Megamoto steering

[RoteEddie]

Do we have a verdict yet?

I now have about 2500 kms on my MM since I bought it. I ride relatively fast on bumpy twisty roads. For my speed (50 - 150 km/h) and road conditions I find the standard suspension very good. There is no tendency for any front end wobbles. Yes, it will wag the bars on bumpy corner exits when hard on the throttle. But it always calms down similar to my Tuono (which has an Öhlins steering damper).

I'll do a video with my Flycam mounted low down so I can see what the front wheel does. I'll have to wait for better weather as it's pooring down right now

 

[GSMarc]

well, not a big amount of km done but :

a) damper set to smallest angle of action (34 degrees)
b) wobble has disappeard at fast acceleration ;
c) speed until 180 km/h OK with minus 4 (-4) clic from maximum ;
d) speed between 180 km/h until >200 km/h ok with minus 2 (-2).

Also, the front is stabilized when you hit a whole when in curve.

I'm reflecting about a mean to set an automatic way to go from -4 to -2
and vice versa

 

[Bengaz]

I took my bike out last night just after fitting the new wunderlich screen.
Much more comfortable at high speeds, miles better.
The swerving on the handlebars is MUCH more moticeable with the screen on
It never gets out of control mind, but it is not pleasesurable.
Cant wait for my damper to be delivered. I know it will cure this small problem.

 

[GSMarc]

well, the damper has canceled some effects of the geometry of the MM.

I drive now from -4 for normal time and until -2 if I want to go from
180 Km/h to 200 KM/h.

Minus 1 or zero if more than 200 Km/h (on dedicated roads, that's
obvious).

I have painted the cross you must turn to set the damper.

Red is for zero clic ;
Silver is for Minus 2 ;
The number "4" written is for minus 4.

As you can adjust while driving, these colours codes are much more
easy to advice you on witch position you are currently.

But, in my opinion, one thing is sure with the MM : very high speed is not for it !!

 

[Bengaz]

Yes your right.

Its fine though if you get "on the tank". no problems at all then.

Can we have a picture showing the markings you added to the damper please?

 

[GSMarc]

yes, but it's not very sexy design
will make a picture this w-e

 

[GSMarc]

here it is.
I've put some tape around before coulouring.
So, I can go back to original colour

http://jemelapetenflat.xooit.be/t229-Stabilisateur-de-direction.htm?start=45#p25035

 

[Magnum]

Now mine has had its first service I've had the chance to wind her up a bit and I'm not happy.

There is a definite tendency for the bike to weave slightly. You can feel it in the bars and see it by looking at the fork legs. It's rather crap for a bike of this value.

Suspension is fine as I'm heavy.

Not very impressed.

 

[Bengaz]

Magnum,
This swerving thing is lessened by leaning over the front of the tank.
I was out last weekend with a few very fast sport bikes (gsxr1000, zzr1000 etc) and keeping up and in font no probs. When we pulled in they commented on the rear of my bike swerving voilently side to side and having a right old laugh at it too for the money I have paid. The swerve is transfered right through the bike and is off putting.
A lot of times this caused me to back off the throttle.

Your right, its a VERY poor handling bike at high speeds for £13,000!!!

At lower more sensible speeds tho, country roads etc, nothing has toutched it yet so far

My damper is here in a day or 2 so lets hope this makes a difference.

(Ps my suspension is set up spot on too, and having raced bikes for the last 13 years or so I know what I am on about.)

 

[Bengaz]

Magnum,
Fancy meeting up in July at Lake Annecy and coming for a run out?
We are there in July, we can compare setups!

 

[Magnum]

Magnum,
Fancy meeting up in July at Lake Annecy and coming for a run out?
We are there in July, we can compare setups!

If I'm around I'd love to

 

[Bengaz]

Cool, we are based there from 17th July for 8 days and have some great circular routes planned
I'll PM you before we go with my details.

 

[GSMarc]

well, the damper has canceled some effects of the geometry of the MM.

I drive now from -4 for normal time and until -2 if I want to go from
180 Km/h to 200 KM/h.

Had the chance to participate in a 2 days racing school from Didier de Radigues in France (Folembray)

Well, steering damper is a real must
Did all the sessions with -3 setting.

Could really enjoy the MM more than ever before !!

The Damper is the best object I bought with the underseat tank.

http://jemelapetenflat.xooit.be/t1466-De-Radigues-School-2.htm

 

[Bengaz]

steady riding - 4 setting is great, fast riding -2 perfect.
On the -2, no wobble at all, and handling is first class and will outperform most bikes.
Yes the slow speed handling is affected, but only that it is different and within hours, unknoticeable.
Overall a very essential piece of kit for the megamoto that should definately come on the bike as standard.

 

[Magnum]

Sorry lads but on a bike of this value it's simply not good enough. Mine's now up for sale

 

[RoteEddie]

I still get no wobbles on mine. Closest I get is a low frequency shimmy if I grip handlebars to tightly. If I relax its gone.

Any chance you can get an example on video?

Edit: What tires are used on the bikes that have this problem?

I am running Bridgestone BT016. Very pleased with grip and handling. I am getting close to 4000 kms, and the front left side is getting quite worn, but apart from that I should be able to get at least 5000 kms out of the pair.

 

[Bengaz]

Its more like a swerve than a wobble really.
Dont know how I can get video although I have a mount for my camera/sat nav on my bars and I am going to the alps in 2 weeks so could try maybe?
My mates that follow me say the swerve goes right through the bike to the rear end and looks really scary from behind.
My suspension is set up spot on too.

 

[Joe Bar]

Took mine in for it's 6,000 service today so a 60 mile trip, must say, I just don't have an issue with the weave any more. I'm running Michelin's at the moment, and just replaced the standard rear with a Pilot 2CT. Will try a different set next time round just out of interest.

By contrast I came home an a K1300R loaner, jeez, what a disappointment, there may be a nice bike under there somewhere, but BMW have done their damndest to make sure you can't find it.

 

[GSMarc]

Sorry lads but on a bike of this value it's simply not good enough. Mine's now up for sale

well, with a few more pesos, you are getting to have an incredible good bike !

We don't see many of them because not many guys have tested it

 

[Bengaz]

Joe,
mine came with pilot power 2ct's. Bike was 2nd hand 2300 miles and rear just about gone then.
Thought these were the standard tyres going by the mileage and that was the first rear tyre change?
Got to say tho, until very high speed that the bike handles great.