Suspension issues?

[RWR1956]

Hi everyone. Am a new R3 owner in the UK, recently picking up a newish GT from a local Triumph dealer. Only completed about 130 miles so far, but something doesn't feel right about the suspension. At all speeds, there seems to be a very slight 'shake' or bounce to the bike (highish frequency) almost like riding over a slightly rutted road surface, which can be felt through the bars and seat. Suspension settings are factory standard and changes in road conditions have no effect. Perhaps the wheels need balancing, but they both have wheel weights attached and there is no evidence of any being dislodged. Any suggestions?

 

[atomsplitter]

Could be tire cupping. How fresh are the buns on the rims? Also just because there are tire weights doesn't mean they are correctly balanced. I'd offer to chek that for you but it's a long swim carrying my static balancer from North Texas. I'd recommend you go back to the dealer, describe your ride experience and let him check it out since there's a window to get any issues addressed with a used bike.

 

[RWR1956]

Could be tire cupping. How fresh are the buns on the rims? Also just because there are tire weights doesn't mean they are correctly balanced. I'd offer to chek that for you but it's a long swim carrying my static balancer from North Texas. I'd recommend you go back to the dealer, describe your ride experience and let him check it out since there's a window to get any issues addressed with a used bike.

Thanks atomsplitter, was going to be my next move. Bike was 1st registered in Nov 23 and I purchased it with 4 miles on the clock (PDI mileage I've been informed) so pretty much 'new', but has been in the dealership since then as far as I know. Warranty has over 18 months to go so should cover it I hope. Didn't take a test ride before purchase due to the low mileage so 'trusted' the dealer, never again!

 

[Jagster]

Does all of the surface of the tread look ok? Nothing wedged in the tread grooves?......screws?....Nails? etc.... (check carefully).

If you depress the front forks and then release the downward force quickly does the damping appear to work ok? ...Same for the rear?

Any signs of any oily residue on the chrome suspension tubes?

Straighten the line of the front wheel and use the rear tyre as a sighting line and check if the front wheel looks in line with the front. ( Check down both left and right sides of the tyres....do they look the same? (symmetrical) .

 

[atomsplitter]

Jagster got me to thinking, try backing your damper adjustment back to 0, i.e. no damping at all, front and rear and then take it for a spin. With just springs and minimum damping if the alignment is correct and if wheel balance is good then it should ride like a pogo stick, but not vibrate. It's a free check and doesn't require the dealer to do anything (except rub his hands in glee and smirk at the next sucker).

 

[RWR1956]

Does all of the surface of the tread look ok? Nothing wedged in the tread grooves?......screws?....Nails? etc.... (check carefully).

If you depress the front forks and then release the downward force quickly does the damping appear to work ok? ...Same for the rear?

Any signs of any oily residue on the chrome suspension tubes?

Straighten the line of the front wheel and use the rear tyre as a sighting line and check if the front wheel looks in line with the front. ( Check down both left and right sides of the tyres....do they look the same? (symmetrical) .

Thanks jagster. A quick look shows tyres look ok, damping also seems ok, but have noticed slight oil residue on suspension tubes as you described after my ride this afternoon. Have not checked wheel alignment yet, but assume ok since it is a new bike. Steering seems satisfactory when riding. I reset the suspension settings to factory spec before my ride today, but no discernable difference. Going to speak to dealer tomorrow

 

[Jagster]

Thanks jagster. A quick look shows tyres look ok, damping also seems ok, but have noticed slight oil residue on suspension tubes as you described after my ride this afternoon. Have not checked wheel alignment yet, but assume ok since it is a new bike. Steering seems satisfactory when riding. I reset the suspension settings to factory spec before my ride today, but no discernable difference. Going to speak to dealer tomorrow

If the oil residue is of any significance then that could perhaps be a sign that the fork seal(s) have failed which would affect the damping.
Might be worth having a close look at the chrome surface and seeing if there is a score line (can be caused by a stone/grit or just a manufacturing defect) or any scratches in the surface that sweeps through the fork seal area.
Of course, stuff like that, although expensive to remedy, will be covered by the 2 year warranty.

 

[RWR1956]

If the oil residue is of any significance then that could perhaps be a sign that the fork seal(s) have failed which would affect the damping.
Might be worth having a close look at the chrome surface and seeing if there is a score line (can be caused by a stone/grit or just a manufacturing defect) or any scratches in the surface that sweeps through the fork seal area.
Of course, stuff like that, although expensive to remedy, will be covered by the 2 year warranty.

oil residue is insignificant I believe with no scratches or scores to the fork surfaces. I think I will try atomsplitter's idea about backing off the damping to see its effect or even play around with other settings as well.

 

[RWR1956]

Jagster got me to thinking, try backing your damper adjustment back to 0, i.e. no damping at all, front and rear and then take it for a spin. With just springs and minimum damping if the alignment is correct and if wheel balance is good then it should ride like a pogo stick, but not vibrate. It's a free check and doesn't require the dealer to do anything (except rub his hands in glee and smirk at the next sucker).

Good call, it had occurred to me as well to play around with the settings to see their effect

 

[Sparky59]

Check inflation psi......some people inflate to max??? printed on sidewall of tyre instead of mfgs. suggested psi.