Smt - front end issue........

[RJT_Berlin]

Just got my smt, only had one short ride so far

Front end feels strange at low speeds, when turning it feels like the tyre is an egg shape? I know, poor description.....

Seems okay when i speed up about, but it is like it fights being turned initially - as if it is oushing against the direction i want to go in

Just had it serviced, mentioned this, they said all has been checked and is fine - was think head bearings but supposedly all good.....

Might just be me after coming from a beemer with telelever, but this doesnt feel confidence inspiring.... Had a similar issue with my 999 adv, test rode another and it was night and day - ended up selling it, dont want to do that here as the motor is amazing!!!

Also..... Suspension settings - take it back to standard or any special recommendations? Am 5"11 and about 90kg (before diet!!!)

Cheers

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Suspension - Back to standard, set the sag correctly and then start fiddling with the suspension, one end at a time. I generally keep going a little bit stiffer on compression until it starts to feel too much then back it off a bit (obviously if it feels too stiff at standard go the other way). Same for rebound.

Steering - If the sag was too low it will slow the steering and could give the described behaviour. Pressures - use the tyre manufacturers rec pressure, not what's in the KTM handbook.
How shagged are the tyres? Squared off profiles will give you the behaviour you describe.
Make of tyre? I'm not familiar with KTMs but some bikes are more sensetive than others to the tyre used.

HTH
Andres

 

[Packer]

Front end feels strange at low speeds, when turning it feels like the tyre is an egg shape? I know, poor description.....

What do you mean by low speed? Walking pace? 30MPH? More?

Are the bars narrower than you are used to?

 

[RJT_Berlin]

Tyres are roadtec z8 and appear in good enough shape, pace i am talking about is slow manouevere pace, end of junction pace - just feels horrible..... Bars are slightly narrower than the gsa but not much.......

Am nervous now....

 

[fatbob99]

The narrower bars do make quite a significant difference , I noticed the same as you
GS had cow horns by comparison

 

[doyle]

I would judge it after a good long ride.I personally think they take a wee while to get dialled into.That of course is subject to checking tyres properly.On run last year to Ullapool ,I swapped bikes with my mate(SMT) ,from my GSA.I felt very unsure of the SMT initially,only after about 20 miles did I start to really enjoy it,And I had a 950sm before the GSA so was used to that type of bike.