TRIP REPORT. Spencer Idaho

[ChestonScout]

Just got back from my first real trail riding trip up in Spencer Idaho. Had a BLAST!


Spencer is about 45 min north of Idaho Falls. They have a large numbered trail system. Everything from flat dirt roads to steep rocky single track.

Beautiful views and perfect temperature!


I had one wipeout. I jumped a dirt mound and the back tire landed in a rut. Threw me on my side instantly. Scraped up my arm and moved my handgaurd but no biggie. Glad to get the first wreck out of the way.


We rode over 100 miles in the course of 2 days.

Good times.

I only had my cell phone but I snapped a couple shots.

 

[ChestonScout]

The bike ran perfect! Im getting A LOT better at starting it. Only had a problem twice. I really like the bike except for one thing...

Its like riding a hardtail! Between the rock solid seat and the rock solid rear suspension my butt HURTS!.

The PO said that the rear shock was tuned and valved for a 210 lb rider. Im 235 and it is solid. Pretty sure he mean 410.

Something has to be done. I didnt think it would bother me or I would get used to it but not gonna happen.

First order of business will be to adjust the preload down. I looked and it seems to be jacked up pretty hard. Hopefully that will help because I really dont feel like having it revalved. Then I will do Gregs extra foam trick.

I really really want the auto clutch to. I wish I never would have rode Russ' bike. If I cant find one for the 400, I might end up selling it for a 450. I really dont want to tho. I figure I would be about twice as much for a decent 450 as Im into this one

 

[Greg]

Good to see you're getting out on that thing, looks like a great mountain ride.

 

[SportSawyer]

... Its like riding a hardtail! Between the rock solid seat and the rock solid rear suspension my butt HURTS!. ...

It's hard to tell from the photos in this thread, but it looks like your chain is too tight. It also looks too tight in:

If it's too tight, that can affect the way your rear suspension acts. Also it'll cause wheel / countershaft bearing problems and fast wear / failure of the chain.

Make sure the chain is adjusted right before setting the static sag.

 

[ChestonScout]

If anything I think the chain is actually to loose. I had Russ check it and he thought it was stretched a little but not bad.

It does look tight in the pics doesnt it

 

[Rot Box]

Good times! Looks like fun

Read up on "static" and "race" sag. There is a specified amount of race and static sag that you must have in order for the rear suspension to function the way it should. If it is out of spec by even a small amount the bikes handling and suspension performance goes out the window!

By taking two measurements, and a little math you can find out if you need a stiffer or softer spring. If the sag is withing spec it isn't a good idea to loosen the spring or tighten in an attempt to adjust the stiffness of the rear shock if that makes sense...

Have you adjusted the compression adjustment screw on the top of your shock reservoir? It will have a < S-H > (soft/hard) lettering next to it. Hope you get it all figured out