R-20 Suspension Issues

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Addison
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Joined: Saturday, August 23, 2008 - 09:50
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R-20 Suspension Issues

I have put about 400 miles on my R-20, and, unlike many posters here, have had a reasonably good experience so far. Haven't had any of the common problems addressed by others -- YET. Very thankful about this, because my experience with the EVTA "service department" has been abysmal.

One serious problem for me, however, regards the poor suspension of the bike. The ride quality on anything other than a great road surface is pretty hairy. And if you hit a pothole with this thing at 30+ mph, good luck!! For this reason alone, it's a good thing that the bike won't go faster than (the less-than-advertised) top speed of 38 mph. I would really like to reduce the anxiety factor by upgrading the shocks. Has anyone done this so far? Any recommendations?

fcherny
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Joined: Wednesday, July 18, 2007 - 10:49
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Re: R-20 Suspension Issues

Addison,

I don't know if this will help, but here's what a couple of others from this forum have said:

"I was told that if I change the oil in the front shocks to something thicker that they will not totally suck like they do.
Has anyone done this and does anyone agree that the shocks, especially the front, totally suck?"

Don Cristobal

"Heavier oil will improve damping a lot, and smooth out the ride. I would start with 20W fork oil, and go heavier if needed.
If they are bottoming, then it may help to stiffen them up which may require switching out the springs, or adding air
pressure if they are the type that use air pressure."

Andrew

Good luck. Let us know if you find a solution that works for you!

Fred
z20b

astar
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Joined: Friday, January 11, 2008 - 22:11
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Re: R-20 Suspension Issues

I agree the suspension sucks. I was hoping someone would of posted a solution. For me the front suspension does not bottom out, but it seems to "top out"; it hits the top when rebounding from a bump. It works fine on smooth roads. It does help the handling a lot to replace the front tire.
-= Alan

ZEV 7100 Alpine
Fort Collins, CO

fcherny
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Re: R-20 Suspension Issues

I asked Andy if there was a way to adjust the shocks. His response was that he'll be sending some new shocks to the US next week. He asked if I'd like to buy them.

I asked for a price and more details about the shocks. When I know more, I'll post it.

Brock
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Joined: Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 19:27
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Re: R-20 Suspension Issues

I am also toying with swapping out the front tire. I rode it in the rain for the first time, which was a bit scary.

I agree the front shocks sucks. Having said that I have noticed if you sit way forward it rides a lot smoother and doesn't "top out" after bumps. I think this is because if you sit like I do, at the front of the back part of the seat, you have about 75% of the weight on the back wheel and not much on the front causing the front to pop up a lot easier.

Also if you lower the air pressure to the rating on the tire, the bike is smoother or softer all around, but slower. My tires were at 75psi when I first checked them. I lowered it to their rated pressure of 40 psi, but lost about 2-4 mph on the top end.

fcherny
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Re: R-20 Suspension Issues

I said I'd post info on the replacement shocks that Andy is offering and here it is:

"The cost of the set of rear shocks, which are air shocks is $65.00 plus shipping."

This is for a z20b. I assume the others are the same.

When I asked for more information, he replied "The shocks are significantly better. Front shocks we do not have yet, but should soon; we are having some made specially, but with the rear ones you probably will not need the front."

If you believe him, that is...

laserline
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Joined: Thursday, October 30, 2008 - 16:40
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Re: R-20 Suspension Issues

I have the same EXACT problem.

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