I'm certainly not running the struts for looks. That's for sure. I'm short, at least in the leg. The bike had the struts on it when I got it, and the front end sat up too high, so I lowered the front so it wouldn't have to be driven around all uneven.
Havoc shortened some shocks for me, but it seems with the front lowered as well, I bottom out too much with the struts on there, I can only Imagine the shocks would be worse.
The hop is definitely related to the road. On smooth bits of road, it completely goes away at all speeds.
When I first experienced this issue, I found my pressure in my tires to be under 20lbs. After adjusting them just under 30, I found that the hop had gone. Now, where I live, in johnson county, I would call it a nicer area, most the roads are newly paved and had minimal potholes and uneven pavement. Most of my riding is done in johnson county.
Now, where I went the other day, in kansas city, mo, isn't well known for their roads.
I was on vivion east of choteau trafficway.
Anyway, all that aside. I'm not made of money. I'm currently accumulating parts for a complete rebuild of the engine, and I'll be painting my frame and cleaning up my wiring and etc etc etc. I really don't have any problem putting different tires on it if it will make it handle better. However. I simply DO NOT HAVE 200 dollars to spend on 1 tire.
If someone can recommend a decent tire, that are readily available, that don't cost an arm and a leg, I will absolutely consider it. When I bought the tires I have on there now, I just wanted some new rubber, cheap, so I could get a feel for riding. This is why I also haven't gone much farther on my build. I'll just be redoing it in a few months anyway, and I wanted to ride it NOW. hahaha.