Has the RAC recovery guy ruined my R1150RT suspension.

[MikeS]

I went for my first ride on my R1150RT since it was recovered back home by the RAC recovery contractor. The bike rides very differently now, lots of crashing over bumps and at one point a nasty wobble. Is it possible that the shocks (or some other parts) have been damaged by being very tightly ratcheted down for several hours. I realize the bike is 22 years old but it rode fine before and has only done 26k miles.

I was considering selling it soon so I wasn't planning on spending loads of money on shocks or whatever it needs but I can't sell it or even trade it in this condition.

 

[Santa-2512]

So why was it recovered

 

[MikeS]

So why was it recovered

Ignition switch and starter motor issues, now fixed. Covered in a separate thread.

 

[wessie]

you do not seem to have identified what has broken

at 22 years it is most likely a perished/worn component

thousands of bikes are strapped down every year on ferries to cross the Bay of Biscay in stormy weather. We do not seem to have any posts accusing Brittany Ferries of breaking suspension on bikes.

I can't see the RAC accepting any damage claim without a very expensive engineer's report.

 

[Wapping]

Has the RAC recovery guy ruined….​

Possibly yes, possibly no.

If no, go and get it fixed.

If yes, now prove the damage is due to the RAC’s negligence. It starts with your word against theirs…. Then go and get it fixed.

 

[MikeS]

My original post was obviously not very clear, I am just trying to understand what is wrong with the bike, not to make any claims against the RAC.

I could as suggested go and get it fixed but if possible I would like to try and do it myself.

 

[DrFarkoff]

I went for my first ride on my R1150RT since it was recovered back home by the RAC recovery contractor.

The bike rides very differently now, lots of crashing over bumps and at one point a nasty wobble.

Is it possible that the shocks (or some other parts) have been damaged by being very tightly ratcheted down for several hours. I realize the bike is 22 years old but it rode fine before and has only done 26k miles.

If it were me I would start at which end is doing the above?

Start with Wheels, Tyres and tyre pressure?

If they are okay? Examine the suspension components in a methodical order

Remove the fairings and fuel tank, and examine all the mounts and the springs paralever bar etc etc

Hold the front brake and bounce forwards and backwards Do you see anything flexing or moving that normally would not ??

Be Methodical and Work your way through and if in doubt? Share a photo here and ask for thoughts

 

[Neil W]

If the bike had been tightly ratcheted down for a number of hours it is feasible that the shocks might have been damaged (on enduro bikes etc they make a device to fit between the front wheel and lower triple tree to prevent this ) BUT if they had been damaged it would usually manifest it with the shocks blowing their seals and the fluid p*ssing out and it would be clearly visible .

Another option could be that the rear shocks hydraulic preload adjuster has burst its seals and the shock is on its lowest setting , check to see if it working .

Finally is the bike fitted with a steering damper as standard , could it have been damaged by a ratchet strap incorrectly placed ?

 

[Riceburner]

Possibly yes, possibly no.

If no, go and get it fixed.

If yes, now prove the damage is due to the RAC’s negligence. It starts with your word against theirs…. Then go and get it fixed.

Yup, been there. It is possible if you can absolutely prove beyond all doubt it was absolutely their fault, and exactly what the damage is and how they caused it.

In my case the bike (ZXR400) was secured by strapping through a very weak bracket, which snapped and the bike fell over on the low-loader. .

Iirc it took about 8 months and a lot of arguing to get them to pay up.

 

[Wrigsby1]

I would check all the rear suspension components as per Dr F but my hunch would be the pivot bearings being a bit shit anyway and being ratcheted tight down has made them become tighter...
It's amazing the difference between a smooth running pivot and a notchy set up and the difference it makes to the overall feel... Obviously you have checked the tyre pressures...
Also wobbles are scaled as to the relativity of wobbles previously experienced and how you react to them... Also see squared off tyres...

 

[davegs]

Check your tyre pressures first.

 

[Crackshot]

My original post was obviously not very clear, I am just trying to understand what is wrong with the bike, not to make any claims against the RAC.

I could as suggested go and get it fixed but if possible I would like to try and do it myself.

Was clear enough to me. It’s possible that doing so may tightened too much and then put pressure on an aging shock..? Have you tried resetting the shocks to standard setting? If it the factory shock (on the rear) then you could replace the oil and see if it makes a difference?