What an ugly surprise,

For the last month, I am doing trouble shooting on my rear suspension. At every bump, it goes to the bottom. I increased the preload on the rear spring, it last for a ride or two and then it hits the bottom again. I always ride two up.

On the forum, I read about the looney progressive rear suspension. My thinking was the original spring his dying, so I order it, I should receive it soon.

Then on the subject: FAILED PARTS, I took a look on the Item FRAME SHOCK MOUNT and looked under the bike and this is it, this is the problem.

Whoa oh!! What an ugly surprise.

I think this is part of the frame; it must be an expensive job to do. I have printed the pictures so I am a bit prepared.

His somebody have this done? Can I have some advice so when I go to the repair shop they don’t charge me an arm and a leg? Do I need to see a Yamaha dealer or a shop that do frame work?

Need advice,

JRBoisvert

It rarely happens but when it does, you're right, it's a shock.

If you can't weld then you'll have to take the frame and shock setup to a welder to weld it on. I would not bother with the dealer, it's best to go to a good weld shop.

Do you live in Montreal?

Doc

Hi Doc,

Yes, I live in Montreal. I just came back from the Yamaha center, today they have their motorcycle exhibition and you are invited to road test them.

I talk to the Yamaha sales guy, I show him the printed pictures from Mr Tidy, and told him I have the same problem. He was quiet for a few seconds then he said to go see the dealer, which will discuss with one of the Yamaha technician for determining how to repair this.

I don’t trust the dealer’s mechanics not because they are not good but because it is not about mechanics but more about proper welding and this is a trade by itself. I will have to go and talk with a few of them to see if they have a welder in the shop.

Jacques

Word to the wise, just because someone says they have a welder in the shop doesn't make them a welder. Always check their certifications and ask to see samples/or pictures of work they have done. Those who take pride in what they do always have ways to convey their work and experience. To bad you are so far from Michigan, because I do know a fabulous welder who could take care of that problem.

Salute Jacques,

Then you're lucky to be in Montreal as there as lots of welding shops there. I agree with 2000roadstar, find some welding shops, check out their work, show them the problem and talk to them about what they can do for you.

Or ... you have an excuse for a ROAD TRIP to Michigan.

Doc

Yes Doc,

It would be a good excuse for a nice ride, but I doubt the shock mount will last the run.

I went to a group that build choppers and they have a certified welder, I visited the shop and saw few of they work (they build the frame then transfers the parts from your original bike and add few chrome parts).

They inspected the shock mount and found few spot of rust on the failed parts. So it started may be last year to tear apart. I gave them the bike Monday and should be ready for Friday.

This is good.

Jacques

Excellent .... and you'll have the bike for the weekend.

Doc

Hey, good news

Got the bike back for the week end and it is amazing how you get used to slow changes. For last summer and the beginning of this one, the riding performances have gradually deteriorated. This translates into kind of frame twisting or wobbling in a bumping curve, but you adjust your riding with this, you slow down in curves, you are nervous, your eyes focus on the bumps and …

Now, the shock mount is solid and the stock spring has been change for a looney progressive one, and what a difference.

The bike is stiffer, handle very well in bumpy curve, even when two up.

Now, I am a happy biker,

Many thanks to the forum contributors,

Jacques