Boxerworks.com

So I think it was actually a piece of a metallic type o ring, the ones that look like graphite. Does that make any sense. Ive got it running well, timing set proper as well as points. Getting some reading done on tuning the dellorto phm 38s it has on it, ordered some chock levers and nice hose clamps for the intake.

She rips better than I expected, def needs the fork springs, dives super hard. I also need the brakes to work a little scary since it hits 90mph in hurry, thinking of trying pads, I rebuilt master and caliper and bleed with srf.

Probably teaching grandma to suck eggs but... are you aware of the need to align the pads to the disc when assembling using the eccentric pivot pin? I guess the next step is to fit a second disc as fitted to the R90S... but good luck in finding a right fork slider... they exist but are a bit like hens teeth.

Airheads are known for their 'soft' suspension, especially the earlier models... even when the fork springs are new. Disconcerting until you get used to it but it does make for a very comfortable ride and doesn't really affect the handling. Changing the springs can make a difference but be careful else you'll end up with a very harsh ride and insufficient damping. Not trying to be rude but, if you want modern handling, get a modern bike. If you want to ride a 50 year old classic, be prepared to ride it like a classic.

Rob

Rob Frankham wrote: ↑Sun Jul 13, 2025 6:40 am
Airheads are known for their 'soft' suspension, especially the earlier models... even when the form springs are new. Disconcerting until you get used to it but it does make for a very comfortable ride and doesn't really affect the handling. Changing the springs can make a difference but be careful else you'll end up with a very harsh ride and insufficient damping.

Rob

I like BMW's comfortable suspension. Some spring rate info that shows they got stiffer in later years

Yes, I did align the caliper to the rotor with cam bolt on the caliper. Ill probably skip sourcing a second leg, but i am hoping to find a pad with a little more bit than whats in it. Any suggestions.

Don't worry Rob, it a rude comment, I have explained the same thing to many people I have done work for in the past. I have owned plenty of vehicles 2 and 4 wheeled of all vintages and countries of origin, I know the difference between modern, vintage and beat up vintage that could use some help.

This bike is the later, at 200lbs with gear I am sure that a higher spring rate will increase the comfort and handling, nothing comfy about bottoming out a fork on a manhole at 35mph. An experience gp racer I used to machine parts for rode an r90 across the country a few times and said the biggest problem is not spring rate but where they sit in the travel. He suggested a racetech spring thats only slightly stiffer but the way it is wound will keep you sitting higher in the travel.

The fork brace and billet triple clamp definetley made the front end a little more responsive to smaller steering inputs, but the dive and bottom out is still makes this thing a bit sketchy to ride.

Rob Frankham wrote: ↑Sun Jul 13, 2025 6:40 am Probably teaching grandma to suck eggs but... are you aware of the need to align the pads to the disc when assembling using the eccentric pivot pin? I guess the next step is to fit a second disc as fitted to the R90S... but good luck in finding a right fork slider... they exist but are a bit like hens teeth.

Airheads are known for their 'soft' suspension, especially the earlier models... even when the fork springs are new. Disconcerting until you get used to it but it does make for a very comfortable ride and doesn't really affect the handling. Changing the springs can make a difference but be careful else you'll end up with a very harsh ride and insufficient damping. Not trying to be rude but, if you want modern handling, get a modern bike. If you want to ride a 50 year old classic, be prepared to ride it like a classic.

Rob