Topic: Front end bounce

[Mushman]

The front end on my CB550 has a lot of hop to it, partly I'm sure because it still has the original fork oil in it but I was thinking that running modern tires might also be part of it. The older style tires ran 25 psi or so, and the modern tires I'm running take about 42 psi. I put these tires on as soon as I got the bike because the old ones were dry rotted, so I have no idea how it rode with the old rubber. I'm wondering if anyone else has noticed this, and gone to a different weight fork oil to help compensate for the excessive bounce effect.

[jgger]

The fork oil will not make it bounce. The bounce comes from other issues like a rim that is bent or not true or an out of balance tire. That should be checked before doing any suspension changes. Yes the old fork oil should be changed too.

[RAFster122s]

When you tear down your front forks and clean out the fork lowers to get rid of any sediment or other deposits check your spring free length as that measurement tells you if you are in spec or the springs need replacement.  Original springs wore out in a few years and it is quite likely your springs need replacement and may be original.
Are you sure you have sufficient shock oil in the forks. That could make them a little bouncy as well...not having fluid to dampen the compression/rebound...

[pjlogue]

Putting new rubber on a wheel should always be followed by checking the wheel balance.  To do it properly you need to use a wheel balancer.  Trying to balance a wheel while on the bike won't work well because there is too much friction from grease and seals.  If the wheels are balanced then move on to checking run out (sideways wobble) and hop.  If you still have bounce after the above is checked/corrected I would check to be sure the tire is fully seated on the rim.  The margin around the rim lip should be equal all the way around the rim on both sides.  If you have an inner tube that could also cause hop if the tube has folds in it.  Deflate the tire and roll it around with weight on it to squish the tire.  This will help get folds out of the inner tube.

-P.

[calj737]

And for Pete's Sake, lower the front pressure to 34!

[1976cb750f836]

My front bounce, turned out to be coming from a out of round rear tire. Felt it in the handelbars.

[Stev-o]

Last bike I had with a bounce was due to a bad [old]tire.  Replaced tire and all good. Just because your tires are relatively new doesnt mean it couldnt be the tire.

[Mushman]

Not ruling out the tire itself, but the wheel is balanced, off the bike. The rim is true. It only bounces on certain sections of road that initiate it, it's not constant. Recommended PSI on the tire says 42. My gut tells me that it's the higher PSI that's making the difference since it only reacts to existing bumps in the road. Appreciate the feedback.

[RAFster122s]

Tires typically state the max inflation pressures. Check your owners manual, it will recommend much lower pressures. 28-32 psi is more reasonable. 42 is going to have little to no cushioning from the tire.

[BenelliSEI]

+1 on tire pressure. 28-30 psi (cold) is plenty!

[PeWe]

Honda's recommendation for good handling and comfortable ride. Inflate more if you want a bouncy hard ride and white fingers!