 Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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Hi, guys. I think this is the place to put this. I've done a search but, as I don't really know what the problem is, and it's really hard to describe, I've not found anything::
The bike wobbles slightly from side to side as I ride along and, also, if I hit overbanding or a ridge that runs parallel to the tyre, the whole bike tilts that way and almost throws me off. It's difficult to trace where it's coming from (front or rear), it's very unnerving and, until it's sorted, the bike's unrideable.
Tyre pressures are fine (30/31), shock settings are equal, the wheel is aligned properly and I've done a check of the nuts and bolts at the rear end but nothing seems amiss (I only checked them by hand).
I'll be doing a thorough check tomorrow but if you can offer any pointers, I'd be most appreciative.
Thanks in advance, Neill
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 Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61 |
There is a wobble from uneven tire wear or just a low grade tire others have reported and we had on Wendys bike.
Check wheel bearings for play.
Check swing arm bearings for play.
Check steering head bearings for tension/wear.
check spokes for tension (if you have them) and wheel for any damage or misalignment.
Check forks for wear and rear shocks for wear.
Possibly even a badly warped rotor although I doubt that one from what you describe.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61 |
Also check riders blood alcohol level!   Just kidding.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 807
3/4 Throttle
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OP
3/4 Throttle
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Thanks for that, Ian. Perhaps I should point out that it's an 07 (6months/2600miles old) so no spokes and I really hope no wear!!
No alcohol in rider, either. I don't touch it if I'm driving/riding.
Also, I wasn't sure whether or not it was psychological so I took it out on 2 separate days but got the same problem.
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
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Are the tires scalloped in any way? I run 32/36 but still, your pressures should be ok. Uneven tire wear would be the most logical explanation.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,217 Likes: 61 |
I would still check the bearings. Just because it's new doesn't mean it was assembled correctly.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,753
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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and since its an 07 let the dealer pick up the tab
Frank
(Former)05 BA tbike pipes, ai removed, Freak, mikuni hsr 42's, 904, ported/polished head, 1mm oversized valves
NOW-2010 silver and black tbird
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172 |
Your tire pressures sound low to me. But beyond that it might be a bad/defective tire.
I'd let the dealer sort it out.
More flags
More fun!
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 96
Member
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Tyre pressure for speedy is 36psi front and rear. Go by the handbook, not the haynes manual as this is incorrect. 
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 175
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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In my handbook, [05 speedie] it,s 31 front and 32 to 36 rear depending on load...
05 SM Neon Blue/Black. Thunder Bike Cams & Pipes & Flowed Head. AI&Snork removed, Airbox Mods, 135mains, 42/17T, 140x80x17" TBS Front Wheel
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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3/4 Throttle
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OP
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Regarding the tyre pressures, I've always used the figures quoted in the Haynes manual (30/31). The problem has only appeared in the last few days. I'll try increasing the pressure and see how that goes.
PS I aint too heavy (12 1/2stone, 180lbs ish), no pillions (ever!) and no luggage.
EDIT: Just checked my handbook and the 30F/31R pressures are correct according to that.
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Sep 2007
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Just an FYI, my 07 SM calls for 36PSI tire pressure both front & rear. This is stated in the owners manual, and on the bike. Try giving your tires a bit more air, and see how she feels. Jim PS - These are great for keeping an eye on tire pressure (the lazy man's way!) Lol!!! 
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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3/4 Throttle
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Hopefully (fingers crossed), I've sorted it. I pulled my back end apart-shocks off & on, wheel pushed to the front then reset, chain adjusted-took her for a very quick spin round the block and she seemed fine but will need to give her a longer run tomorrow to make sure. Thank you to all who replied.  Regarding tyre pressure, I'm perplexed. My Haynes manual and Triumph handbook says 30F/31R (solo). You lot say different so I just called my local dealership and the guy quoted 36/36 (solo or loaded), although when it was last serviced, the technician put in as I have: 30/31.  I'll call Triumph tomorrow to find out what's what. Once again, thanks.
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Quote:
In my handbook, [05 speedie] it,s 31 front and 32 to 36 rear depending on load...
Not to disagree with you Mike, according to my handbook,page 82, the figures you quote are for the America which has tubed tyres.
For the Speedmaster which has tubeless tyres, it calls for 36psi front and rear, both solo or fully laden. Go figure.
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Aug 2006
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Quote:
Quote:
In my handbook, [05 speedie] it,s 31 front and 32 to 36 rear depending on load...
Not to disagree with you Mike, according to my handbook,page 82, the figures you quote are for the America which has tubed tyres.
For the Speedmaster which has tubeless tyres, it calls for 36psi front and rear, both solo or fully laden. Go figure.
This got me worried and seriously doubting my memory and sanity so I had to go look them up, I apologise but only by 1 psi front an rear... both the manual under the seat and the Haynes said 30F-31R for speedie and america, no mention of 36 at all, tubed or not, soooo, it's got me beat why different books say different things, especially when it's our saftey that is involved....
anyway thanks for pullin me up, I hate quoting untruths...
My next problem [beside my broken arm] is what pressure am I gonna put in my new TBS Front running a 140/80x17"? It's sitting at the shop, tire mounted and all ready to pick up and mount the rotors....
05 SM Neon Blue/Black. Thunder Bike Cams & Pipes & Flowed Head. AI&Snork removed, Airbox Mods, 135mains, 42/17T, 140x80x17" TBS Front Wheel
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Adjunct
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I have an Australian purchased 07 America. The handbok is a dual TBS/TBA "Owner's Handbook" and on page 90 under the tyre section. It states 30/31 Solo Riding and 31/36 for fully laden for BOTH bikes. This is with the Stock Metzeler Lasertec 110/90-18 (TBA) or 110/80-18 (TBS) in the front and the Metzeler ME880 170/80B 15 in the rear for both TBS/TBA. Perhaps other years / models have a different tyre that requires a different pressure range.
Adventure before Dementia...
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 96
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I dont remember where, but I was reading a thread which pointed out the discrepencies between the haynes and owners manuals and it was established that the haynes manual had only specd pressures for the america with tubed tyres, therfore it was advised to follow your indvidual owners manual. I run 36psi front and rear and she handles the twisties great, mind you, I do weigh 95kg. Hereis a scan out of my 2004 owners handbook. 
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Old Hand
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Old Hand
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The official factory service manual printed in '03 says 36 PSI at both ends of the Speedmaster with any loading.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Who's confused then  cos this came out of the official tech manual issue 4 10.2004  Mind you, it does make sense to increase the rear tyre pressure if you have a load doesn't it. Doesn't it?
Last edited by Staffo; 11/16/2007 9:52 PM.
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I ride about 50% of the time 2-up. I keep my America at 32 front / 36 rear. It rides great with very even wear on the tires.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172 |
Not to throw any more crap into the mix, but on my 03 America there is a sticker on the right side of the frame below the tree that lists the tire pressures. That may not exist on the newer bikes, I don't know.
On the older America's with the crappy Bridgestone snow tires, 31f/31r worked o.k. because the tires were so stiff.
With Avons, I went with 32f/34r.
On a Speedmaster with the Metzlers (tubeless) in the replies I've read on here about tire pressure over the years it's always been a few pounds higher than the Americas. 30/31 just sounds too low.....
More flags
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Quote:
Who's confused then cos this came out of the official tech manual issue 4 10.2004
Mind you, it does make sense to increase the rear tyre pressure if you have a load doesn't it. Doesn't it?
EUREKA......The riddle is solved
Thankyou Staffo for showing this page of your manual.
If you look at the pressure specs for the speedy, they are shown correctly in metric,ie 2.5bar, front and rear,laden or unladen, but they didnt convert to psi correctly,as will be obvious if you look carefully at the america versus speedy pressures.
So all this confusion is down to poor editing of those paticular editions of the manual, and obviously picked up and corrected by 2007.
So all you speedy owners, forget psi and blow your tyres up to 2.5 bar(36psi)
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Dec 2006
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Great detective work there Dr Watson oh, I mean Harry. I don't know why I didn't see it myself. Maybe you could be employed as a consultant to investigate for clues on why the mighty Blacks and Wallabies were so miserable this year   Anyway, unless there are any objections, I think we can safely say that Speedmaster tyre pressures are 36 front and back, which is great cos it's much easier to remember too 
Last edited by Staffo; 11/17/2007 7:14 AM.
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 96
Member
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Member
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Quote:
Great detective work there Dr Watson oh, I mean Harry. I don't know why I didn't see it myself. Maybe you could be employed as a consultant to investigate for clues on why the mighty Blacks and Wallabies were so miserable this year
. Anyway, unless there are any objections, I think we can safely say that Speedmaster tyre pressures are 36 front and back, which is great cos it's much easier to remember too
No worrys there John. As for the allblacks and wallabies,i'm going to be kind and blame it on the confusing playing style of the northern hemisphere teams,tho I strongly feel that the shite ref had to do a lot with the ABs demise.
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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3/4 Throttle
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OP
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Yesterday, I rang the Technical and Warranty department at Triumph and Charlie, the bloke who answered, couldn't answer my question but said he'd find out and call me back. Later that eve, he did and basically said that, due to the various changes in bike spec. over the years, the information in the handbook that accompanies each bike should be used. Ergo, my 07 Speedie should be 30/31. He was also good enough to take the time to answer a few more questions I had and we must have chatted for 20 minutes or so on various bits and pieces. A rather decent fellow!!
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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Well, the SM hasn't changed any suspension or frames specs that I know of.
And still run the same tires.
So..... the inflation spec should be unchanged...except; sometimes a lower inflation spec will be recommended to make for a softer ride (they do this in autos all the time) or perhaps a stickier tire. The higher inflation makes for a harder tire that will wear better and maybe handle better depending on the size of the rider as well as riding style.
I keep my SM's tires inflated to 38 psi front and rear
(the max for the tire, not the bike, is 42 psi so you can play around with the pressures to find what works best for you).
The factory specs are really just starting point guidelines.
But back to the point; did you get the handling issue sorted?
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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the tire pressures are dramatically different for different tires. my 04 stock tires were in the mid 30's but my new metzlers want 38-40. I believe triumph changed the tire mfg for newer bikes and that could be adding to the confusion.
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 Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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3/4 Throttle
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Quote:
But back to the point; did you get the handling issue sorted?
Yeah, I did. Just undid everything and started again. Still gotta get my aftermarket shocks set up properly as it's a bit hard but it doesn't wobble about now. 
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Re: Speedie handling problems.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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 Tru-Story....put new tires on once...put them on back-ward ( opposite rotation) bike almost killed me before I figured it out and corrected my mistake...dang things are really ment to roll one way when they say so !
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