 HELP!! Fights me in corners!
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 819
3/4 Throttle
|
OP
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 819 |
At first I attributed my bike's front end "heaviness" to the fact that I've been riding an old '68 Bonneville for years and I'd adjust to the difference. But this just doesn't feel right. When countersteering the bike really fights me. Is this just a fork (oil) adjustment or is there something else going on? I swapped out my bike today with a HD Fatboy friend, I had a much easier time navigating the corners. He agreed that this bike wants to fight all the way through a corner. Help!!
I would be unstoppable if not for law enforcement and physics.
2002, Cardinal Red & Silver
|
|
|
Re: HELP!! Fights me in corners!
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,934 Likes: 3
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,934 Likes: 3 |
|
|
|
 Re: HELP!! Fights me in corners!
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
How old are the skins?
If the front tire is worn it'll cause that.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
|
|
|
Re: HELP!! Fights me in corners!
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
That's a tough call. Between the stock tire, air pressure and the-less-than-sterling front springs it could be any one item or all. Personally, I'd try a couple more pounds of air first and see if it helps. On my bike I found that when I put Progressive springs in mine it became a new bike. That's still the best "bang for the buck" mod I've done...
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
|
|
|
Re: HELP!! Fights me in corners!
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 819
3/4 Throttle
|
|
OP
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 819 |
I'm running the original rubber (boo!) There is about 11,000 miles on them. I'm checking tire pressure tomorrow morning . . . I know I need to shed the original B-stones.
I would be unstoppable if not for law enforcement and physics.
2002, Cardinal Red & Silver
|
|
|
Re: HELP!! Fights me in corners!
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
A nice set of Avon Venoms will fix that turning business immediately if you're at 11k...
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
|
|
|
Re: HELP!! Fights me in corners!
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 819
3/4 Throttle
|
|
OP
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 819 |
I like Avons. Used to run them on my old Bonneville. Yep, time for me to invest in new tires.
I would be unstoppable if not for law enforcement and physics.
2002, Cardinal Red & Silver
|
|
|
Re: HELP!! Fights me in corners!
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 691
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 691 |
I use Avon Venoms, front & rear, with Progressive springs in front forks & Progressive 440 shocks in the rear. More like a race bike now. Superb ride & superb handling. Can easily scrape bits on either side in turns now with no absolutely wobbling or wandering in the curve/turn. Super stable. Confidence inspiring.
--Tom
02 TBA; 130 mains; TBS; Nology Coils&Wires;Unifilter/opened Airbox; -AI/snorkels; -2 baffles;Progressive 440s & Springs
|
|
|
Re: HELP!! Fights me in corners!
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 467
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 467 |
I put a new Avon Roadrider on my Speedmaster.I got a Avon Venom on the back.I went from a 110/80-18 to a 110/90-18.I had to raise the fender.It does make the speedo read a little slower.I really do like the new tire compared to the Bridgestone I had on there.The bike originally came with a Metzler,which lasted 21,000 miles,excellant tire.I do really like the new Avon.I hope it last.It would be nice if they made a Avon Roadrider for the rear.The bike is really stable now and is very easy steering even with the larger than stock front tire.It currently has over 42,000 miles.I also installed Icon front springs and Hagon rear shocks.
Last edited by Speedblue; 05/13/2008 1:06 AM.
|
|
|
Re: HELP!! Fights me in corners!
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150 |
The website below is excellent in explaining how you can properly set up your suspension. I'm not saying you're problem is directly related to incorrect front suspension set-up but it did say: Quote:
..... if you have too much front compression damping, you don't get enough nose dive and the bike will be reluctant to turn and may drift wide on entry to the corner
Anyway here's the site which I've already printed off so that I can take it into my garage and do both my front and back suspensions properly .
Hope it helps 
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
|
|
|
|
|
