Suspension has become harsher

[Scootabout 2,248]

At around 30-31k miles the suspension on my 700X seems to have become noticeably harsher - both front and rear, but especially the front. It's due for a service at 32k, so obviously I'll mention it to the dealer, but what is the most likely cause?

[trisaki 2,029]

Oil change for the front  check length of springs could change them - rear dog bones bushes need regressing or clapped out shock 

[larryblag 14,236]

Best money I ever spent on my Versys 

 

 

[embee 7,288]

I suspect the oil has never been changed in the forks, so that's the first thing. I'd strongly recommend using Fuchs/Silkolene "Maintain" RSF 7.5W oil. It's a very similar viscosity to what I believe the factory fill oil would be (Showa SS8 I suspect) and has a better temperature characteristic (Viscosity Index or VI). You need to be a little picky when choosing an appropriate oil, the label rating can be very misleading.

Have a check at the white table halfway down here http://www.peterverdone.com/archive/lowspeed.htm where the actual viscosities of commercially available oils is shown. "Maintain" is the new name for Silkolene PRO RSF. The RSF 7.5W has a viscosity close to most 10W rated oils (35cSt ish).

As suggested by Trisaki, the rear links benefit greatly from being greased/serviced, the risk at 30k miles is that if they haven't been done before the bearings/pins could well be knackered and need replacing. This isn't disastrous, and sometimes you can pick up low mileage linkages form broken bikes on the auction site for something like £30, which might be a cost effective solution if they are in good condition. Very easy job to swap linkages if you have a centre stand. Replacing bearings/sleeves is a little more time consuming but not difficult with suitable tools.

The rear shock might well have simply become tired out, they aren't the best quality/durability item ever fitted to a bike. Several aftermarket options available at varying cost if necessary, I certainly wouldn't contemplate paying good money for an OE NC shock even secondhand, much better alternatives to choose from.

[larryblag 14,236]

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[Guest DelBoy]

On 11/18/2017 at 21:18, larryblag said:

Best money I ever spent on my Versys 

 

 

I'll second that Nitron are very good, and they are rebuild-able.

The basic model is more than ample for the NC IMO

 

Fitted a YSS to my NC as I managed to get one for the trade price. Hyperpro kit for the front possibly, in the spring (no pun intended)

 

[Guest DelBoy]

I wouldn't be surprised if the rear shock has given up at 30k, mine was getting a bit worn at 16k.

Good time to fit a quality replacement Nitron/YSS..etc

I normally clean/re grease the rear linkage and brake caliper every time I get a new rear tyre (get tyre fitted to loose wheel).

It is just too good an opportunity to miss, as the wheel is out to give my rear end a good clean/service.

[fred_jb 10,265]

6 hours ago, DelBoy said:

It is just too good an opportunity to miss, as the wheel is out to give my rear end a good clean/service.

And I'm sure your rear end feels all the better for it!  

[Rick 236]

Quote

 

Reminds me of a mate who bought an SV1000 Suzuki, I was following him one day and his rear suspension was not moving, on inspection it was seized solid. As mentioned above, give the linkages a re-grease every year or two and they will last, but being where they are if left, the constant blasting of dirt and wet from the wheels will soon wreck them.

[TheEnglishman 401]

Stock suspension is horribly under sprung and over damped.

 

Like others I put a properly sprung Nitron shock in the back and linear springs with emulators in the front.   I don't like progressive springs but some do.  Now the bike handles properly after nearly 50k and the shock rebuild is just over £100 every 25k or so.  I've it setup for comfort so the suspension is a bit softer than the SV.