floppy steering

[Gordyman]

I have a 2004 GS had it from new. I am not sure if my riding style has changed slightly or what. But when I turn out of junctions slowly are any slow tight turning manoeuvres the front wheel sometimes feels as though it is flopping into full lock which can be quite off putting especially with a pillion and full luggage. I don't know if it is me or the bike to be honest. I have checked the head bearings and they are fine. Any thoughts ideas chaps n chapesses?
thanks

 

[Delboy777]

Im sure you can get a pill for your "floppy", just ask your doctor .....sorry couldnt resist.

 

[Wrinkly]

Tyres...?

 

[sidestand]

Tyre pressures, or worn front tyre ??

 

[masterman21]

+ 1 Tyres
I had same problem with 1200 tc.Would drop into a corner quicker than was expected ! Worn front tyre. Original factory fit Tourance Still a fair bit of life in it . Changed both tyres to Anakee 2 . Problem cured

 

[Beemerman59]

Loose axle/pinch bolt

 

[Bendy toy]

I would go with tyre pressures but check wheel bearings both ends and be sure the front ball joint is ok. Failing that just pin the throttle as you pull out. A wheelie cant over-steer.

 

[birdseye]

Yes gordyman. I tried out an rt a few weeks ago and it had weird handling including the feeling you describe. To cut a long story short, the bevel box bearing had collapsed and the rear wheel was moving all over and steering the bike. Check rear wheel play.

 

[Gordyman]

Cheers chaps

As always your advice much appreciated. I have replaced tyres so def not those. The doctor was no help with pills (I blame NHS)
I will check the bearings as suggested.
Once again thanks chaps.
Gordyman

 

[Rusty Bolts]

As always your advice much appreciated. I have replaced tyres so def not those. The doctor was no help with pills (I blame NHS)
I will check the bearings as suggested.
Once again thanks chaps.
Gordyman

All things checked have a look at your Telelever bolt. Mine was loose and caused a floppy feeling. Almost as if the front wasn't connected to the back.

 

[snaponphil]

I have a 2004 GS had it from new. I am not sure if my riding style has changed slightly or what. But when I turn out of junctions slowly are any slow tight turning manoeuvres the front wheel sometimes feels as though it is flopping into full lock which can be quite off putting especially with a pillion and full luggage. I don't know if it is me or the bike to be honest. I have checked the head bearings and they are fine. Any thoughts ideas chaps n chapesses?
thanks

Can I suggest if you haven't found the problem by now, get bike into someone who can check suspension wear etc, these faults suggested by the other gsers (didn't wanna use tossers) can be hard to locate as there is pressure/load on the components..
A failure at any speed could be nasty..
Take care..

 

[Engineer]

I have a 2004 GS had it from new. I am not sure if my riding style has changed slightly or what. But when I turn out of junctions slowly are any slow tight turning manoeuvres the front wheel sometimes feels as though it is flopping into full lock which can be quite off putting especially with a pillion and full luggage. I don't know if it is me or the bike to be honest. I have checked the head bearings and they are fine. Any thoughts ideas chaps n chapesses?
thanks

Flat or horribly squared off rear tyre - knackered rear shock and/or set to min pre-load.

 

[fizzer]

ball joint on front telelever ,just a maybe

 

[Bendy toy]

Mine has started to do something similar. The rear wheel bearing was within limits last time I looked but could well need another look and the tyres are worn. Will have to put the centre stand back on and take a look.

My previous bike did it really badly on Conti Road Attacks when the rear squared off. The RA was great for 3500 miles then quickly got really nasty as the centre line wore down. It had to be chucked before it was technically worn out.