Yamaha TRX850 Enthusiasts Forum

That got you looking!

This is more of an observation than a complaint. On my way to and from work, there are a couple of sharp second gear roundabouts. Coming in quick, handful of front brake, down 3 gears and rear end gets a bit skittish. I have a YZF 750 rear wheel and dogbones at the back, and only weighing 12 stone wet probably doesnt help either. Stock rear suspension set quite hard, coz I like it like that, and a Michelin rear tyre. It never seems so bad that I think I'm going to lose it though, unlike the original rear that got erm interestingly near a couple of times!!!. Just wondered what others thought, especially if I decide to try a track day at Cadwell, braking before the mountain section.

Dave E

Stomping down three gears on a TRX is not usually necessary and will cause the back to try to lock up with the engine braking, especially with the weight transfer on the breaking (no slipper clutch!)

Also, there's obviously a mismatch between you hard rear suspension setting and the front forks which may be made worse by the taller profile YZF 180 tyre and then the shorter dogbones on top: the rear is meeting its limit of extension, therefore has nowhere else to go but try to lift off the ground.

I would suggest:

1. Preparing a bit earlier so you dont stomp "down three gears"
2. make the back shock a bit more pliable/softer so it does what its meant to.
3. try a little back brake as well as a 'handful of front brake" which will make the back end squat down giving the suspension more useable range.
4. Feed the clutch out slowly after a downchange, and blip the throttle.

Remember, smooth is good is fast.

PS 180 rear tyre AND YZF dogbones will raise the back a lot!

Cheers,

Dave.

Its what I thought, and as I like the set up and position as is, will leave it as is. I guess a better sprung front end, i.e. firmer would help as well, as I said I'm not complaining though. Going down 3 gears gives me better drive around and out the other side, other wise normally would be in third. Back brake is really an on off switch, easy to lock the back up with, more because of the lighter jacked up rear I guess.

Dave E

Dave. At Cadwell, its more likely to be a problem at the end of park straight, thats about the only place you really have to scrub off speed where the backend goes light, i have locked up there quite a lot. before the mountain left hander is not so bad as i keep it in second through the chicane, power up to the left hander shut throttle and brake hard but only momentarily, which tends not to unsettle the rear so much with no downshifting.
Have fun,
Dave

.... then you wheelie over the mountain one handed whilst waving at the ladies watching from the pits ! !

Maybe 30 years ago!

I'll follow you round then Dave (Silver).

Dave E