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[Sarge17]

My bike seems to hop a little when I get over 50mph, it's done this since new and now has about 2.5k on the clock. I've tried messing with the suspension settings some. I would like to check the run-out and balance of the front spoke wheel, but I can't find much of a frame below the battery box. How do I safely and without damage lift the bike?

[chdfarl]

I don't have a Zero but as a motorcycle mechanic id say use a bike lift with blocks (the one I use has some built in) where the frame rails are that way there is no question.

[Sarge17]

Thanks for the advice chdfarl, the problem is, the frame rails do not extend far enough forward, all that's there is the bottom of the battery enclosure. It seems like the enclosure acts as a member, sort of like some bikes use the engine. Thanks again, Sarge.

[chdfarl]

there should be enough frame to hold the bulk of the weight. If not try a front end race stand that lifts the bike from under the lower fork clamp.

What is your weight is the spring rate appropriate for you, is the sag set. If it hops try turning down the compression it could be too tiff to absorb the bumps. is it hopping or chattering or wobbling
hopping: up and down typically the rear on an ice bike when down shifting too fast when braking into a corner and or stiff suspension.
chattering: typically front to back at the front wheel due to a brake tire or fork wear.
wobble: side to side out of round wheel, loose spokes, bad tire wear

[Sarge17]

Not sure about the hop, chatter, wobble?? I live in N WI, it will be a bit before I can road test. 190lbs, I checked the sag when I first brought it home, it was within recommended specs. I need to lift the bike to be sure the wheel is OK before mid March, as my warranty is up then. Thanks, Sarge

[j.coal]

Hi Sarge.  I had a ride hop problem with my DS from the day I took it home from the dealer.  The problem was a front tire molded out of round.  My hop was most prevalent at speeds of 30 mph or less.  I diagnosed the defective tire by jacking the front wheel just off the shop floor with a floor jack and a piece of 2x4 lumber.  The tire would drag on the floor through part of the rotation while spinning it.  I place a piece of 2x4 on the skid plate under the charger and use a floor jack to lift the motorcycle.  There are solutions to an out of round tire with a spoked rim.

[Sarge17]

Hi j.coal: Thanks for the reply, your detailed instructions seem easy to follow. I can't imagine lifting it enough to check the run out of the tire/wheel will put much stress on the plate. Will try it and report back. Thanks again, Sarge