CBF500 bad feedback

[Biker9090]

I've got an old CBF500 ABS that I use as a bit of a hack. I've done quite a bit to it but i'm having issues with the front end. It has Hyperpro Progressive Springs and oil in the front and a YSS Z series shock at the rear (with a customised spring for my weight of 115kg). Tyres, wheel bearings, head bearings etc are all good. I don't feel like i'm getting good feedback from the front. Is this down to the progressive springs or something else? No preload adjustment on the front. I realise it's not a race bike but it just feels very, very vague.

[underwhelmist]

Have you checked your tyre pressures, and that the head bearings are adjusted correctly?

[Donbot]

Riding position maybe?

Try getting more weight over the front.

[Seight_Returns]

Lose some weight rather than wasting money trying to make a small bike work for a heavier rider than it was designed for.

[bgunn]

Seight_Returns said:

Lose some weight rather than wasting money trying to make a small bike work for a heavier rider than it was designed for.

Bit harsh.

[Donbot]

I was thinking the same. My YBR125 is designed for a 190kg weight limit. It's not like the bike wont be able to handle the weight.

[Jazoli]

It might not fall apart but the handling and braking will suffer hugely at max load and it will be thoroughly unpleasant to ride.

OP your CB is a commuter bike, it's not designed to be the last word in precision or feedback unfortunately and will feel vague as the weight is all over the rear of the bike, you haven't said what tyres you are running and pressures, they can make a big difference.

Edited by Jazoli on Tuesday 7th September 21:36

[Steve Bass]

depending on age & condition, see if the fork bushings are wearing out. The forks will be stiff or not spring back smoothly. Might be time for a rebuild.

[Biker9090]

The tyres are T31 front and rear, head bearings are less than a year old and adjusted correctly, tyre pressures are spot on. Previously had pirelli on there and they weren't any better. Fork bushings were fine when I had them apart a few thousand miles ago.

[Biker9090]

Seight_Returns said:

Lose some weight rather than wasting money trying to make a small bike work for a heavier rider than it was designed for.

Thanks for that completely fking stupid answer.

[Biker9090]

Jazoli said:

It might not fall apart but the handling and braking will suffer hugely at max load and it will be thoroughly unpleasant to ride.

OP your CB is a commuter bike, it's not designed to be the last word in precision or feedback unfortunately and will feel vague as the weight is all over the rear of the bike, you haven't said what tyres you are running and pressures, they can make a big difference.

Edited by Jazoli on Tuesday 7th September 21:36

Yeah I'm not expecting it to be but I was wondering if the progressive springs were exacerbating the issue, especially considering the much stiffer spring at the back.

[trickywoo]

Biker9090 said:

Yeah I'm not expecting it to be but I was wondering if the progressive springs were exacerbating the issue, especially considering the much stiffer spring at the back.

I put the same progressive springs in a SV 650 and found it a massive improvement so doubt your issue is as simple as that.

[Seight_Returns]

Biker9090 said:

Seight_Returns said:

Lose some weight rather than wasting money trying to make a small bike work for a heavier rider than it was designed for.

Thanks for that completely fking stupid answer.

Sorry you took offence and perhaps I was a bit harsh. But the fact remains - if you weigh 18+ stone and want your lightweight commuter bike to handle better, the obvious solution is in the kitchen and the gym - not the garage.

[ssray]

Have you tried adjusting the height of the forks in the yoke's?the springs you have now are probably heaver than the one ones, try 5 or 10mm through the yokes

[Scorched yellow]

Biker9090 said:

Seight_Returns said:

Lose some weight rather than wasting money trying to make a small bike work for a heavier rider than it was designed for.

Thanks for that completely fking stupid answer.

Missed opportunity - you should have complained at the bad feedback