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I just installed new stiffer fork and shock springs. My race sag looked good but the free sag was about a half inch too long. So, here is my problem.

I went to the track on Saturday and about half my jumps were nice and smooth but the other half were nasty. My back tire kept jumping out to the right and would land squirrely. Is this due to the free sag or too much acceleration at the the lip???? I don't have much experience with jumping since my wife only issues my nuggies out to me on special occasions But, a little help would be great.

Tony,

That's called a "tailwhip" and they are usually worth extra points in competition.

Just get it straightened out before landing...

It's generally not good practice to adjust suspension based on how the bike is leaving the jump face. It's usually something your doing and nothing to do with the suspension.

How does it react on the bumps? Whoops? How about the square-edge stuff? Jump landings?

What was your free-sag measurement? Race sag?

Can't remember race sag off the top of my head, but the free sag was about an inch and a half. When I installed the new shock spring, I referenced the owner's manual for the measurement. Something like ten and a half inches. I figured I should shorten it up about a half inch or so??? I didn't hit the whoops cause that track sucked on Saturday, but we are going back this weekend so we will see how it goes.

NCLR1 it seems like some rear wheel spin is usually what causes that to happen to me, that along with some loose dirt or sand on the top part of the jump- which is pretty common because we mostly ride out in the desert. I've found just trying to be smoother on the throttle helps alot and not trying to gas it much harder when on the jump face. Approaching the jump at the speed you want while slowly rolling on alittle more throttle seems to work good for me especially if it seems slick.

NCLR1 wrote:Can't remember race sag off the top of my head, but the free sag was about an inch and a half.

I wouldn't worry about 12mm. If your racesag measurement is good, I'd say run it. Pound out some laps and take note how it handles the rolling bumps and the short, square-edge stuff. Make adjustments based on those notes. Rolling bumps (lots of stroke) are the big nut, short square edge stuff (short, hard stuff) is the screw. (compression adjustments)

Check this out:
http://www.transworldmotocross.com/mx/h ... 53,00.html

What TWD said and also keep your weight centered, you want to be squared up with the jump face and equal weight on both pegs. If you spin the rear tire as you leave the face and have more weight on the left peg, your rear will slide out to the right.
That doesn't mean you can't accelerate up the jump face, just be in control and you'll be fine.

Dave

Thanks for the tips. We are going back to the track on Sunday. We'll see how it goes.

If you are being consistent and you are experiencing the rear end kicking out try slowing down you're rebound but you need to be consistent with you're body position

This does seem to happen more when I am trying to make up speed in order to clear the jump. Like if I came out of a corner to slow or I was just not going fast enough, so I accelerate hard up the jump face. So, if this is the case how do I solve this? Because if I don't pick up enough speed I won't clear the jump. Is there a technique for getting the rear tire to come back straight once it starts to buck out?

it's hard to say without seeing it but mabe you are still under acceleration when you're rear suspension is unloaded with only the rear tire on the lip. have you tried to seat bounce the obstacle that helps put more power to the ground with little wheel spin and at the same time gives you moore lift off the face of the jump.

I have tried seat bouncing on other jumps. I ended up eating my front tire while doing a good synchronized swimming impression.