bike trouble...

Keen · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Apr 2002 Karma :

Hi,

I have a pretty old and shitty GS500.... and its having some handling problems, but just at low speed, like on small roundabouts. I know the roads are slippy at the moments, but it really doesnt feel right, it corners ok at speed, but when slower the front feels really flighty, the bars feel like they move/turn too much and the back keeps skwirming and stepping out a bit...

I have no idea why, the steering feels light, and the forks also seem pretty soft, but to be honest I dont know how stiff they should be... has anybody got any ideas?

thanks,
james
____________________
"he who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man"- Dr. Johnson

Demonic69 · The Pink Rhino Joined: 31 May 2002 Karma :

Checked the tyre pressures? I know it sounds silly but it can have quite an effect on handling, especially at slow speeds.
____________________
Back on a Blade. Just feels so right.

Keen · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Apr 2002 Karma :

yeah, well not with a proper gauge but they seem ok..... at least not far enough out to make too much of a difference.

i dunno, the orads are slippy here, maybe I'm paranoid, but it threw me off not long ago when the brake pad slipped and locked the wheel- I haven't really trusted the bike since then....

I think I'll take it to a garage, ask them to give it the professional once-over for me, for peace of mind.

but the main thing I've been noticing is how rediculously light the steering is, the bars seem to turn way too easy.. odd.
____________________
"he who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man"- Dr. Johnson

stormwarning · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 04 Jan 2005 Karma :

Have you checked all the bearings?

Head bearings: if they're too stiff or too loose they'll affect the front AND back end, as all the turning and steering forces travel through the frame to the back.

Wheel bearings: Are they greased and turning without notching? You'll only be able to do this with the wheels off really.

Are the tyres in good condition?

The front forks will have a standard setting that'll be in the manual. Consists of the right amount of and correct grade of oil. Checking that the springs are within service limits- length. I'm not sure what other adjustment you have, preload I would imagine, but don't set that until you've checked the others.

Rear shock(s) could be shot (is it twin or monoshock?)

Blimey, that's a whole shed load raeding back. It's all stuff you should be able to do yourself if you're halfway competenet and have a reasonable tool kit.

Hope it helps Thumbs Up

____________________
https://www.bikebidder.com/index.php / https://www.adopt-a-racer.org.uk/

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

wot he said ^^^
I would add to that list checking the wheel alignment with a lath or piece of tight string.

My guesses for most likley would be:
1) Soft back tyre.
2) Excessive wear on front tyre.
3) Fitting of shitty continental/cheng-shin tyres and suddenly realising they don't work in the wet.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

octane · Trackday Trickster Joined: 24 Aug 2004 Karma :

Robby · Dirty Old Man Joined: 16 May 2002 Karma :

Another possible culprit is ageing metzeler tyres- I had some on my old VFR400, ME33/55 combination. They were old and dried up, didn't notice how bad it was until my first slimy morning.

Every time I touched the front brake I lost the front end, every time I accelerated vaguely well the rear span up and stepped out. Bought some BT45s pretty soon after that.