Steering Problem

1256 Views 13 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Grunt_99, Mar 11, 2003

linm

Discussion Starter · Mar 10, 2003

I need your help people.
There seems to be something wrong with my steering. I've been riding this bike for a few months now, and I know how it handles, and something drastically changed.
Here's my problem, i'll try to explain the best I can, it's hard to describe.

It seems at low speed when i go to make a turn, no matter how sharp it is(U-turn, 90degree turn) the front wheel feels like it's fighting back and the bike feels like it wants to lean in the wrong direction.

at higher speeds, when counter-steering is used. when I push left and the bike starts to go left, it kind of feels like the bike does not want to lean(but it does) and the front wheel seems to be want to turn, into the turn forcing me to push harder. I know something is wrong cause I usually can take this small turn by my house like around 60mph , but now i have to do it at like 30 or 40, I just can't seem to lean it as far like i used to.

I started noticing this problem yesterday(Since it was finally nice out, I decided to take the bike out for some shopping) The beginning of the day was fine. Towards the end I hit this pot hole at around 15mph, but the bike seem fine, 20 minutes later i arrived at my last stop, parked it, when i got back out, the steering started feeling like this. after I noticed this steering problem, I imediatly thought back to the pot hole and inspected the rim for bends, but none.

Then I started thinking, hell maybe i just forgot how to ride...but I really don't think it's me...I even ended up dropping the bike while making a u-turn b/c the bike seem like it didn't want to turn. I don't understand what's happening, HELP!

thank you in advance

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GreenEnvy

· #2 · Mar 10, 2003

well it's possible you blew a fork seal when you hit the pothole..
check on the forks, see if there is any oil on them that should not be. You can sometimes also see a black line on the shock, thicker then normal.

Also could be low tire pressure.

-=Welcome To Canada=-

2002 Green 6R
1986 Gixxer 7/11

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linm

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 10, 2003

I just went outside and checked, there's no oil running down any of my forks..[V] I was kind of hoping there would be, so I would know that was the problem

Originally posted by CdnNinjaZX6R

well it's possible you blew a fork seal when you hit the pothole..
check on the forks, see if there is any oil on them that should not be. You can sometimes also see a black line on the shock, thicker then normal.

Also could be low tire pressure.

-=Welcome To Canada=-

2002 Green 6R
1986 Gixxer 7/11

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eltorito

· #4 · Mar 10, 2003

So did you check your tire pressure. Check both because a flat back tire will show the symptoms you are talking about. And I know this from experience. Big ol nail got me good!!

Let Saddam come and play!

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Lee

· #5 · Mar 10, 2003

I've had that same "forgetting how to ride" feeling a few times, and it has always turned out to be tire-related. So yeah, check your pressure and tire wear.

----------------------
Dave Lee
Red '02
Open Throttle Sport Riders

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localbar

· #6 · Mar 11, 2003

Did you ever take a fall, hit something head on if so check your alignment. It may be out of alignment.

If its not have you had any work done to your bike by a mechanic? If so check your steering bearings. They may be worn, loose or tight.

I would start at the alignment than bearings.

If you are not comfortable taking apart your bike I would suggest you get someone who knows what they are doing either friend or pay a good mechanic.

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Grunt_99

· #7 · Mar 11, 2003

As stated, tire pressure has a HUGE effect on conrnering and cornering feel. If it's been sitting sotred on a concrete floor or something it's likely way down.

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linm

Discussion Starter · #8 · Mar 11, 2003

it has not been sitting, I have yet to check my PSI yet b/c i'm at work, but do you think i can lose air by hitting a pot hole? i really hope it's just, taking about my front wheel isn't exactly what i want to be doing this week.

Originally posted by Grunt_99

As stated, tire pressure has a HUGE effect on conrnering and cornering feel. If it's been sitting sotred on a concrete floor or something it's likely way down.

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localbar

· #9 · Mar 11, 2003

How hard did you hit that pot hole? I wouldn't think you would lose pressure from hitting a pot hole unless the rim bend or if you have a slow leak somewhere.

Have someone hold the handle bars straight and see where the front tire is positioned.

I had my front out of alignment (when a car hit my parked bike) when I rode it it had the same exact feel that you described.

It can also be your bearings

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Grunt_99

· #10 · Mar 11, 2003

Air pressure will just drop on it's own anyway over time. So if you haven't checked em, or filled em lately that you're probably low. Not necissarily low enough to be your prob, but the first place to check. They also seem to fluctuate, or drop more in the winter, or as temps change. At least thats' what I tend to notice, but I'm not molecular scientist meteorologist thingy LOL [xx(]

Good luck! Top up the air pressure and go from there. Mine was really low on my old 6R before (from lack of checking) and it really frigged me up. The bike felt all elastic-y and just plain dangerous.

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linm

Discussion Starter · #11 · Mar 11, 2003

well 2 more hours and i'll be home to check my damn pressure, i really hope it's just that.

I don't think my wheel is not aligned cause if i just go straight and let go of the handlebars, the bike will still continue going straight, it's just turning that's giving me a huge problem.

Originally posted by Grunt_99

Air pressure will just drop on it's own anyway over time. So if you haven't checked em, or filled em lately that you're probably low. Not necissarily low enough to be your prob, but the first place to check. They also seem to fluctuate, or drop more in the winter, or as temps change. At least thats' what I tend to notice, but I'm not molecular scientist meteorologist thingy LOL [xx(]

Good luck! Top up the air pressure and go from there. Mine was really low on my old 6R before (from lack of checking) and it really frigged me up. The bike felt all elastic-y and just plain dangerous.

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linm

Discussion Starter · #12 · Mar 11, 2003

Well is it possible to be happy and sad at the same time? when i got home i yanked out my handy dandy tire pressure thing and before i even go to put it on the nipple, the tire was completely flat. i guess i have a super slow leak somewhere on the tire, which sucks. While I was at it, i checked my rear tire to see what it was at, and damn! it was at 31psi, no wonder why I wasn't able to corner like i was used to.

anyways, i'm so happy it's a flat tire and not something else major, and freaking pissed i got a flat tire. bah humbug!

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eltorito

· #13 · Mar 11, 2003

Well I am glad for you that it is only a blown tire. I went thru this same thing twice (punctured tires) and the symptoms where the same. Before I go riding now I always check the pressure and overall condition of the tires while the bike is up on the stands. Keep the rubber side down!!

Let Saddam come and play!

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Grunt_99

· #14 · Mar 11, 2003

Yeah I always carry a tire pressure gauge un my trunk now after my previous bad.

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