Steven8294

Hi All!

New to this forum, just bought (Wednesday) a 2009 Black Kawasaki ER-6F after passing my test Wednesday morning. Everying is perfect with the bike (apart from the fact that the power scares the shit out of me after riding a 125 for a year). However I find it extremely strange to turn around corners, usually ones at about 90degree angle. It seems like when I lean the bike turns itself and the handle bars become really stiff like they are on autopilot? (only way I can explain it). This doesnt occur during a corner lean unless its a sharp lean.

Is this normal or could there be an issue with the bike, bent forks etc?

Thanks
Steve Collins

williamr

At higher speeds you're counter steering with the wheels out of line. At slow speeds the bike follows the wheels. If you lean the forks drop over and the bike will turn.

It should feel like the 125, but it's heavier and things, including the transition to counter steering, happen at higher speeds.

I'm guessing that you are not UK based or didn't do the UK DAS test? If you did you should be comfortable on the 650 as it's not very different to the 500 you probably took your test on.

One thing to check is the front tyre pressure, as low pressure could describe what you're feeling, but from your description it's hard to be sure

Practice feet up full lock to full lock figure eights. Hold the throttle constant and use the clutch and rear brake to control the speed. That should give the balance, clutch and speed control and sense of how the steering behaves. Experiment with handlebar input and leaning to control the turns at something less than full lock.

I don't think you have a problem with the bike, but without seeing it and seeing you ride it's hard to be sure.

Rob

chris140

Power isn't the only thing that goes up on bigger bikes. The overall weight and distribution is something that people often forget to take into consideration. This will have an impact on your cornering.

You said you drove a 125 for a year and then went on to this? Thats a big jump and you probably weren't prepared for it. Keep us informed.

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1999-2000: Aprilia RS 50, 2000-2000: Suzuki TS 50, 2001-2002: Kawasaki KMX 200, 2002-2006: Yamaha Virago 250, 2007-2009: Yamaha Virago XV 535, 2009-2012: Suzuki GZ 250 Marauder, 2012-present: Kawasaki ZZR 600
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Steven8294

Guys,

Just to let you know is it restricted to 33bhp so the jump isnt so much! I didnt take the DAS I took the A2 Restricted as I am 18.

I adjusted my Preload to 7, which is the highest settings as it was on 4 which is the reccomendation for a 12st rider with no pillion/luggage. I am nearly 20st so that may have been part of the issue. Also when I bought this bike from the dealer 5-6 days ago I expected the tyres to have a good amount of pressure in, turns out the front was at 18PSI and the back at 22PSI, with the minimum allowance being 32psi front and 36psi back. So inflated these also, bike is much much better now.

Thanks