CBR6 steering response question

[Paul2129]

Ok, the bike is a 1996 CBR600 FT, the last model with a steel frame, might be also known as an F4. I've had the bike almost 18 years from new, and I have about 80,000 miles experience on bikes.
The bike he been used less in the last few years, and also recently I had Pirelli Road Sport 3's fitted front and rear, this is the tyre with some unusual technology and lots of cuts (sipes?) on the front tyre, it created seperate blocks of tread, and the tyres are quite soft.
Also, just to point out that the tyres have no noticeable wear, the shape is still as was manufactured, no flat spot in the middle, and the pressure is fine. The bike has never had any head bearings, and has been subject to standing around in the garage for months on end. There is no noticeable notch in the steering when moved around on a smooth floor, the same with rider or not, and nothing can be noticed when tipping the wheel in the air using the centre stand.
The issue I notice is that of feelin like the tyre is flat. In traffic, at walkin pace, it (can) feel like the tyre is flat, it wants to 'stick' in a straight line. The same can happen when going straight and tipping into a corner, turning right at lights for example, or tipping into a roundabout, it was so bad the other night that it affected balance, and it generally makes the bike feel like it won't steer properly.
An experienced rider, one who has almost the same bike, and he didn't notice anything, but he rides much faster than me and is less critical.
Would people suggest that a new set of head bearings be fitted first ? Then clearly I could change the tyre next should the problem still persist
Please post if you've ever experienced anything like this.

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

Suspension knackered?
____________________
My Flickr

[Bendy]

[Paul2129]

Thanks for the replies. Ok, we're talking slow speed here, I would doubt that at 7mph in traffic, or turning at traffic lights that the suspension is contributing to the issue. True that the suspension is 18 years old, front and rear having some 55,000 miles use, but truthfully, riders of newer bikes have ridden mine expecting it to ride like a saggy old bike, their unprompted comment that it's still crisp, with little dive under braking.
My previous tyres were Michelin Macadam's, I think not as soft as these Road 3's, maybe I'm noticing a sticky compound doesn't like initial turn-in as much ?

Pressures are 36/42 fr/rear

[Paul2129]

As to if the problem is the same left/right, I must admit, roundabouts and right turns at lights are where I've noticed it more. I'll check next time I'm out and report back

[Marmaduke]

I had a serious problem turning right when I first got the multistrada. I had the front tyre changed and chain replaced.
So it was either a dodgy front tyre or misaligned rear as it was perfect afterwards.

Maybe a small chance the forks were twisted in the yokes but I doubt it as it was never mentioned by the mechanic.
____________________
Current: '03 Tuono RSV1000, '05 Van Van, '91 Zephyr 550
Previous: Multistrada 620,Bandit 600,Kawsaki ER-5, BMW K-75

[baggylastard]

I've got PR3s on a 1998 and I think they feel a little strange and a tad slow, but mine does need a good going over soon as I can take it off the road.

[wristjob]

if your pr3's are stamped pirelli i think they may be some cheap knockoff

[baggylastard]

You may be right, ignore me. I can't read.

[chickenstrip]

If you've confirmed the steering bearings are ok, and others who ride it say the suspension feels ok, then I'd be inclined to think it's a tyre that just doesn't suit you. Very subjective things, some people will rate a tyre very highly, and others will slag off the same and can't get on with them.

Maybe try a cheap, part worn jobbie and see what the difference is?

[mysterious_rider]

had similar thing, was a worn front tyre at fault. Didn't look too bad mind, but it was. Also make sure you are running the correct psi front +rear.
____________________
KAWASAKIIIII

[gavcarter]