[FuelInjector]

Originally Posted by ArizonaJim

Just remember, the lower the sleeve is positioned, the softer the spring load will be.
While a soft spring load is good for a lightweight rider, a heavy rider or riding with a passenger aboard can cause the shock to bottom out when a large bump is ridden over.

The local mechanic made an alteration and the ride is much much better. Am not sure - but could you please confirm?
the ridge is sitting in the deepest groove. Now the spring is at its maximum length. This means, it has greater travel that can be dampened by the gas shocks. Is he understanding correct?

[navin_v8]

Originally Posted by FuelInjector

The local mechanic made an alteration and the ride is much much better. Am not sure - but could you please confirm?
the ridge is sitting in the deepest groove. Now the spring is at its maximum length. This means, it has greater travel that can be dampened by the gas shocks. Is he understanding correct?

Nope. Mate this mechanism is very simple, let me explain:

Increase the spring tension for high load operation(While riding with pillion and luggage)
Reduce the spring tension for low load operation(Which riding solo)

When the C spanner is inserted into the slot provided in the adjuster cup and the adjuster moves up this means the spring tension moves up for higher loads. When the adjuster moves down this means the spring tension is reduced for lower loads and will make the ride softer. Both sides of the shock absorber should be at the level. The setting goes like:

Level 1(lowest setting where the spring is retracted): Softest
Level 2: Softer
Level 3: Medium
Level 4: Semi Stiff
Level 5(highest setting where the spring is opened to its max): Stiff

Hope this makes it clear.

[ArizonaJim]

Navin_v8.
While I agree the lowest setting is the softest, I'm not sure I agree with the idea that the spring is retracted the greatest or that when the spring is opened to its max it is the stiffest.

I think it is a matter of definition.

When a coil spring is extended to its maximum length, it doesn't take a lot of force to compress it 10mm.

Just to throw out a few numbers which I've picked out of the air, lets say that compressing a spring 10mm requires a load of 40 kg.

Because of the way springs work, this value will be fairly constant and it is called a "spring rate".


Compressing the same spring 20 mm will require a load of 80 kg. Likewise, compressing the same spring 30mm will require a load of 120 kg.

If the spring adjuster is set to allow the spring to be at its maximum length ("opened to its max"?) it will be at its softest setting.

If the spring adjuster is set to compress the spring to its shortest length ("retracted"?) it will be at its stiffest setting.

In the case of FuelInjector's new settings with the adjusting sleeve set to allow the spring to be at its maximum length (the adjusters are set in their shortest length position), the springs are adjusted to their softest setting.

As I mentioned earlier, this is the position where bumps will be noticed the least but if a heavy load is placed on the motorcycle, the spring will compress and things may bottom out on a hard bump.

I should also mention that usually, the spring itself will never totally compress to a solid height, even with a big bump and the softest setting.

With most spring/shock absorber units, before the spring becomes totally compressed to its solid height, the parts inside the shock absorber will move to their design limits and further compression will become impossible.

These shock absorber parts consist of a steel rod, a piston and valve assembly and the amount of travel they will allow is somewhat limited.

In any case, it sounds like FuelInjector's posterior and the rest of him will be happy now.

[navin_v8]

Originally Posted by ArizonaJim

Navin_v8.
While I agree the lowest setting is the softest, I'm not sure I agree with the idea that the spring is retracted the greatest or that when the spring is opened to its max it is the stiffest.

I think it is a matter of definition.

That maybe the case, but I am quoting this straight from the owner's manual where it says,

"Increase the spring tension for high load operation."
"Decrease the spring tension for low load operation."
"Insert the C spanner into the slot provided in the adjuster cup. Turn the adjuster such that the adjuster moves up to increase the spring tension and vice a versa to reduce the spring tension."

Here's the reference link for the same(this is also mentioned in the owner's manual): http://www.manualslib.com/manual/800...page=59#manual

Jim I agree with you, maybe there are different ways of defining this aspect. Best setting is to keep it at level 3(medium setting) so that one doesn't has to fidget around with the setting while they have a pillion or luggage on board.

[flotsam]

FuelInjector, sorry to intrude on your thread, but I just thought my post might help Enfield owners who want to adjust their rear shock absorbers by themselves.

I bought an Ambitec 19-50mm hook wrench from Tolexo.com for Rs 536. It takes just a few seconds to adjust the shocks with this highly useful tool.

I am attaching some photos, and hope Bhpians find it useful.

[FuelInjector]

an update after a long time. Had some coupons on amazon. Thought of using that to change the silencer. Bought a greasehouse custom thumper. This product is ~1.5Kgs lesser in weight than the stock silencer. Fitted it myself (with the help of junior). Clamps come with the product. Would need a nut-bolt (2inch) and a hexagon screwdriver to tighten the mouth onto the bendpipe.
Installation:
removal of stock is pretty simple. Two bolts need to be removed (one at the stalk joint to the frame and other near the mouth onto the bendpipe).
Tugging at it the exhaust comes out.
GC thumper comes with a clamp that needs to be bent along the circumference of the exhaust. Easiest way to not damage anything is to tie a plastic cover around the exhaust and then bend the longer clamp. The shorter clamp should be put on the foot rest (remove the footrest and bolt onto it).
Rode the bike for ~100kms after this. Observations:
1. white smoke came out of exhaust after the first 20 kms. not able to see that now.
2. Sound is very bassy (sometime too bassy for my liking)
3. i did not find any improvement in torue or bhp etc. as mentioned in the pamphlet.
4. the great ratios to speed are pretty much the same as the stock one.
5. However, the vibrations are greatly reduced. 3rd gear at 60 - 70 causes much less vibrations compared to stock.
Have taken note of fuel readings, shall post my observations on fuel efficiency impact once its ready for refill.
one pic on the exhaust.


one que - how often does an exhaust needs to be cleaned? i see a slight brownish black colour on the tips and about 3 inches into the end of OEM exhaust.

[Full_Minchingu]

A great fan of Greasehouse, these guys are pro in whatever they do, there is a customization outlet [indiMotard Adventures] based in Bangalore near Mahadevpura and the guys out there are the most sweetest guys on work we would ever see.

I am going for a greasehouse megaphone exhaust, running in OEM as of now, waiting till 10K kms to complete.

How many kms had your PAPS clocked before changing the exhaust?

Regards,
-Badri

[FuelInjector]

Originally Posted by Full_Minchingu

A great fan of Greasehouse, these guys are pro in whatever they do, there is a customization outlet [indiMotard Adventures] based in Bangalore near Mahadevpura and the guys out there are the most sweetest guys on work we would ever see.

I am going for a greasehouse megaphone exhaust, running in OEM as of now, waiting till 10K kms to complete.

How many kms had your PAPS clocked before changing the exhaust?

Regards,
-Badri

have done 7K kms. a friend of mine told me 6K is a good checkpoint to play around with another exhaust. Not sure though. 10K is definitely a safer bet i guess. the GC megaphone is a tad loud for me
Their products are of top quality.

[FuelInjector]

Quick update on the fuel efficiency story.
There has been no change in my FE readings after changing the exhaust. I used to get 32 Kmpl using the stock exhaust. After changing to Greasehouse thumper and using it for two fuelling cycles, the FE has been 32.2 and 31.7.
80% of the driving has been solo. 20% with family and heavy traffic conditions.
I have been following the tips of ArizonJim regularly (spark plugs cleaning/chain cleaning/tightening nuts and screws evey 500kms/ checking tyre pressure every 500 kms).
Shall post a DIY of how to remove the stock exhaust and fix the thumper your self.
Contacted indimotard about the white smoke that emanated out during the first 25kms. This happens due to ceramic wool package in the exhaust. During the first heat the lose particles would come out as white smoke with a smell of burnt plastic. I wonder if they could do a heat test before shipping product (just being a product guy). Atleast i as a customer typically would not expect these when i buy product.

[Asta_la_vista]

Originally Posted by FuelInjector

.There is a guy in Coimbatore who deals exclusively on Royal Enfield accessories - Lachu motors. Shall check with him over the weekend on the seat part.

Can you please update the exact location of Lachu Motors. Woul like to buy some parts for my T'bird.

Thanks in advance.

BTW you've got a lovely motorcycle. The colour suits the bike to the tee. Happy riding!! Godspeed!!!

[FuelInjector]

Originally Posted by Asta_la_vista

Can you please update the exact location of Lachu Motors.

While coming from Nanjappa road onto the crosscut road signal, take the left just before the cross-cut road. that would be the road adjacent to Ganapathy silks. its the third shop on that road. Happy shopping.

BTW - i think there is another shop that recently opened in Vadavalli thondamuthur road. THe guy was in the spares of the bullet showroom before and has opened a shop now.
Maybe worth a try there as well. Its 100 mtrs on the right after you get onto thondamuthur road from vadvalli junction.

[FuelInjector]

Recently did a day trip to Guruvayoor from Coimbatore.
The ride & noticeable points:
* it was a pillion ride. two folks in a bullet. Not much luggage. Loaded weight would be 200Kgs max.
* The bike was great. Ride and handling was superb. Top speed of 95kmph at certain stretches on NH47.
* no observed turbulence or vibrations at 5th gear.
* torque was IMMENSE. but the acceleration was so-so.
* Braking was great. Good bite.
* FE was as usual. no change.
* Back pain - not much. slightly stiff as the onward route had some bad roads.
* Bum pain was high (towards the last 100 kms, we had to take a break every 30 mins)

* Is there any alternatives to have a comfortable seat or seat cover? Gel type ready mades etc?
* There was a howling sound when i shut the throttle while the bike was at 4th gear and touching 75-80kmph. Is that normal.
This was also observed during the deceleration from 60kmph in the third gear. So basically when i decelerate from the max rpm for a gear ratio. Has anyone experienced this?
* i felt i should have changed my exhaust to the stock ones after driving for about 120 odd kms. Sometimes the sound it makes at constant high speed and the road being vacant, got into my head.

onward route taken - Good roads till tiruwilvamala. Then average till chelakkara. Post that - it was great.


Return route taken - all the way, it was a song

[Asta_la_vista]

Regarding the seats, I've been quoted Rs. 3000 for gel-padding the front seats of a tbird 350. I will try to pm you the contact number of the seat guy.

Can you please share your views on the greasehouse thumper? Do you bike have any noticeable change in performance/mileage?

Thanks

Prasanth

[FuelInjector]

Originally Posted by Asta_la_vista

Can you please share your views on the greasehouse thumper? Do you bike have any noticeable change in performance/mileage?

Hi Prashant. hope we will meet this sunday for the TBHP meet

About the exhaust:
* I feel it is one of the best aftermarket exhausts. The build quality and material used is top notch.
* the looks match the dynamics of the bike(atlease the standard )
* the sound is also decent (in the city).
But when you travel out in the forests and less inhabited areas, i felt, since the ambient sounds were zero, the exhaust sounded a bit loud. So, when you keep driving in these silent environments for a longer time, the sound of the exhaust can get into your head. Some advise using ear plugs. Personally am not a big fan of sticking something in my ears while riding .
* Mileage has not dropped after changing to greasehouse - i can guarantee that. Even during these drives, have not noticed any drop in FE.
* but the acceleration has. When you try to get the max acceleration at lower gears (2nd or 3rd), you would feel a lug. On reading through the forum you would realize, this is applicable to nearly all aftermarket exhausts. However i feel the torque has improved and the cruising capacity has become better. No vibrations related issues observed as well (after changing to greasehouse).
The greasehouse megaphone is even louder. So if you are guy who likes a quieter long drive, you might want to switch to OEM exhausts for those. Once back, you might want to flip back to greasehouse
hope this helps.

[Asta_la_vista]

Originally Posted by FuelInjector

When you try to get the max acceleration at lower gears (2nd or 3rd), you would feel a lug. On reading through the forum you would realize, this is applicable to nearly all aftermarket exhausts. However i feel the torque has improved and the cruising capacity has become better.

Once back, you might want to flip back to greasehouse
hope this helps.

Hi,

Thanks for the info. Is that "lug" noticeable? I mean, does it make its presence felt so much that it take the feel of riding?

And what do you mean by "cruising capacity"? Like the bull can hold speed for longer duration or is it easy to reach and stay at highway speeds.

Sorry for asking too many questions.

Thanks in advance

Prasanth