Shocks & Tires.....Words of Wisdom......

[jester 42]

Later this week(hopefully this thursday) the stock Dunlop tires on my 07 Max will be replaced with Metzler ME880s in the suggested stock size for the VMax .

At the same time as the tires are being replaced; the stock shocks currently on the bike will be replaced with Progressive Suspension 11.5" shocks.

Bike already has progressive springs with emulators in front forks.

Any words of wisdom regarding either, or both of these changes would be "sincerely appreciated".

I weigh 200 pounds.
I am interested in "better" straight line/holeshot speed and control;
not interested in dragging the kickstand on curves.

Help!

Jester 42

 

[4gasem]

Why are you going with the stock size rear tire? Most like the 170.

Brake pads and lines go a LONG way for control.

What shocks did you get? I've had the 412's and IMO they're not worth the money. 418's or higher are highly recommended.

Are you lowered in the front as well? If not, you'll want to lower it a bit. Your turn in will slow considerably, by only lowering the back. Stability will however increase in a straight line.

Chris

 

[naughtyG]

I think you're doing the right thing at the rear with the 11.5" Progs. They're great shocks, and lowering the rear a little does help with stability I think - it did on my bike for sure.

As far as tires are concerned, I think Metz are a hugely better choice than any soapy Dunlops.

I prefer the Shinkos myself as they're grippier esp. in the wet, cheaper, and also they have the correct speed rating for the Vmax which the Metz don't, although I believe that very recently someone mentioned the rear ME880 has been released as V-rated which is the recommended rating. Many will say it doesn't matter much, but I've been at the wrong end of insurance claims and such details can make the whole difference between getting a claim settled or not.

However, many have enjoyed the ME880 for many years without any probs and they are the best compromise between grip and durability, at a price. All IMHO of course.

 

[jester 42]

Stock brakes already replaced with Galfer.
Also have braided brake lines.

412s were suggested to me based on my weight? That's what I got.
Did I blow it on that? What would 418s do for me that 412s will not do?

Can larger rear tire be accomodated without moditications?

So..........with stock sized Metzler on the front/rear end & new 412 shocks replacing the stock shocks, I have accomplished little to nothing?
That's what I hear you saying............

Based on what I "do" have; what is suggested lowering of front end?
One inch? More/less?

Jester 42

P.S. I am not into wheelies, burn outs, low ets at the strip, top end races.
I just want to get out of the hole a little "quicker", and run thru 1st, 2nd & 3rd gear at pretty high rpms with better overall control than what I have on stock bike.................

 

[naughtyG]

Stock brakes already replaced with Galfer.
Also have braided brake lines.

all good stuff!

412s were suggested to me based on my weight? That's what I got.
Did I blow it on that? What would 418s do for me that 412s not do?

418s give you damping adjustment as well as preload. I had 440s and loved them.

Can larger rear tire be accomodated without moditications?

Yes, up to 170. But it does absolutely nothing for handling or stability - just improves looks. If you wanna really improve handling and stability, you need to fork out BIG time on new wheels (17 or 18") so that you can upgrade to radial tires.

So..........with stock sized Metzler on the front/rear end & new 412 shocks replacing the stock shocks, I have accomplished little to nothing?
That's what I hear you saying............

You have improved your tires 110% over the ol' Dunlop which are downright crap. I think that Prog 412 are still better than stock shocks, and lowering 1/2" defo helps stability.

Based on what I "do" have; what is suggested lowering of front end?
One inch? More/less?
Jester 42

I'd say 1" max at the front, but you do lose ground clearance. 1/2" would be enough I think.

 

[jester 42]

This is another way stating what I hope to accomplish.................

I pull up to a redlight on my Vmax; in the other lane next to me is a strictly stock Vmax.

We have the same exact reaction time; we both get a good hole shot.......
no wheelie, no burnout, no missed gear, bike is under control.

I only want to see the guy on the stock Vmax in my "rear view mirror".
Not pacing me, not pulling away from me, and damn sure "not" ahead of me.

That would satisfy me, and is about as good a description of what I'm looking for as I can give.

Jester 42

 

[4gasem]

11.5" is a full 1.5" lower than stock.

412's are better than stock, but not much IMO.

Chris

 

[bigrubbers4x4]

11.5" is a full 1.5" lower than stock.

412's are better than stock, but not much IMO.

Chris

but better than stock never the less.

i have these on mine and i really like the way it looks and feels to sit on. i cant say anything about the ride yet till the snow melts. i weigh about the same jester so i guess we shall see.