M20 Airwave Suspension - Alvin Halfaker
I finally went for a 100 mile ride with the RX-1 Airwave. With the front shock set at 25 pounds and the lock ring set up one notch on the bottom of the front shock it works even better. The decrease in the pressure of 35 pounds in the front air shock allows for better adjustment of the rear air shock. Putting the lock ring up one notch makes it possible for the front shock resistance to increase sooner when going over bigger bumps on the trail. This is necessary due to the weight of the 1000cc Yamaha 4 cycle engine. It allows the skies to float over the bumps better. The rear adjustable air shock works well at 62 pounds. The rear shock is very sensitive to strong acceleration. The back of the machine is sucked down slightly due to the 14" of travel with the track going around the rear idler wheels and going up at a steep angle to the idler wheels on the rear suspension mount. When you can feel a slight bit of sucking down you know you are adjusted just about perfect for your weight.
I had my friend Rusty try the RX-1 for about 5 miles. He couldn't believe how great is was. His comment was the same as everyone else that have ridden the machine with the Airwave suspension, "The mid-range pumps are gone!!" Rusty weighs about a 150 pounds so before he road the machine I adjusted the rear shock down to 59 pounds, which works correctly for his weight. When I hopped back on the machine with my 212 pounds I pushed the lever to activate the electric air pump and set it back to 62 pounds for my weight.
Alvin Halfaker
Alvin is an independent rider from Grand Rapids, MN.
01-24-2010
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