Bonneville America Forums Forums Rider Safety Forums Riding Technique Nearly Lost It!

Ok, so last night, I went out for a quick ride after work to blow off some steam from the day. I decided to open her up on some nice twisties up the side of one of the mountains we have here. I took the road faster than I usually do, to the point that I was nearly dragging the pegs. In a tight right turn at about 50mph, and nearly dragging the peg, the front wheel seemed to want to bounce (or oscillate) when the bike was healed over. This was felt through the bars and caused the bike to fluctuate between wanting to “stand up” and high side me or wanting to lay down even further!

Needless to say, it wasn’t a very comforting experience. Has anyone else noticed this tendency? The road is new macadam, so I’m wondering if there are slight ripples in the surface or if something in the front end would cause this. Hey, it could be my riding technique as I did retard my lean when I first entered the corner as I thought I needed more of a lean than I actually did? Also, at no time did I touch either brake. Any ideas?

Glad you DIDN'T lose it!! But ummm, yeah my bike freaks me out in hard corners. From what I hear Progressive springs in forks transform the bike as well as Progressive shocks for the back. I will do the mod this winter... cheaper in the long run than doing laundry all the time, lol!!

I had simmular feeling from my old front tire. Mets. Marathon. Just changed to an Avon, Venom. I really haven't had a chance to ring it out in a corner, but in regular riding it seems better. It doesn;t follow high and low portions of the road like the Mets. did. For now at lest, my speed wabble at 45 is gone, and the tread pattern is not conducive to cupping. When I get a chance to ride through some of my favorite sections, I'll get back to you.

I had the same experience a month ago ( the "nearly lost it" part). In my case however, I was just trying to keep up with my buddy on his Buell.

When riding with friends with equall skills, It's just not wise to try to keep up with a sportbike.

Sounds like you were not in a proper frame of mind before you went out. Glad you stayed upright.

To quote Aristotle; "Of all the things I've lost, It's my mind that I've missed the most"

I dont want to sound judgemental but... it sounds like you were not in the right frame of mind...your need to blow off steam had you riding harder than your mind was ready for.
Some causes of what you felt might be...
1) Tire pressure could be one cause.
2) Progressive springs, new oil, etc... might help as well.

Did you do a pre-ride check before you took off?
When was the alst time you did any fork oil maintenence?

Good luck!

If the roads in central Pa are anything like the roads in western Pa, I'd say there's a good chance it was the road...

We've got some newly paved roads here that will make you seasick...

I have experienced a similar scare on occasion, even with progressive springs and tapered steering head bearings, no matter the brand of tires. It happens usually at high speeds(60+), in sweeping curves. I figure it has something to do with geometry or fork/frame flex...

Move your body weight forward, throw your knee (about 30 lbs.) out to the inside of the turn and nail the throttle at the apex.

Alot of guys complain about this very thing and blame the shocks and springs. Obviously worn or cupped tires would also make it worse.