My back end feels flat, and sounds like an old bed

hal888 · Post by **hal888** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 3:28 am

I've noticed recently that the whole feel of the ride has really changed. I ride my buddy almost every day to work, with over 10,200 miles thus far. The tires are fine at 30 lbs each. But steering is more difficult, with the back tire just not staying in line and moving around more, and the whole ride experience feels bumpier or less tight. With the Spring winds upon us here in Middle Tennessee, it is challenging enough to keep the rubber on the road. When I sit down, and place my 175 lbs on the seat, I can hear the creaking of the old spring like I used to hear on my Grandma's old oak bed.

So... is this natural Buddy aging that I should accept without a thought, or should I start to be concerned that my back end needs a little help.

anthony · Post by **anthony** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 5:13 am

deleted for unhelpful comment

easy · Post by **easy** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 11:13 am

Sounds like you need a new rear shock. No springs in our seats to squeak

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 2:27 pm

I'd say shock.

how are the front forks?

the replacement yss shock for the buddy isn't bad. the 'performance' ones are downright expensive.

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 4:42 pm

The sound when you sit on the seat could just be the center stand sqeaking. It's a common problem; just do a search on MB.
But, if the ride/steering seems "off", that could be other things.
Some possibilities:

Tire tread
Wheel bearing(s)
Rear shock
Nuts loosening on either the front axle or rear hub

Throwback7R · Post by **Throwback7R** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 5:42 pm

Check for leakage on the rear shock or rust on the piston.. I know mine 09 150 with 13,5 on it has rust it is just about dead as well.

hal888 · Post by **hal888** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 6:05 pm

The tires are in good shape, with K61s on both front and back. The back has only about 1,000 miles on it.

I didn't see any leaks or rust near the shock. I'll check again when I get home. I'll check the center stand also to see if the noise is coming from there. I've oiled the center stand in the past.

I was wondering about a suitable shock replacement. I'm not going off-road or dragging a knee on the asphalt. I really just want to keep the rubber firmly planted on the road.

Throwback7R · Post by **Throwback7R** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 6:21 pm

YSS from Scooterworks.com or the NCY one I think is the one I am going to do but that is almost 200$

hal888 · Post by **hal888** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 7:59 pm

Do you need to do anything with the front forks if you simply replace the rear shock. Aren't the front and rear suspensions in some way working together, or does it just not matter so much

hal888 · Post by **hal888** » Sat Apr 20, 2013 11:18 pm

It seems like the noise was the center stand. I squirted oil all around the stand and after jumping up and down on the scoot the noise seemed to go away. Great call Tocsik. Thanks!

I'm still not satisfied with the ride quality, and seriously considering a new shock.

lovemysan · Post by **lovemysan** » Sun Apr 21, 2013 2:20 am

Ride quality is not something that improves with a shock replacement. I installed the ncy shock The spring is stiffer and the shock valving is tighter. It does improve handling. Also with adjustable preload I was able to raise ride height to stop dragging the prima. But for ride, might as well be pounding rocks over rough pavement.

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Sun Apr 21, 2013 4:27 am

hal888 wrote:It seems like the noise was the center stand. I squirted oil all around the stand and after jumping up and down on the scoot the noise seemed to go away. Great call Tocsik. Thanks!

I'm still not satisfied with the ride quality, and seriously considering a new shock.

Yeah, I struggle with the center stand frequently. The air is really dry here in Denver so I end up lubricating the center stand pivot points at least once per month. I've tried 4 or 5 different spray lubricants and I have brushed grease around, too. I even stripped down the center stand, cleaned all of the old grease off and re-applied fresh grease. Twice. Ends up it doesn't last any longer than just spraying with WD-40. I usually know it's due even if it's not squeaking yet. The center stand won't spring all the way up when I take the scooter off the stand. I've replaced the spring, too.

I also echo what lovemysan said about shocks. I have an upgraded rear shock (the adjustable NCY, not the expensive piggy-back) and the ride is just as rough. Handling is better but I still get beat up. Some days I'm surprised I don't pee blood after a long ride.

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Sun Apr 21, 2013 12:28 pm

If it hasn't already, this will surely make the Double Entendre thread.

Rob

Wolfhound · Post by **Wolfhound** » Sun Apr 21, 2013 1:35 pm

Rob, it already has!!