I've got ~9 mile commute on a fairly curvy 2-lane road (only one passing zone on whole road), and a 55mph limit. It's highly frequented by bikers on road trips because its challenging and very scenic. However, it is now very lumpy and potholed, and it won't be re-paved anytime soon.
The problem is the XS400 just doesn't feel that confident at speed on the road. It's fairly shakey (so much I can barely ever get a good solid view in the mirrors), and the bumps throw me all over. I usually run 55 to 60mph, but I still end up with cars waiting behind me much of the time (the locals often run way too fast on the road, there's never any law enforcement on it). If I went much faster, I feel like it would be too risky with the way bumps throw me around.
So, what kind of combo of fork oil/shock setting you think would help this, or any other way to improve it?
It's pretty much a bone stock '81 XS-400 SH, with 7200 miles (but beat to hell and rusty, not stored well). It has OK used stock rear shocks that I got off ebay (originals were rusted so bad I couldn't adjust them), and they're currently at the 3rd setting down from the firmest they'll go. I think I've just got the stock recommended fork oil in it. Any rubber bushings are probably not great, and original. I've got Duro tires at the stock air pressure. I've got a little windscreen that helps some. I weigh around 155 lbs.
Any room for improvement, without giving up and buying a bigger and newer bike?
The problem is the XS400 just doesn't feel that confident at speed on the road. It's fairly shakey (so much I can barely ever get a good solid view in the mirrors), and the bumps throw me all over. I usually run 55 to 60mph, but I still end up with cars waiting behind me much of the time (the locals often run way too fast on the road, there's never any law enforcement on it). If I went much faster, I feel like it would be too risky with the way bumps throw me around.
So, what kind of combo of fork oil/shock setting you think would help this, or any other way to improve it?
It's pretty much a bone stock '81 XS-400 SH, with 7200 miles (but beat to hell and rusty, not stored well). It has OK used stock rear shocks that I got off ebay (originals were rusted so bad I couldn't adjust them), and they're currently at the 3rd setting down from the firmest they'll go. I think I've just got the stock recommended fork oil in it. Any rubber bushings are probably not great, and original. I've got Duro tires at the stock air pressure. I've got a little windscreen that helps some. I weigh around 155 lbs.
Any room for improvement, without giving up and buying a bigger and newer bike?