Topic: Bumpy ride

[xedge4lifex]

i just put a new chain on about 200 miles ago. and i know my rear wheel is aligned.
Rear tire is trashed maybe 20% tread left.
front tire is at least 5 years old and has good tread but cracks.
front tube at 36psi rear tube at 40psi
stock suspension.

i hadnt ridden for a while due to a broken chain, but i dont remember the ride being this rough. around 60 it gets smooth for a second then its almost like it feels like the rear wheel hops like you would see when someone is doing a bad burnout, and it starts catching air. then smooth again, and so forth. the roads are smooth and the pattern is the same in different areas and roads so im assuming its the bike.

any idears?

[trueblue]

First check your wheels are true, then check for bubbles in the tyres and then check wheel balance, these are the main things that could cause a wheel to hop

[andrewk]

I think the first thing I would check would be the sprockets and final drive- how well does that new chain mesh with the old sprockets?  If that's all fine and well, then I'd investigate the tire and wheel balance.

You might want to triple check the wheel alignment with a tape measure- small amounts of misalignment can cause interesting problems.

[ekpent]

Sounds like new tires and balance are in order first to start getting things worked out. While the wheels are off you can start checking bearings,swingarm and all the other variables.

[Old Scrambler]

+1 with others but check balance first..........then lower the pressure 3-5 lbs in both tires.  You may have lost a wheel weight for this sudden change.  If the swingarm bushes are worn........it tends to feel like riding on a bucket worms.........especially at low speeds.

[xedge4lifex]

i never even thought about checking to see if the wheels were still true. ill pull everything down this weekend and make sure its weighted properly. ill check the swingarm too, im sure it has the original bushings and its seen some major wear by now. i really appreciate the help guys.

[Retro Rocket]

First check your wheels are true, then check for bubbles in the tyres and then check wheel balance, these are the main things that could cause a wheel to hop

Check that the tire is seated evenly all round, 40 is a little high, there should be recommended pressures on the tire or manufacturers site, then try adjustments on rear shock. Any of the things mentioned could contribute to your problem.....

[dirty rat]

you need new tyres the rear you say has 20% left on it and the front is 5 years old and cracks in it ekpent already told you this and this thread still goes on and now im telling you

[madmtnmotors]

Rear tire is trashed maybe 20% tread left.
front tire is at least 5 years with cracks.

New tires, trued and balanced.