98 Yamaha R1 instability

Irezumi aka Reuben · Carrot Top Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Karma :

I rode a Yamaha 98 R1 yesterday and to be quite frank it scared me. The acceleration wasnt too mental and the braking was very good, the thing that got me the most was the handling. The bike seemed to skim the front wheel just on the ground regardless of what speed or how hard/soft I was riding, if it had wanted to lift the front wheel or stay on the ground then that would of be fine. I ended up having a mini tank slapper at 120mph, which would have been bad as it's my work's bike.

Is this a normal trait of the early R1's or is this one just badly set up? I thought this could be due to my light weight but all the other people in the shop who have rideen it (varying weights and heights) have found the same problem. Loosening my grip as much as possible did nothing to help cure this problem either.

Any thoughts on this appreciated.

..... · Quote Me Happy Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Karma :

I suppose the first thing to do would be to check the tyre pressures and make sure the suspension is at factory settings.

How many miles has it done? Are the forks/rear shock in good nick?

Irezumi aka Reuben · Carrot Top Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Karma :

The suspension is in good condition, tyres are Metzeler racetecs in quite condition, pressures are good. I will try and find some factory suspension settings and change them on the bike. Does anyone have a link to any of these settings?

TUG · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 May 2007 Karma :

seems normal, was told by a boke who said they felt that way and caught you off guard would send it into a wobble. best bet is to lean the bike forward so more weight is put on the front, it will turn in very quickly but will stop the wheel skimming the road.
hope that gives you any help Thumbs Up

____________________
Haz ER-5, innit!

Irezumi aka Reuben · Carrot Top Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Karma :

That's the suggestion me and the other guy into sports bikes came to over here (most people are into motocross here). However the forks can't be dropped any lower. The bike really needs a steering damper as it is, jacking up the rear would make it impossible to ride without.

The bike literally skims the tarmac from 50mph up to 170 (which is as fast as I was prepared to go on it), giving it this unnerving slight weave.

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

The 98 R1 was known to be a bit flighty generally and I suspect your weight won't help.

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

Lucifer was never renowned for his sanity. The thing is trying to kill you. Ride it harder or go back in the cupboard and cry.

TUG · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 May 2007 Karma :