| Author | Message | ||
     Rivercash |
Keep in mind as you read this that I am mostly a weekend rider and have only owned 2 street bikes, a 2000 m2 and my s1. That being said, I was riding down a stretch of good pavement when I noticed that the slightest move of my hand or body would make the rear end of the bike feel loose. Not like the rear wheel was loose, more like, if I moved around too much I was going to send it into a power wobble like a kid going to fast on his bike down a hill and looses absolute control. The reason I bring it up is that I didn't notice it at the beginning of the ride (100miles) and I never noticed it on my M2. I used to move around on that thing like crazy trying to get comfortable. THe only thing I did that day was stiffen the suspension so my wife could ride (she was not on when I noticed the problem). And I noticed that I had a pretty good leak in a fork seal. It may be normal but I definately dont feel safe on it. It has been to cold to take it back out after readjusting the suspension back to the softer setting so that may fix it. Again, I could just be a sissy but, I am thinking if I had to make a quick move to avoid a car, it could be catastrophic. Anything you have would be greatly appreciated | ||
| Ratbuell |
Tire pressure? Also, if you still had your rear preload set for carrying a passenger, you were "nose-down"...which is a great way to increase steering quickness. Soften that preload back where it belongs, get your sag back (note: I just re-read your post and see you did that, but haven't ridden it yet), check your tires, FIX THE FORK SEAL...and re-evaluate. Also, for grins, check your wheelbearings and steering head bearings. | ||
| Rivercash |
Thanks man. I checked my front wheel bearings when I changed tires. I don't know alot about suspension systems but I figured thats where my problem was. I just bought a new tire gauge and was planning to check the pressure on my next ride. I also had ridden all day and then parked it at my church that night for a couple hours before riding it home and it went from being 75 degrees to 40. I am sure that can make a difference in tire pressure. One more thing, I know the s1 wasn't really built to carry a passenger but when my wife rides, even with the suspension as stiff as it will go, when we hit any bumps, the license plate rubs the tire. She isn't that heavy and we never had a problem on my m2. Suggestions, other than get a new bike. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Unfortunately the stock shock / spring won't really adjust firm enough. I've gone aftermarket on my S1W (Penske) and on my S2 (Works Performance) for the rear shocks. She and I have gone 2-up on my S2 (and actually done a track day of sorts at the 25th Homecoming "parade lap"), and no rub. You might be able to put a rear OEM shock on from an S3, if it's the same length (16" or 14.5" are your choices) as what's on there now. I think they had a different spring rate as they were on a "sport-touring" setup with bags and big passenger seat. Check/adjust your tire pressure cold. And remember - cold roads plus cold tires equals really slick conditions. If it's under 40, I ride like the roads are wet. | ||
| Brinnutz |
I know it's not a cure, but even whenmy M2 was in tip top shape it felt loose. So I got a steering stabilizer. It felt much more stable. Now, check and fix all possible causes first, as this is not a fix but a convenience. | ||
| Sparky |
River, you mentioned it has a leaky fork seal. That means that there is probably dirt in the fork oil and the bushings may have worn beyond service limits. Slop in the fork bushings can cause all kinds of wobbly control problems. How many miles ago were the forks serviced? 10k intervals for fork oil replacement I believe is recommended. | ||
| Darren |
Have checked your rear isolators? | ||
| Buellhusker |
I had the same feeling when I installed a new set of Dunlop 208 tires. The bike just seemed like it wanted to hunt around, not out of control but felt like it was on the verge of a tank slapper. After the tires wore in a little it was a little more stable at speed but never had that solid as a rock feeling. Installed new set of Tomahawk tires (yes retreads) and no more instability feeling at all no matter the speed it is solid as a rock at any speed. So what I am saying is it may be your tires causing the problem. | ||
| Rivercash |
Hey guys, just got back from a backpacking trip in SE Tennessee so I haven't been able to chime in. I will look into the S3 shock idea because if I don't do something I am going to ruin the one I have. I also wanted to make mine a twin tail but funds aren't there right now. I have also looked into stabilizers but good grief they are expensive, maybe a project for better economical times. I run Bridgestone Battle Axe tires on it. The Rear is broken in but the front is brand new. I think I messed up the fork seal when I changed the front tire in the fall because it was fine before that. It didn't go as easy as it should have because I was in such a hurry to get it on the road that I didn't take my time and jack it up properly and it took a 45 degree lean before I caught it. The tire fit back in perfectly and there is no noticeable damage to the fork tubes so I think it is just the seal that I broke. Besides like I said I road it 100 miles the next day and it handled fine until that night which is when I noticed the leak. And the unstableness. I am convinced it is mostly my rear suspension and compounded by the leaky fork seal. |
