system sounds great, has USB Power commander, chrome wheels, chrome swingarm, polished frame,white neon lights under tail, silver/grey stock paint, just got a mototeck undertail, and might try out some strobe lights.

 

[djorgensen3]

At least get the bike's suspension back to a "factory setting" per the manual. Then read some of the posts on here about setting up the suspension correctly for your weight. Then change the fluid in your steering damper to 80wt oil and that should take care of the wiggle. If, after these adjustments, the bike still handles poorly then maybe your should look at getting the suspension rebuilt. Also check out what the majority of these guys are running for tires. I personally run Pilot Powers. I'm sure you will get a bunch of opinions here shortly. These people here are great to ask for help any way you need!

 

[Charlesbusa]

First question is how much do you weigh?

Next the front forks are on the soft side from the factory and your bike's springs are 5 years old.  So you're probably undersprung.  Set your suspension up and ride height for your weight, check out this thread,
https://www.hayabusa.org/forums/?act=ST;f=47;t=30985

As for the tires, maybe go with a standard sport tire(pilot powers, qualifiers, M3s) and see if the wiggle goes away.

As for your wrist, try using your back more instead of your arms.  It takes concentration at first, you have to train yourself to do without thinking about it, but it does work.  Hopefully you don't have back problems  

They also make bar risers that would help out your wrists.

If the ride height is correct and the headlight is still pointing too low, you can adjust it higher by turning a screw

 

[GIXERHP]

First question is how much do you weigh?

Next the front forks are on the soft side from the factory and your bike's springs are 5 years old.  So you're probably undersprung.  Set your suspension up and ride height for your weight, check out this thread,
https://www.hayabusa.org/forums/?act=ST;f=47;t=30985

As for the tires, maybe go with a standard sport tire(pilot powers, qualifiers, M3s) and see if the wiggle goes away.

As for your wrist, try using your back more instead of your arms.  It takes concentration at first, you have to train yourself to do without thinking about it, but it does work.  Hopefully you don't have back problems  

 They also make bar risers that would help out your wrists.

If the ride height is correct and the headlight is still pointing too low, you can adjust it higher by turning a screw

+1

 

[Nikk777]

Man you folks are quick. Thanks for all the info so far. I've been reading since I posted. Saw the "pinned" post on shocks but 2 things... 1.I've never adjusted a bikes suspension and the post referred to clicks and such. 2.I rememeber reading about lowering the front just by dropping the clamps on the shocks, but where is the stock position for reference? I don't have a manual to refer to so I guess i'm off to the factory site and see if I find it there for the basics on adjust the settings. Oh, I'm 6'1" and 220lbs. Just so the wiggle comment is clear... put your hand out like you were shaking someone's hand and wiggle it like a fish swimming and that's how the bike felt. It wasn't just the handlebars. Would the 80wt still help?

THANKS SO MUCH GUYS!!!

 

[Nikk777]

Not sure if you can post links to youtube on here or not. Tried to find the rules on this but couldn't locate. Anyways, found videos on setting the suspension damping, preload, etc on a bike. Walks you through the basics but better than that...shows you!! Just trying to help out. Hope I'm not breaking rules! If I am, lemme know.

 

[runeight]

Could it be that the previous owner cut the forks down?

Just throwing this out there.

r8

 

[kml]

manual download here
http://rapidshare.com/files....000.pdf

If it's shaking at a certain speed the first thing I'd check is tire balence.
If it's weaving like it's got a hinge in the middle stiffing the steering dampener will make it worse.
The busa has soft fork springs replacement is a good idea.

cheers
ken

 

[Suijuris]

At 6'1- 220, you should consider replacing the front springs-- Racetek 1.0, or 1.05 would greatly help with any dive. It'll cost around $250- installed. damper is a little stiffer with 80 weight- I went heavier, I found a second damper on Ebay for $25, so I didnt have to mess with my original- for experimentation. Alignment of tires(rear) check it-- cushes(in rear sproket) check them. Bearings front and rear-- check-- I don't know where, but you can get a copy of the manual to download from this site.
I had a good mechanic install the new springs- and then went to a suspension tuner guy for suspension tuning. Made all the difference! there should not be any shake at 145. Mine is smooth as glass faster than that.
My rule of thumb for buying any used vehicle: go through EVERYTHING--change the fluids-- take no ones word for the condition- CHECK IT OVER-- before you grab enough throttle to get in trouble.

 

[suzuki4life]

Disclaimer: Before you flame me, I tried the search feature and it said it was updating the process or else I would have tried to research this myself.  I read through several pages also but couldn't find an answer to satisfy my needs.  Sorry if this duplicates stuff already on here.

Just got a 2003 busa with 2300 miles.  Great deal but a couple issues i'm having.  I moved up from a ZX-7R Ninja which was hard on my wrists because of the angle but the busa is worse.  Front shocks are bottoming out also so I'm wondering if they were lowered drastically or seals are shot or what?  The strain on my wrists and the way the headlight is shining low at night tells me the front is way lower than the rear.  Help with identifying what's up with the front?

Also was running down the freeway and buzzed up to ~145 at which point the bike started to wiggle back and forth.  Never experienced that with the ZX-7R at that speed so it was very unsettling to say the least.  The bike has a Mickey Thompson radial on the back, which was my first thought as the culprit of the high speed wiggle.  Other ideas?  Also suggestions for tires on this bike?

Things to look for or common problems to expect?  All help greatly appreciated.

Otherwise LOVE THE BIKE.  I've got several hot rods/toys but this one actually scares me a little.  Even with the front so low the front tire grabs sky winding first gear out.  Full Muzzy exhaust system sounds great, has USB Power commander, chrome wheels, chrome swingarm, polished frame,white neon lights under tail, silver/grey stock paint, just got a mototeck undertail, and might try out some strobe lights.

first off if your forks are "bottoming out" then you need someone who knows what they are doing to look at your bike. If a mechanic could fix your bike over the net, then they would set up a phone service with Miss Cleo. This is something serious that will get you killed.

1kg springs are a bit heavy for a 220lb rider. I'm at 260 and .9 kg are fine for me.

yes tire balance can also cause wiggles...I would have that checked to make sure none of your rims are bent, bad tires, bad balance etc.

there are spacers drag guys use internally to cheaply lower a bike....so without seeing it, reports of oil from your forks etc...this is all a guessing game.

 

[Nikk777]

Thanks guys. This is all great info. Got my tree stand and rear stand on the way. The fork seals I believe are bad so gonna change those and might change the springs while I'm at it. Heard 15w fork oil was good on the heavy bike? 10w is factory though? Also putting a battleax 021 on the back to replace the m/t. Suggestions otherwise? Anyone tell me length of stock forks to see if they might have been cut down and height of rear to see if they raised the back to prevent wheelies? I'm changing the oil/filter too. I like mobil1 (it's in everything I own, even lawn mower) but some shop guys love royal purple? Pros/cons? and oem filter or k&n. Frams are crap. Anyone in Atlanta to paint the undertail? Shop wants $80.