[macattack0821]

dont really know if this is the most appropriate forum for this, but i figured i would get the most responses here, so that was my reasoning. anyway, as the title says, my bikes handling has just been feeling weird the last 2 or 3 rides or so.

at first, i thought it might be the tire pressure, so i checked both tires, found them both to be a little low, so went and filled them both up to the recommended pressure, and figured problem solved. well, the ride seems a little better, but still not like it did before. i then went and checked for flat spots on my tires, but i figured that was long shot, seeing as how i rotated the tires all winter ( i dont have stands yet), and checked them for flat spots before i even took the bike out for the summer.

im at a loss for what maybe be causing this with my bike. now, i realize that this all might just be in my head, and im just thinking the bike is handling different than it usually did, but i just cant shake the feeling that something is off.

the only word i can use to describe how the handling feels now is "squirrley." i realize that isnt the most descriptive word in the world, but to expand on that, it feels like the tires are "squishier" than before, if that makes any sense, hence why i checked the tire pressure. almost like you are driving on just a light sheet of snow or ice, and you can kinda feel the car wanting to drift a little to one side or the other.

any thoughts on what might be causing this (if something is wrong) would be greatly appreciated guys :cheers

 

[Saml01]

One of your calipers dragging?

Maybe one of the axle nuts is lose?

 

[binx_19]

the suspension does suck on that bike, and will feel more squishy the more aggressive you get with riding.

 

[macattack0821]

One of your calipers dragging?

Maybe one of the axle nuts is lose?

very well might be a possibility, but that is beyond my technical expertise for me to check myself. ive never been very mechanically inclined, and am just starting to learn about the mechanics of bikes. thanks for the tip though bro :cheers

 

[macattack0821]

the suspension does suck on that bike, and will feel more squishy the more aggressive you get with riding.

i really dont think i've been riding that aggressively though, i mean you should see the chicken strips ive got on that bike, just cause im paranoid that if i try to increase my lean angle im gonna hit that one patch of sand or gravel in my turn and eat it haha.

just a question, but would the suspension make the handling feel like it is (i.e. kinda like the bike wants to go to one side or the other)? im sorry i cant be more specific with you guys on this, im just tryin to explain it the best i can

 

[beowulf2k]

You have to understand the basics of tires. They are really useless if they are cold and will not have traction.
Also tires might not get "flat spots" but they can harden from being soft/cold/soft cold and not used and feel like a flat spot.
My opinion? I would replace the FRONT tire 1st with a reputable tire such as Pirelli or Metzler.

Check this article out.

Tire Tech Information - Tire Flatspotting

 

[stealthy1]

very well might be a possibility, but that is beyond my technical expertise for me to check myself. ive never been very mechanically inclined, and am just starting to learn about the mechanics of bikes. thanks for the tip though bro :cheers

You might as well take it to the shop then.

 

[PhilB]

Check to be sure that your axle nuts are tight and that your rear wheel is reasonably lined up with your front (at least lined up with the same marks at the chain adjusters on both sides). If this is not your problem, then

You might as well take it to the shop then.

+1. Have them check the steering head and the swingarm bearings. If either of those is loose, it could cause what you are feeling.

PhilB

 

[MJ939]

It's probably not in your head. Generally if something feels off for me, I usually find something that was off. (Generally tire pressure, or the tires just getting old.)

How many miles on your tires?

 

[binx_19]

You have to understand the basics of tires. They are really useless if they are cold and will not have traction.
Also tires might not get "flat spots" but they can harden from being soft/cold/soft cold and not used and feel like a flat spot.
My opinion? I would replace the FRONT tire 1st with a reputable tire such as Pirelli or Metzler.

Check this article out.

Tire Tech Information - Tire Flatspotting

Bridgestone isnt Reputable?

 

[Veefer97]

Take a milk gallon jug and cut one of the flat panels off the jug (any plastic container will do). Place plastic panel under the front tire. Sit on bike and slowly move the handlebars/clipons from one side to the other. Pay particular attention when approaching the center of rotation. If you feel that the front end detents into a position your steering stem bearings are notched or need the grease cleaned off and reapplied. This usually happens to older bikes but it sure sounds like it is root of your problems. BTW the plastic panel makes the movement much easier due to a lack of friction between the rubber tire and pavement. If you have a center stand or can get the wheel off the ground that will provide more accurate results.

 

[beowulf2k]

Bridgestone isnt Reputable?

I dont use em-so I dont know. I mentioned what I use.

 

[Nero Diablo]

Last time the fork oil was serviced?

 

[Unsane125]

ok this might sound strange but how has the ambient temp been while you have been riding, we just got out of a heat wave here in CT and I notice that my back drifts a little more when trail braking and at first I felt like something was off but then I realized that the last time I was riding it was 90 degrees F and today it was like 60. I def noticed the colder pavement today, and I have fairly new tires.

off course this is totally useless if it has been the same temp out since the last time you felt the bike acting "normal".

 

[ShawnF4I]

Have you adjusted them?...I guess that bike has adjustable rebound..even if it is a pos kaw.How much do you weigh?I mean if your a big dude....you may be too dam fat for the suspention to handle.

 

[macattack0821]

Check to be sure that your axle nuts are tight and that your rear wheel is reasonably lined up with your front (at least lined up with the same marks at the chain adjusters on both sides). If this is not your problem, then

+1. Have them check the steering head and the swingarm bearings. If either of those is loose, it could cause what you are feeling.

PhilB

i dont want to say that this is beyond my mechanical knowledge, because i might be able to check this by taking a really close look at the bike, but just from what you wrote phil im gonna say this is something that i would want the shop to look at, just because i wouldnt really trust myself to diagnose the problem with my limited technical knowledge. many thanks for the suggested points though

 

[macattack0821]

It's probably not in your head. Generally if something feels off for me, I usually find something that was off. (Generally tire pressure, or the tires just getting old.)

How many miles on your tires?

ive only got out 1100 miles on these (stock) tires......it was a hard summer for me money wise, so i've only gotten to have the bike out for about a month now, and i've only gotten about 400 miles on them this summer

 

[macattack0821]

You have to understand the basics of tires. They are really useless if they are cold and will not have traction.
Also tires might not get "flat spots" but they can harden from being soft/cold/soft cold and not used and feel like a flat spot.
My opinion? I would replace the FRONT tire 1st with a reputable tire such as Pirelli or Metzler.

Check this article out.

Tire Tech Information - Tire Flatspotting

excellent article beowulf.......now that i think about it, i hadnt ridden the bike in a couple days, and it has been a little cooler than usual at night here, so im thinking this might be the root/pre cursor to the problem :cheers

 

[macattack0821]

ok this might sound strange but how has the ambient temp been while you have been riding, we just got out of a heat wave here in CT and I notice that my back drifts a little more when trail braking and at first I felt like something was off but then I realized that the last time I was riding it was 90 degrees F and today it was like 60. I def noticed the colder pavement today, and I have fairly new tires.

off course this is totally useless if it has been the same temp out since the last time you felt the bike acting "normal".

i think this is kinda the same thing that beowulf was talking about......as i told him it has been a little cooler here at night the last couple of days, plus i hadnt taken the bike out in another couple of days, so im thinking maybe this is the epicenter of my problem. its just hard to get the bike out some days and check to see if there is any difference, what with class and 2 jobs that i have to have parking stickers for. at 250 bucks a pop i cant afford to get two of them haha

 

[macattack0821]

Have you adjusted them?...I guess that bike has adjustable rebound..even if it is a pos kaw.How much do you weigh?I mean if your a big dude....you may be too dam fat for the suspention to handle.

bike is totally stock, havent adjusted anything.......i only weigh in at about 165 soaking wet, so im thinking weight is'nt an issue haha :cheers