| Author | Message | ||
     Mikej |
Recently put a new Dunlop D208ZR onto the rear of the '95 S2. Still have some life left on the front Dunlop D205. The old D205 on the rear had a freeway center and was down to the wear bars. I was thinking what I was feeling was new-tire-itis (mold release agent slippage), but having over 100 miles on the tire now and having dug a short trench in some dirt and gravel to get it finish scrubbed in, the bike still handles funny. Symptoms: it feels like the rear tire is over-driving the front, or like the rear wants to oversteer the front, or like the rear end wants to walk out some when leaning over into a turn. I can get it to feel like this when doing an easy lazy-S down the street. Almost like I have a flat tire on an old knobby tire dirt bike or something. Hard to describe in words, just feels like the rear end wants to lead on the outside of the turn and feels like a major fishtail is on the verge of happening. My riding books are still buried someplace so I can't look up the symptoms. And knowing that there are racers and test riders on the site I thought someone might know if this is a tire mis-match issue, or something else. The pressure is up on the rear tire. The bolts are snug and torqued per spec so there is no (or should be none) wheel walking. The bike does this in both directions equally so I don't believe it is out of alignment (or at least not much if any). So, is the front D205 different enough from the rear D208ZR to make the bike handle funny? Or is the wear on the front the probable factor? Or do I just need to invite everyone over for test rides and roadside diagnosis?  Help! I don't mind going sideways in the dirt on a dirt bike, I don't like that feeling on the freeway on the way to work in the mornings. Thanks. ps, a local shop has a matched pair of Avon Azarro's (sp?) on sale if worse comes to worse and I need a new tire setup. Probably close to the same price as buying a new front D208ZR from the shop I got the rear from. | ||
| Lornce |
Mike, The 208 is a fine tire and from what I've gleaned about your riding style, it's unlikely you'll induce a low-side any time soon. More likely what you're feeling is a bit of oversteer caused by contrasting tire profiles. A bit of oversteer isn't such an unwelcome trait: within reason. Much preferable to understeer. Only you know if it's too much for you ie:If it makes you feel uncomfortable, it may be too much. A matching front Dunlop 208 would likely resolve the issue. Just last week mounted a set of Avon sport touring tires to a buddy's R1100RS. He found them much to his liking over the course of the past weekend's riding on a variety of challenging roads and widely varied surfaces and conditions. fwiw.... | ||
| Mikej |
Thanks for the input, it probably is oversteer, just spooky feeling. Think I'll ride the M2 until I can get a new front tire to match the rear. | ||
| Djkaplan |
I had a similar sensation when I put a full set of Dunlops on last year. I attributed it to getting used to new tires without the flat spot in the center of the tread. It felt like the bike was falling into the corners. This sensation gradually went away as I bedded the new tires in. I must have adapted to it. | ||
| Mikej |
I actually wouldn't mind having someone take the bike for a lap down the street to verify the handling, or to isolate the symptoms to the rider (me). I'd probably have to wash it first though. | ||
| Outrider |
Hmmmm...Sounds like a job for Dyna, Wisconsin's resident expert on all things motorcycle. I'll email his phone number if you wish. Just kidding Dyna. Put down the gun! | ||
| R1DynaSquid |
I think someone needs to either get laid or go for a long ride. | ||
| Court |
>>>>I think someone needs to either get laid or go for a long ride. Waving hand wildly...."is it possible to volunteer for both?" | ||
| Bobd |
Just had two new Dunlops installed on my '98 S3T and noticed a vast improvement in handling. It feels much more agile and quicker in cornering. Also, I am observing an improvement in gas mileage probably due to increased tire diameter of the new rear tire vs the old. | ||
| Outrider |
Waving hand wildly...."is it possible to volunteer for both?" Of course. I do it all the time. You just need to get permission or cooperation from the War Department. | ||
| Scabs101 |
hope i am not too late but i just mounted the azero st on the rear and the azero pro on the front. This combo works very well for me, | ||
| Rammons |
Could this under/over steer problem be associated with the rear tire being out of alignment with the front tire? I seem to remember hearing something about that once. | ||
| Mikej |
The S2 is doing better now, and apparently so am I. Rear tire is scrubbed in now after this weekend, and my headcold is disappearing so my balance perception is improving as well. The D208ZR does not have a round profile, not really triangular either, the Dunlop web site says the profile improves the contact patch, whatever as it seems to be working fine now. There is a bit of wander sometimes going straight, but nothing no longer scarey. Still running the D205 on front, and now will just run that one out. Chalk the handling issue up to head cold balance perception, new tire slippage, new profiled tire replacing a freeway-center-flat old tire, and anything else you'd care to add to the list. Rear tire alignment wasn't the issue, but it can be an issue at times so is always worth checking. New tire, just in time for winter, yahoo. | ||
| Vlightningx1v |
Just felt like posting my bike. I will get most posted. They will be in series. I am posting them as follows. If they all go through, you what I mean. The top two pics are the first two that I took yesterday, Notice the rear brake line from reservoir to piston is short that is another story. following are the last two of 2001 summer/fall-winter storage. I should add that I have a custom system for the nylon breadbox and scoop that are sliders in case you need it. I like to interchange them as goes the pictures. Soon I will be replacing the valve covers with the xb covers to allow more room and more customization for my air induction box. I have been On BBS for years and I think it is the best webs site. (period) BUELL BALLS !!!!  | ||
| Vlightningx1v |
Next: People ask me how that seat feels, is it comfortable. I say it is as comfortable as it can get. I have never felt more comfortable cornering, hanging off, convex/concave apex. Besides if I wanted another seat I would buy one.  | ||
| Vlightningx1v |
Next: These are summer and fall getting ready to store   | ||
| Rick_a |
I did a 208 front with a 220 rear for a while. Sliding the rear around corners was fun for a while...unfortunately the front tire gave out first as far as wear and landed me on the street just before I changed 'em. I've got Pirellis now and will never go back! | ||
| Vlightningx1v |
I am adding a few more pics from yesterdays pictures.       | ||
| Thunderdome |
Had the same situation. Took it to the Harley/Buell shop and they said it could be caused by warped front brake rotor. So I replaced it with an EBC front rotor from American Sport Bike. I also had a little vibration too that went away after the rotor swap, but the waving was still there. Then I finally noticed that the front tire Dunlop 208ZR was mounted backwards. Even though the pattern matched the rear 208ZR in direction, the arrow on the sidewall went the other direction. I couldn't switch it back cause already had 1400 miles on it. And if I was to switch its direction could cause seperation. Switching to Michelins soon. | ||
| R1DynaSquid |
I've got Pirellis now and will never go back! Ditto, cant rave enough about the Diablos. | ||
| Streetfighter101 |
i'm running pirellis and i love them way better than the 208gp i had for a while i have no problems try the scorpion on the front thats what i have along with a 208gp on the back |
