Steering Issues

[Ison]

Hi all wondering if u can help me, first post on the forum and it's for someone else bike

I bought a new 650gs on a 52 plate which i kept for a few years then moved along, i've just bought a 1150gsa, but the reason for the post and explanation i took a friend to pick up a f650gs on an '04 tidy low miles but on the test ride it tucks in at low speed (want's to turn in) which i don't remember my '52 doing i'm presuming it's the front forks need moving in the clamps they are currently flush with the top clamp the rear preload is on high (rider is tall'ish and just going through his das course but 650 was ideal for his needs) wondering if anyone has had a similar issue or can help.

Many thanks Ison.

 

[ghiribizzo]

Apart from the forks/suspension set up; a lot can depend on tyres and pressures too.
But yeah - take notes on how it is and what you change step by step.

 

[tosh23]

Wheel bearings
Tyre pressures
Steering head bearings
Fork oil
How about this ??
Rear wheel bearings with a bad aligned rear wheel and a very tight chain ??
Good luck ..Tosh

 

[Timolgra]

I find my partner's Dakar does this even with a 21" front wheel, I haven't mentioned this to her in case it knocks her confidence, but this bike is set up soft and with the forks dropped around 8mm.
There's nothing wrong with the bike so it could just be a characteristic

 

[rc mad]

If the bike's got a centre stand check the shb's for notchiness, also check they are not too loose. Also might be worth doing a fork oil change as well, just so you know there's the correct ammount in there.

 

[Timolgra]

If the bike's got a centre stand check the shb's for notchiness, also check they are not too loose. Also might be worth doing a fork oil change as well, just so you know there's the correct ammount in there.

Steering head bearings were my first thought with this bike also but they're fine although I'm going to check and re pack them soon

 

[Ison]

Thanks gents i'll work through the list starting with the simple ones and work up it'll be 3 weeks before i can get onto it but will post my findings, anyone know of a site that would have a list of the standard suspension settings (Rr spring coller position,fork fluid amounts etc)

Ison

 

[Greger]

Front tyre wear can feel odd.

Forks are supposed to be flush with yoke.

 

[Udders]

Another vote for the steering head bearings. Sounds just like my wifes symptoms on her bike and I know that they need changing.

 

[VAL. H.]

Hi all wondering if u can help me, first post on the forum and it's for someone else bike

I bought a new 650gs on a 52 plate which i kept for a few years then moved along, i've just bought a 1150gsa, but the reason for the post and explanation i took a friend to pick up a f650gs on an '04 tidy low miles but on the test ride it tucks in at low speed (want's to turn in) which i don't remember my '52 doing i'm presuming it's the front forks need moving in the clamps they are currently flush with the top clamp the rear preload is on high (rider is tall'ish and just going through his das course but 650 was ideal for his needs) wondering if anyone has had a similar issue or can help.

Many thanks Ison.

Hmm, Not so sure about the steering head bearings. They will tend to make the steering notchy, as opposed to causing the steering to 'tuck in'. Though it is well worth checking them anyway, as this sort of thing can be a collection of things.

I would look first at the front tyre. It sounds rather like the tyre is flat or at a very low pressure.
Alternetively the tread could be worn on the sides, but still have quite a bit of tread in the centre, giving a pyramid look. This in extreem cases can cause some quite unnerving steering charecteristics.
Also look for drastically uneven tread ware, as this will show that the tyre's either been really badly ballenced or more importantly that the make up of the tyres carcas is breaking down, Ie the belts comming apart within the moulding.

Having the rear shock pumped up to it's max will also make the steering sharper. It hasn't had a Dakar shock fitted perchance?


Val.