Hitchcocks Forum

For some time now my Electra X has had sloppy handling.
It feels as if the swing arm bearings (or are they bushes?) have play in them. Or maybe there is play in the forks from somewhere.
I've lifted the back wheel and given it a good pull around to look for play but nothing. I changed the rear wheel bearings a thousand miles ago as part of searching for the same problem. No change.
Problem is worse two up not suprisingly......like having a flat back tyre? Weaving in bumps at speed.

I've also checked the head bearings and found no notchieness.....I think I've adjusted them right as on lifting the front wheel from the fork bottoms I can feel no play either.
I'm not familiar with these type of forks having only stripped those from a Honda VFR.
I do need to get inside the forks at some point soon to fit the improved springs from our hosts. Could wear from some internal part be to blame?

Clues anyone please?

An m.o.t. will detect any worn parts,have you checked the tyres for fitment as in circular to the rims? Tyres should have lips about 5mm from the rim edges both sides.Have you spun the wheels to see if their buckled? Are your wheels in line and does your rear sprocket run in the middle of your chain?

Are both the rear shocks on the same setting, set on the same notch each side?

Hi Guys ---- I've had a similar problem recently with my 2005 Classic 500. The rear end started to feel very sensitive to "white-lining" or gravelly B-roads but not on main roads. The usual checks of pressures, swing-arm security, wheel bearing etc. were done. The rear shocks were changed for a set of "Known & OK" ones but to no avail. It was as if the shocks were set on their max. setting---so I dropped them down by one and BINGO !! all OK. I'm thinking that the rear tyre's sidewall had started to loose flexibility ??--- it was on the bike when I bought it last Autumn ( An Avon Roadrider). I've now fitted a new tyre---re-set the shocks to the original halfway and just did a 150 mile ride with the lads last week and alls well. RIGGERS--- My latest toy, a SUZUKI MARAUDER 800 felt "odd" when riding it home from Sussex recently. After a few miles I stopped to check and }--- The front tyre was 10psi OVER pressure and the rear shocks were unmatched in their settings.!! Later, when home I found the headstock bearing was a "Tad" tight as well. Plus those kicked -out forks would magnify this. NOW----all's well----have just done a run to Chelmsley Wood, Brum. in hot sun and the bike handling a treat.

Here is another thought, Electras have air rear shocks, lost air in one side?

Hello again, JIMMER---- just re-read your initial post. re}--- new fork springs. As an easier (and quicker) idea, try just changing the fork oil to an ATF type first. Give this set-up a run down the road---you might be pleasantly surprised !!(or you might not be---at least it will give you an early idea at not too much cost !).

Me too re-reading......I wonder could the tyre pressures be incorrect, over inflation will make the handling very nasty....Chap at a bike camp a while back had similar symptons with a military BSA M20...He had read the numbers on the tyre & had them imflated to the MAX permissible! ......On advice from some of us present he dropped the pressures incrementally until he was satisfied with handling.......note for Jimmer - in case you're not too familiar with ancient stuff the BSA M20 has a rigid girder forked frame ie no rear suspension

Thanks guys. I'm liking the idea of the air missing from the rear shocks....that would also explain why my front beam is higher than it use to be!! 2 and 2 is 4 ah yes.
What sort of adapter puts air in these things then?

Hey Jimmer - an additional thought - check that all the engine bolts are tight including the ones under the engine.

Jimmer,
never tried it but this is what I was told years ago.You need a ball inflating needle ( soccer ball/basket ball) fitted to a normal inflator with a gauge. Remove the small screw and "O" ring in the centre of the valve on the tank on the shock absorber. Rubber grease on the needle and pushi it in. Max of 7 bar pressure. As I said I have never tried it but this is what I was told