QuestionHi, I have a 2003 Vulcan 1500 Classic. I have a consistent problem with the rear tire scalping.
The history is this, bike came with Dunlops and did not have a problem, at first. But due to type of riding, we ride two up, I'm 220+, my wife is 120 lbs.
We ride about 11,000 miles a year.
Very early I changed the shock setting for a heavier load, thats the only modification I have done.
Since the problem has been going on so long I can't be sure exactly when this started but shortly after changing the shock setting it seems to wear prematurely and the wear patter scalps alternately from side to side. so consequently I go through rear tires fairly fast.
I've heard of one other Kawi doing this but has anyone else seen this?
Thank you for your help
AnswerI've never heard of another 1500 owner having this problem, but I come from more of a sportbike angle, so it is no surprise.
It is possible that it's time for you to move to an aftermarket shock with preload, compression and rebound adjustments.
You can troubleshoot this and get it solved.
First off, I'd find an Internet forum for Vulcan 1500 enthusiasts. Google search "Kawasaki Vulcan discussion forum" and you'll probably find a half dozen groups. Sign up and post your problem there in the tech forum. In my experience, these groups are a wealth of experience and knowledge and someone may have already had your problem and solved it.
You'll also want to make sure your tire pressure is set correctly. By "correctly" I mean tailored exactly to you and your wife and the type of riding you do and the road surfaces you do it on. Start with the manufacturer's recommended settings, for example, 36F 36R cold. Go ride it at highway speeds for about 20 minutes. Hop off and feel the tires. They should be very warm to the touch, not so hot that it burns your hand, but warm enough to be slightly uncomfortable. If they're too warm, add a PSI and repeat. If they're too cool, subtract a PSI and repeat. Keep doing this until you have your tires consistently running at optimal operating temperatures. The front and rear may end up with different pressure settings.
(Once you've completed this, you may want to continue to adjust your pressures so the bike rides and responds to your liking. Do it the same way as above, only this time, do it based on how the bike feels while riding and turning rather than how the tire temp feels.)
Next you're going to want to set your sag. This is taking measurements of your bike's suspension travel and adjusting things like ride height, spring rate, fluid viscosity, rebound damping, compression damping, preload, etc. You'll need some help with this. But it's too much for me to write here, so I'll recommend you either read Kent Larson's Track Day Handbook or Lee Parks' Total Control, both have good descriptions of how to set your sag. I am certain there are Web sites out there with all the same information for free.
Good luck and happy wrenching!
Pat
