Rear end squirm

[SRTie4k]

I noticed on my TLS that sometimes when I go into a corner a bit fast, I get a very disconcerting feeling that the rear end is squirming around under me. I can't really describe it other than to say it feels as if the rear of the bike is drifting (although I know its not). This happens when I enter a corner pretty quickly, and only when I'm leaned over a decent amount.

I was thinking it might be due to not enough preload on the rear spring, or too much sag in this case, but I'm no suspension guru.

FWIW, I'm running stock suspension all around, preload maxed out, and I weigh 185.

[CDOG1974]

check air presure as well some time's if the rear is to low it can feel like that just a thought?

[Tricky Mike]

What kind of rims? Marchesinis?

[keeena]

Welcome to the Suzuki TLR/TLS. That rear rotary damper: ditch it.

[Kitt]

Tire Pressure, spring road conditions, you got fat (not enough preload or rear is too slow)??

Can also happen due to throttle/brake habits. Where are you with brakes/rpm range when you're feeling this?

[nt650hawk]

turn in a little rebound to slow it down

[JohnnyV]

Wirelessly posted (Blackberry Tour)

There's a reason its nicknamed the widowmaker.

[csmutty]

It's the rear suspension...have to get a new shock and ditch the rotary damper if you want to go quick. Bitubo and Ohlins make good replacements.

[R1]

Wirelessly posted

My hyper and my f800 would do the same thing only i found out it WAS getting loose. I chocked it up to being twins and engine braking as a result of quick dowshifts. Also no suspension setup at all aside from stock settings.

Then again i was a slow rider and could never keep up with groups...

[jwm2k3]

Air pressure is a very personal thing, as far as 'feel' goes...i get the most stable feel from 36 front, 42 rear. If the rear drops even 3 or 4psi, i notice a difference....especially the rear.

[marshdrummer]

As most would think it's air pressure - it's totally on the rear damper...get rid of it...Brand new bike after I put on Ohlins out back...never felt more planted EVER than I have on my 'R' with an Ohlins.

[SRTie4k]

I keep the tire pressure at 42psi.

I'm thinking the SOAS is not heavy enough for my weight. Combine that with the fact that I've converted it to a naked with bars so more weight is applied to the rear of the bike than normal...maybe I just need a new spring to set sag correctly?

As for replacing the rotary damper...well I'm a college student and cannot afford an $800 Ohlins or even a $600 Bitubo, so my options are pretty limited.

[SRTie4k]

What kind of rims? Marchesinis?

Not sure if this is a joke or not, but stock rims.

[SRTie4k]

Tire Pressure, spring road conditions, you got fat (not enough preload or rear is too slow)??

Can also happen due to throttle/brake habits. Where are you with brakes/rpm range when you're feeling this?

Only times I've ever noticed it I don't recall chopping the throttle or trail braking at all. Pretty steady throttle at maybe 5-6k RPM? That's just a guess mostly, but I don't rev too high through corners normally.

[SVRACER01]

its that stock rear suspension....it sucks. call suzuki...they will probably tell you the same. they were known to randomly spit riders off for no apparent reason because of that set up. ditch the rotary damper. its junk.
its the only way youll ever get to use all the power

[SRTie4k]

What size is the rear tire? I recall a lot of squirm with a 190 but a 180 was a whole new, and better, experience in corners on the TLS.

And get an ohlins on that asap. Best TLS mod ever. (Scotts damper is close).

180/55. For the most part the bike handles just fine in the corners, but its only occasionally I get that feeling.

From the sounds of it a new rear suspension is the only option, though. For the time being I'll try cranking up the rebound, see if it makes any difference.

[OreoGaborio]

For the time being I'll try cranking up the rebound, see if it makes any difference.

THANK YOU!!!
Why don't people ever try the easiest option first?

[csmutty]

THANK YOU!!!
Why don't people ever try the easiest option first?

Because that isn't the problem...

[OreoGaborio]

Yeah! Your FACE is the fuckin problem!

[SVRACER01]

WHOA!!! the language Pete!!! theres little kids in here!

[SRTie4k]

If rebound doesn't fix it, I've got a solution much cheaper than an Ohlins. R1 shock with a custom bracket seems to have worked awesome for quite a few people on TLZone, and it can be done for under $100.

[JohnnyV]

Wirelessly posted (Blackberry Tour)

Good god don't let Kates see that post. You'll be branded a fool for sure

[Jank]

Also loosen the chain a tiny bit. Set it to the high side of the recommended setting.
People talked about the swing arm flexing and somehow binding up the rear travel.
I don't know for sure but after I read that I ran my chain on the loose side just to be safe-ish.
I also got an Ohlins. It was awesome!

[OreoGaborio]

Good point, Jankstah boy. Tight chains can be a killah

[csmutty]

Wirelessly posted (Blackberry Tour)

Good god don't let Kates see that post. You'll be branded a fool for sure

Meh...he already has placed the TL in the same category as an EX500, so I see no ill effects from him seeing this thread.