Light front end.

[Format]

Hi guys,

Have owned my R1200 GS for a few months now and have noticed that the front can be very much "twitchy".

I am a fat fook which probably contributes to all said and done but I like a spirited ride and find that the front becomes easily twitchy on fast bends at 90+ kmph ofc

The front really does feel as though it is lost sometimes.

Besides getting on the atkins diet asap could there be a reason for this. The rear shock is a dream to change fully kitted up with panniers etc. but that front has not been changed at all since I have bought it as I really don't know what to do with it. Should I wind it up? or what?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
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cracker wheat here we go

 

[Mr K]

Your front shock is prolly set on 3 lumps, knock it down to 2...

They come set up like speed boats.. Nose-up - no dive.

 

[Brian ROSEN]

'Twitchy' front end

You don't say whether or not this is a new bike; I have had two 1200 GS's over the last 5 years and the front end is definitely NOT twitchy - nor have I read any road reports or met anyone with such a problem; Something is wrong.

 

[Format]

Your front shock is prolly set on 3 lumps, knock it down to 2...

They come set up like speed boats.. Nose-up - no dive.

TY Chris, did not know this.

 

[Format]

You don't say whether or not this is a new bike; I have had two 1200 GS's over the last 5 years and the front end is definitely NOT twitchy - nor have I read any road reports or met anyone with such a problem; Something is wrong.

Brian,

It's a 2004 reg, had brand new tourances on it and they have been fine, no chicken strips and scrubbed to the edge.

 

[Brian ROSEN]

2004 and brand new Touraces

That is exactly what I had, just five years ago; So at least you can be assured(if that is the word!) that this twitchy front end is NOT characteristic. But why it feels like that I have no idea; ( I weigh 85 kg and use the standard tyte pressurres - does that give you any leads?)

 

[Format]

That is exactly what I had, just five years ago; So at least you can be assured(if that is the word!) that this twitchy front end is NOT characteristic. But why it feels like that I have no idea; ( I weigh 85 kg and use the standard tyte pressurres - does that give you any leads?)

Brian,

You have confused me now mate, you had the same experience but no remedy?

 

[AdamA]

Your front shock is prolly set on 3 lumps, knock it down to 2...

They come set up like speed boats.. Nose-up - no dive.

What he said, and try upping the rear preload too.
It raises the rear and puts a little more weight over the front.
If you are a fat fooker it will need to be up the higher end of the scale anyhow, regardless of luggage.

I have had two 1200 GS's over the last 5 years and the front end is definitely NOT twitchy - nor have I read any road reports or met anyone with such a problem

You have now.
I've had 2 also and they most definitely are twitch at the front on standard suspension settings as a 17+ stone rider.

Something is wrong.

Yes. The suspension setup probably.
Less preload on the front and a tad more on the rear should sort it.
It has on both of mine.

 

[AdamA]

( I weigh 85 kg and use the standard tyte pressurres - does that give you any leads?)

Yes. Add 20+kg to your bike and see what happens.

 

[Brian ROSEN]

misreading?

You don't say whether or not this is a new bike; I have had two 1200 GS's over the last 5 years and the front end is definitely NOT twitchy - nor have I read any road reports or met anyone with such a problem; Something is wrong.

No I have NOT had the same problem - that is my point.
Anyway, it is past my bedtime - we are an hour ahead here. Somebody else will come up with a solution, don't worry.

 

[Format]

No I have NOT had the same problem - that is my point.
Anyway, it is past my bedtime - we are an hour ahead here. Somebody else will come up with a solution, don't worry.

Thank you for your input Brian. The bike is second hand so maybe there is more to it, hopefully not.

 

[Format]

What he said, and try upping the rear preload too.
It raises the rear and puts a little more weight over the front.
If you are a fat fooker it will need to be up the higher end of the scale anyhow, regardless of luggage.


You have now.
I've had 2 also and they most definitely are twitch at the front on standard suspension settings as a 17+ stone rider.

Yes. The suspension setup probably.
Less preload on the front and a tad more on the rear should sort it.
It has on both of mine.

Cheers Adam for your post,

Forgive my ignorance (since my bike came with no tools at all) but do I need a special tool for the front suspension?

I really am the guy that has a mobile phone and a "AA" card for back ups.

I envy you peeps that can do your own services etc. Sometimes I wish my dad stayed longer lol.

 

[AdamA]

Cheers Adam for your post,

Forgive my ignorance (since my bike came with no tools at all) but do I need a special tool for the front suspension?

There is a C spanner that comes in the standard tool roll. If you don't have one just borrow one off the next GSer you meet or off your local dealer. It's 30 second job.

I really am the guy that has a mobile phone and a "AA" card for back ups.

Nowt wrong with that chap, and not a bad plan when owning a 1200.

 

[elefantmanshawn]

Take the shitty screen off and see the improvement it makes at speed

 

[OldCroc]

There is a C spanner that comes in the standard tool roll.

Now I know what the C spanner is for Also comes in the measly tool kit when you have ESR

OldCroc

 

[Brian ROSEN]

various solutions

It would seem likely that the suspension set up or tyre pressures will help; the imagination has quite a lot to do with it as well!
Extra weight (you or somebody said 20kg. is nothing.) With my wife on the back we weigh around 150 kg and the bike is still very 'planted' if that is the term. I have owned 10 BMW's over a long period and am a qualified engineer and each bike has been sold with a clean unused toolkit - so the fact that the toolkits become less comprehensive does not worry me; As you say, AA card/ portable pnone etc; are a welcome alternative to spanners and puncture outfits.

 

[EggChaser]

Now I know what the C spanner is for Also comes in the measly tool kit when you have ESR

OldCroc

Just for info I think the C spanner is also made of the right thickness of metal to be useful if you need to separate your brake pads to get a caliper back on the disk - cunning BuMW idea again....

 

[RickG]

I've never noticed twitchyness even fully loaded with wife and kitchen sink, except perhaps at fully wellie in second over a bump when the front tries to come up. After checking the suspension settings, the next thing I'd look at would be tyre pressures (front and rear) - pu them on two-up pressure settings. Then maybe, just because you can, have a wiggle of the swing-arm to check the pivot bearings are OK

I'd also strongly suggest some road tyres instead of trail-types

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Road tyres v.Touraces

I do not think that the tyres are at all resposible; I always had Touraces on my previous GS's - the latest one has Bridgestone Battlewings which feel verymuch the same - but without the comforting rumble on slow steep corners of the heavy treads on the Tourances.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

My advice would be to return the suspension setting`s to the standard setting as described in the manual and go from there.

A couple of days playing with the suspension setting`s should produce the ride you want and help you understand the bike better.