Hello from a long time ago and a question

[markie_wales]

<fx> dusts off FOC-U login and tries to remember password, blinks eye, and steps back out into the fray </fx>


Hi all, and if anyone's still around from when I was here last, you still owe me a beer....


Sold my last Gen 1 back in 2006 (I think) and been riding a lot off road since, KTM 990 Adventure and currently a 950 SuperEnduro, but as my lad's grown up he's starting coming out on the back, and to be honest the 950 is not the right bike for 2 up (Enduro seat and single front disc).


He's now 6' 1" and built like a rugby forward (which he is), so I am looking for a 2nd bike to do some 2-up riding, not looking to buy just yet, but come the spring...


Given Gen 1s seem to be pretty cheap now, want to pick your brains on their 2 up ability (other than the odd trip to the pub, never had anyone on the back of my old one). My memory was the rear shock was pretty soft as stock, so a new one with a heavier spring I guess is required, but what's it like ergonomically? As I say, he's no 5' 3" girly, so is there decent room on the back?


Anything else required on them (or bikes generally) for 2-up riding?


cheers


Markie

[JKay]

If you put an R6 rear shock in the suspension is much improved with a pillion and the other thing to look at would be to get Tony archer to modify the seat as my pillion suffered on long trips as there is a lack of foam depth on the rear part of the seat.Rear rack and top box helped as well

[markie_wales]

Thanks JK.


The R6 shock replacement is new to me - with the stock R6 shock and (assumingly) increased pre-load on it - is that enough for a proper sized pillion? Or do I need to look at the spring as well?


And thanks for the tip on the seat, will certainly look to make sure he's comfortable - I don;t fancy him fidgeting!


cheers


Markie

[noggythenog]

Hey Markie, welcome.


Devilsyam is the man to speak to if you need a R6 shock.


Here is a link to a sticky on the thou forum to start you off but there have been other threads on it.


http://foc-u.co.uk/index.php/topic,936.0.html

[markie_wales]

Thanks Noggy - already PM'd Luke. Met him years ago when I had my 02 Fazer - good to see he's still around doing the business.


I had read that thread, although there is nothing in it related to pillions, so asked "da man" that


cheers


Markie

[Falcon 269]

The R6 shock mod is good, Markie, but for a chunky man-sized pillion maybe you need to consider a stronger spring.  That then begs the question is the damping in the R6 shock up to coping with the bigger boinger.  Luke should know about that.

If that's a non-starter, then a Nitron shock built to your specs would be a good alternative.

Good to see you back here, too.

Mike

[markie_wales]

Hi Mike - knew you'd still be around - and providing God like advice to us mortals 


Yeah it's the spring rate I was most concerned about, have had a chat with Luke and will definitely look to start with an R6 shock, then if needed, up rate the spring. Seems the shock will be OK damping wise.


Don't want to spend a fortune as it will be the 2nd bike, the off road thing is still where I'll be doing most of my riding (see pic below).

cheers


Markie