Forza hash rough ride------ after market high dollar shocks?

[scootertrash]

I am new to this site and I just joined hoping for some experienced help on a Honda Forza ride issue. I own 4 scooters right now, 2 Yamaha Zumas, 1 Honda PCX, 1 Yamaha Majesty. I want to add a Honda Forza due to the engine size, weight of the scooter, looks, seat height etc etc etc. I went to the dealership and took 2 Forzas for a test ride. The ride is harsh/rough for a $5000 scooter. I had the dealership check the tire pressure and it was not over serviced. Also the shocks were adjusted for a light weight person which I am. So the question here is has anyone had direct personal experience buying aftermarket shocks to correct this harsh ride problem? And what were the results? None of my present scooters have a harsh/rough ride like this Forza.

[iceman]

I thought the PCX was a hard ride due to poor shocks - and the Forza is worse?

[davenowherejones]

I thought the PCX was a hard ride due to poor shocks - and the Forza is worse?

I hit a little 1 inch curb on my way in to a store today. It felt like I hit a huge pot hole. The front forks are awful.

My front wheel is bent from a previous hit. I haven't looked at it today. I guess I should.

I think tire pressure is extremely critical on this scooter.

[you you]

I thought the PCX was a hard ride due to poor shocks - and the Forza is worse?

I hit a little 1 inch curb on my way in to a store today. It felt like I hit a huge pot hole. The front forks are awful.

My front wheel is bent from a previous hit. I haven't looked at it today. I guess I should.

I think tire pressure is extremely critical on this scooter.

Your forks might be damaged, have you checked them?

[Oyabun]

After an accident what leaves front wheel damaged - I'd definitely start the investigation by checking the front forks first.
Check for bent fork tubes, potential contamination of the fluid, smooth operation of sliding bearings etc.

Even if everything is operating well, a sharp ridge with a bad profile even at moderate speeds can cause a "shocking" experience on the very simple front forks.
Once you have the forks checked I suggest to upgrade with a fork valve as described in this topic: http://hondapcx.org/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=4877

Works both on PCX and Forza - and it significantly improves the front suspension.

[gn2]

I thought the PCX was a hard ride due to poor shocks - and the Forza is worse?

No its not worse, its actually a lot better.

(opinion based on 18,000 miles on a PCX and 26.500 miles on a Forza)

[gn2]

pressed wrong button mods please delete

[scootertrash]

The PCX has a smoother ride compared to the Forza, that is no debate. The Forza's ride quality should never have been delivered to the public for $5000+ scooter. The Forza is not a track racer needing stiff shocks. Hopefully with hands on experienced help form this site I can fix this issue. With the right shocks that someone has experimented with and sharing their results and I will buy this Forza believing I can fix this one issue. Hopefully this post will not wander off the specific question. thank you

[phantom309]

i don't have a problem with my forza shocks? the scoot rides fine . an handles very well in my opinion.. ask anybody who's tried to keep up with me ?

[montliz44]

There are a few threads on rear shock upgrades on the technical and the accessories subforums here. Both YSS and I think maybe Ohlins make rear shocks for the Forza. There may be threads about front fork upgrades as well, but I don't remember seeing them right now.

Johnny

[fish]

Again. ...check air in tires youself. Follow owner's manual. Forza rides like a Buick if tires and preload correct compared to small scoots.
Dealers will throw 35 in both tires from their preset tank..... Call it done.
Fish

[davenowherejones]

Again. ...check air in tires youself. Follow owner's manual. Forza rides like a Buick if tires and preload correct compared to small scoots.
Dealers will throw 35 in both tires from their preset tank..... Call it done.
Fish

Air pressures are good. I have several gauges and find them all difficult to use. The small wheels make it difficult to get my 4 inch straight one in. My 45 degree gauge is difficult to get properly on the valve. I might try to find a 90 degree gauge.

And then how do you actually get an air chuck on the valve to get air in. I usually have to bend the valve rubber stem outwards to get some air in. I also have to stand on my head to see what I am doing. And then my reading glasses fall off.

There has to be a better way.

[iceman]

I purchased a small portable (carry with you and powered off the battery) inflator with a flecible hose and accurate gauge. Never need or use a petrol station or other air supply and the hose screws on easily (PCX).

[davenowherejones]

I purchased a small portable (carry with you and powered off the battery) inflator with a flecible hose and accurate gauge. Never need or use a petrol station or other air supply and the hose screws on easily (PCX).

What brand? Model?

[davenowherejones]

I purchased a small portable (carry with you and powered off the battery) inflator with a flecible hose and accurate gauge. Never need or use a petrol station or other air supply and the hose screws on easily (PCX).

I tried that and had trouble with the screwing. I took too long and let out the air.

[iceman]

I purchased a small portable (carry with you and powered off the battery) inflator with a flecible hose and accurate gauge. Never need or use a petrol station or other air supply and the hose screws on easily (PCX).

What brand? Model?

http://tinyurl.com/zh7bsaq
There are cheaper ones, esp. on sale in the UK, but this got good reviews and did not have a great an amperage load than others and reliable gauge. Mine version came with adaptors to fix a plug lead to the battery (so plug device to that flying lead), croc clip adapter or cigar lighter adaptor.

[scootertrash]

There are a few threads on rear shock upgrades on the technical and the accessories subforums here. Both YSS and I think maybe Ohlins make rear shocks for the Forza. There may be threads about front fork upgrades as well, but I don't remember seeing them right now.

Johnny

Thank you montliz44 for helping with my question. I followed your suggestion on the shocks research. I am amazed at how far off from the simple question I asked some of the other responses were.

[MBMyer]

Is there any sort of comparo between the YSS and the Malossi shocks for the Forza?

[montliz44]

I haven't seen a comparo yet, but buyers of both brands report improved rides. Of course it's all seat-of-the pants and very subjective, so it would be hard to do a real comparo of the ride. I have YSSs on mine, and I'm sure they're less expensive than Malossis. Probably you get what you pay for with shocks and you kind of have to decide how much you want to invest.

Johnny