The old 91 XJ (pre diviersion) has been off the road for a few months, re commissioned it about a fortnight ago.. Lots of the regular brakes and clutch as well as cables to free up. I also found a cracked link in a very low mileage chain (really pleased I found it before riding!!) but that's another story.
I was dismayed to find on a couple of occasions, pulling off from junctions and at traffic lights that I was losing the back end on really quite slow corners. at first I put this down to me having a break from riding and losing my touch... It happened on wet roads and I was thinking, maybe a patch of diesel, maybe some other slippery surface, but today it occurred on a slightly faster bend in the industrial estate, on a dry road with reasonably good surface. The back end seemed to just do it's own thing and I felt it was quite hard work to keep it on my side of the road and out of the path of oncoming traffic! not what you want. I did have shopping in the top-box and panniers, having just been to Aldi, but I have done "full week" shops before with a big bag strapped on the pillion without encountering any near death experiences.... So I have investigated the bike further. looked for play on wheel bearings, swing arm bearings and head bearings; checked tire pressures and condition (near new they are). Checked tyres correctly up on rims... Dropped the bike off the main stand (don't use the main stand much) and noticed it "bounced" I bounced it a bit more and it kept on bouncing!
I therefore conclude that the shock is shot!! and assume that is the cause of my problems. This is the first mono shock bike that I have ever owned and I must say I'm not a fan... having said that, it is possible that the shock has been on its way out ever since I had the bike! (2 years)
Quite happy with stripping the suspension and replacing it, but the cost!! a new one is serious open wallet surgery, and I'm not to sure about used ones from ebay, they are going to be the same age and more than likely the same sorry condition. I did notice some after market ones were also listed as fitting RD 350 LC. anyone know if these are the same, or any others that would fit. are the diversion ones the same (they look it) as this would offer more choice and they seem to be more plentiful. I may also be able to get a much "younger" used one.
Thanks in advance for any help or advice you can offer guys.
