Front end skating

[colinw]

Hi all, I have got a problem with handling and wondered if anyone had an idea as to the cause.

I have an05 12gs, every so often I get a feeling like the front is skating, the bars go loose and I lose feel at the front, this always seem to happen at normal speeds, at half lean or so, It almost feels as though the front will washout, but it is a vague feeling rather than a slip.

I have pretty new conti trail attacks at 36psi f 42 psi rear, have tried front preload hard and soft, presently 2 up from fully soft, rear is set to balance the bike IE pressing on pegs or tank gives even movement.

I am an advanced rider and observer with the IAM so in practise I know how to ride and am happy that it's not a technique issue, I can't say its always been there because I havn't noticed it before. Even when riding at subdued speeds it happens so it's not that it's caused by pressing on too much!

Any help would be welcome

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

I take it it's always done this or has it just started happening?

The front ends are a bit vague when compared to a conventional bike but you soon learn to trust it - doesn't sound like it's that from your description though

There has been an issue with the tripple clamp torx bolts working loose. IIRC they should be at 20Nm - there used to be a 'sticky' in this section but I can't seem to find it.

Andres

Edit: Just checked, should be 25Nm

 

[cookie]

try more preload on the rear.

 

[TyreMark]

Has the problem been apparent since fitting the new Contis' and if so are they fully bedded in

 

[GSmonkey]

As cookie says, wind on more rear preload - always needs more than standard even when riding solo.

 

[colinw]

Thanks fellas, actually I did back off the preload recently trying to get a "plush" ride, I did a track day at mallory recently and hardened everything right up, Maybe I have come off too much with the back, so are you saying that this is causing the front end to go light??.

Conti's now have 2500 on them and the problem doesent seem to relate to having them fitted.

Can anyone suggest a good setting for the rear preload on the standard shock

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Can anyone suggest a good setting for the rear preload on the standard shock

FWI I run the front same as you, rear preload pretty much on the max mark solo and as far as it will wind in two up and compresion damping a 1/4 turn in over standard.

Andres

 

[Gipsy]

I think trail attacks pressures are recommended as being 32 front and 36 rear. Might have some bearing on the matter

 

[colinw]

I think trail attacks pressures are recommended as being 32 front and 36 rear. Might have some bearing on the matter

thanks, i have just checked and you are right, 2.3 (33.3 psi) and 2.5 (36 psi) bar recommended on their site, will try this as well as more rear preload and let you all know onyack

 

[MIKE-SA]

Agreed on both

I run a few clicks past medium on preload - and it seems to give me the best of both worlds - although thev front is light on accelaration - but that could also be down to riding style / body position

Tyre pressures can have big effect - stick to the recomended pressures...

 

[colinw]

Thanks for all your replies, set pressures to 33front 36 rear upped the preload lots to about 3/4 full in and hey presto bike is how it used to be, just flew home on muddy wet roads and really sure footed, Thanks all.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Thanks for all your replies, set pressures to 33front 36 rear upped the preload lots to about 3/4 full in and hey presto bike is how it used to be, just flew home on muddy wet roads and really sure footed, Thanks all.

I find it always pays to check the basics

 

[D6]

pog had the same problem

 

[Gipsy]

Good news.