robindean
XS400 Addict
'82 XS400R here.
I bought this bike with the intention of giving it a sport-touring feel.
In short, I bought most of the "Recon" series from Rapid Transit (19 liter tank bag, 45 liter total saddlebags, 23 liter tailbag). These bags are all lightweight nylon and, when completely full, have minimal effect on the suspension ... not to mention they look really sharp
So, my sport grocer-getter is rockin' ... until! (que dramatic music).
When my wife (little thing, barely 120lbs) gets on, the bike feels low. When riding, most bumps get the needed suspension clearance but every now and then I feel/hear that big 'ol "THUNK" where there's just not enough room and the suspension goes frame-on-frame.
To better configure my bike for this kind of use, what should I do? How do I do it?
Are those big THUNKS harming my bike? Again, they are few and far between but my concern as a new"ish" rider remains.
I bought this bike with the intention of giving it a sport-touring feel.
In short, I bought most of the "Recon" series from Rapid Transit (19 liter tank bag, 45 liter total saddlebags, 23 liter tailbag). These bags are all lightweight nylon and, when completely full, have minimal effect on the suspension ... not to mention they look really sharp
So, my sport grocer-getter is rockin' ... until! (que dramatic music).
When my wife (little thing, barely 120lbs) gets on, the bike feels low. When riding, most bumps get the needed suspension clearance but every now and then I feel/hear that big 'ol "THUNK" where there's just not enough room and the suspension goes frame-on-frame.
To better configure my bike for this kind of use, what should I do? How do I do it?
Are those big THUNKS harming my bike? Again, they are few and far between but my concern as a new"ish" rider remains.