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BuzzKill
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« on: August 08, 2010, 07:37:39 PM » |
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It seems when I let go of the wheel, the bike has a serious tendency to pull or veer to the right even on a flat surface. I know most roads slope downwards. It acts kinda like a car with a bad front end alignment. Its a 97 Tourer and bought it over a year ago and has always done this. Put on a CT to try it out, and now it seems its exagerated. There's no obvious signs of it being crashed or laid down, but I'm wondering if something is bent.
What do ya'll think is the problem, and how can I get it fixed?
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Sodge
Member
Posts: 139
01 I/S bought 07/09 with 1,850 miles
Southwest VA
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« Reply #1 on: August 08, 2010, 07:42:17 PM » |
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Maybe you have checked but is the contents of saddle bags distributed evenly? I have noticed mine pulls if load is uneven.
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bigdog99
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Posts: 584
1/1/2011 86,000 miles
Kouts Indiana
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« Reply #2 on: August 08, 2010, 07:47:30 PM » |
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does it have a dunlop on the front?  |
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 VRCC#31391 VRCCDS0239 |
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BuzzKill
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« Reply #3 on: August 08, 2010, 08:54:08 PM » |
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Avon Cobra, getting a new one this week.
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #4 on: August 09, 2010, 07:03:12 AM » |
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try these two things. As long as you havent had fork work done, Id rule that out....if you did, maybe uneven fluid or poor mounting.
Ok Id suspect shocks (rear) not adjusted the same
or maybe a brake caliper sticking up front
I wouldnt suspect the tire unless it has some VERY severe and unusual wear to it
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Ricky-D
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« Reply #5 on: August 09, 2010, 08:06:29 AM » |
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Consider that maybe the steering stem bearings are indexed?
This probably is the reason for your problem.
"Pulling to the right" is a misnomer........ There is no such thing on a motorcycle.
The bike may lean, one way or the other, however that is not due to anything like brakes or suspension. contrary to some opinions!
The only thing that will make a bike lean is the uneven distribution of the weight over the center line, that the wheels make on the pavement while riding. And that weight differential need to be more that just a couple of pounds.
If it is happening on level roads as you say, the problem is mechanical as I say!
***
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2000_Valkyrie_Interstate
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roboto65
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« Reply #6 on: August 09, 2010, 08:18:47 AM » |
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"Pulling to the right" is a misnomer........ There is no such thing on a motorcycle. On the Valk I will give you that because the rear is set in one place. But on a "motorcycle " you are mistaken the rear wheel can be cocked to one side or the other on a chain driven bike and will cause to bike to not track on a straight line may not be pulling but it is not tracking right. And not to get off on the lean issue but leaning does not turn your bike of course this is one of those oil debate things cause some people believe leaning does !! |
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Allen Rugg VRCC #30806 1999 Illusion Blue Valkyrie Interstate 1978 Kawasaki KZ 650 project  |
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #7 on: August 09, 2010, 08:39:21 AM » |
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I thought of something else........Ricky reminded me.........lift the front end off the ground and grab the wheel directly at the bottom. Try to move it side to side. If it moves ticks budges ever so slightly one of those lifetime never wear out things called bearings may have been mishandled and now its causeing the front wheel to have play
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Bugslayer
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« Reply #8 on: August 09, 2010, 09:50:48 AM » |
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It seems when I let go of the wheel, the bike has a serious tendency to pull or veer to the right even on a flat surface. I know most roads slope downwards. It acts kinda like a car with a bad front end alignment. Its a 97 Tourer and bought it over a year ago and has always done this. Put on a CT to try it out, and now it seems its exagerated. There's no obvious signs of it being crashed or laid down, but I'm wondering if something is bent.
What do ya'll think is the problem, and how can I get it fixed?
Mine does the same thing. It has since the day I bought it in '99. I can't remember the details, but I have heard of some other Valks doing the same thing. I wouldn't worry about it. |
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N8171S
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« Reply #9 on: August 09, 2010, 02:17:42 PM » |
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Mine only does that if there is an icecream shop or BBQ joint on the right side of the road.
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Bugslayer
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« Reply #10 on: August 09, 2010, 02:30:17 PM » |
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That makes prefect sense. Good call.  |
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KerryNolan
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« Reply #11 on: August 09, 2010, 05:30:45 PM » |
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I'm still trying to figure out where the wheel is on the Valkyrie (other than the two with tires on them), and why I'd want to let go of it.  Kerry |
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Cheer up, things could be worse...
Sure enough, we cheer up and things get worse.
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bogator
Member
Posts: 663
IN GOD WE TRUST------KK4KSN-------
Valley,Al
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« Reply #12 on: August 10, 2010, 04:30:48 AM » |
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That is what I was tryin to figure out, the wheel.LOL mine does not pull either way , unless I do the pullin on the >>>>>wheel?????<<<<<<<<
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dabull
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« Reply #13 on: August 10, 2010, 04:46:35 PM » |
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Hey my '97 standard does the same thing, pulls/leans(whatever) to the right also. Been through two tire changes, front and rear, no difference. Today I needed to replace the speedometer cable, so took the windshield off to access the cable from the speedometer. Realized I also needed the screw to hold the bottom assembly in, so off to Lowe's I go without the windshield attached. (just like Willow) It did not pull/lean to the right anymore!!! My theory --- maybe it's in how the windshield is "rigged". Works for me. |
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[http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetempbig/language/www/US/UT/Ogden.gif]
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Valkahuna
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« Reply #14 on: August 11, 2010, 12:54:48 PM » |
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Consider that maybe the steering stem bearings are indexed?
This probably is the reason for your problem.
"Pulling to the right" is a misnomer........ There is no such thing on a motorcycle.
The bike may lean, one way or the other, however that is not due to anything like brakes or suspension. contrary to some opinions!
The only thing that will make a bike lean is the uneven distribution of the weight over the center line, that the wheels make on the pavement while riding. And that weight differential need to be more that just a couple of pounds.
If it is happening on level roads as you say, the problem is mechanical as I say!
***
+1 What happens more often than not is that the rider is not sitting on the bike with his weight centered. |
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The key thing is to wake up breathing! All the rest can be fixed. (Except Stupid - You can't fix that)
2014 Indian Chieftain
2001 Valkyrie I/S
Proud to be a Vietnam Vet (US Air Force - SAC, 1967-1972)
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KerryNolan
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« Reply #15 on: August 11, 2010, 02:09:28 PM » |
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I've found that when flacid, my bike tends to list to the left, but if I start to drift too much, I just think some dirty thoughts, and the bike straightens right out.  Kerry |
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Cheer up, things could be worse...
Sure enough, we cheer up and things get worse.
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druid
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« Reply #16 on: August 11, 2010, 09:13:14 PM » |
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There can be several reasons for the bike not tracking correctly, the most horrid of which is a bent frame. To a lesser degree a improperly installed rear wheel or front wheel axle. Take it to the shop to check the frame and the wheels to see if the ride in each other's tracks. A properly set up bike should stay straight when you release the handle bars.
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