pais
Member
Posts: 723
One more turn should do it!
Kent, Ohio
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« on: June 11, 2020, 02:06:18 AM » |
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Wondering if I've lost my mind or is something wrong.
First I must say, I have not ridden my '97 much this season. Since getting her out, bike feels totally different. To say it feels heavy is an understatement! When I say heavy, I am referring to the handling / front end. Rounding corners, running through a curve, anything other than straight line is like a wrestling match. I must say riding her is not very enjoyable these days. No changes what so ever over the Winter or since getting her out for the season. Any thoughts?
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Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it!  |
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hubcapsc
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Posts: 16773
upstate
South Carolina
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« Reply #1 on: June 11, 2020, 03:54:45 AM » |
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Tire pressures? Shock bushings? Other, harder to fix, stuff that might make steering heavy are bearings at the steering head and swingarm bearings, but they probably wouldn't "go bad" sitting there. -Mike "spokes tight  ? " |
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« Last Edit: June 11, 2020, 04:09:25 AM by hubcapsc »
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Barnstormer
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« Reply #2 on: June 11, 2020, 04:01:18 AM » |
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Remember, you are a year older and weaker this year.
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Bone
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« Reply #3 on: June 11, 2020, 04:04:46 AM » |
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My 98 Tourer lives in a unheated garage in southern Michigan. It is a different bike in March than I parked before winter. Rolling it out of it's parking spot backwards in the spring reminds me I've had another birthday. I up the tire pressure and take several short rides her joints are stiff  Be patient if it's a mechanical issue it will show it's self. |
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vanagon40
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« Reply #4 on: June 11, 2020, 07:31:58 AM » |
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Tire pressures? . . . .
That's it sounds like to me. |
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Lyle Laun
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« Reply #5 on: June 11, 2020, 07:37:49 PM » |
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What’s your front tire pressure ?
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Get out & Ride !!
97 Red/White Standard dressed as Tourer
98 Black "Rat Rod" Standard
99 Green/Silver Interstate
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CoreyP
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« Reply #6 on: June 11, 2020, 08:14:52 PM » |
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I check my tire pressure at least weekly so getting the bike out this year and not checking the tire pressure would be a major over sight. It would explain the handling though.
Oil didn't leak out of the front forks over the winter did it? It's possible but you would see something under the bike.
Maybe some bearings rusted? Head bearings?
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« Last Edit: June 13, 2020, 09:44:08 PM by CoreyP »
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pais
Member
Posts: 723
One more turn should do it!
Kent, Ohio
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« Reply #7 on: June 12, 2020, 02:37:16 AM » |
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Tire pressures? Shock bushings? Other, harder to fix, stuff that might make steering heavy are bearings at the steering head and swingarm bearings, but they probably wouldn't "go bad" sitting there. -Mike "spokes tight ? " Checked the spokes first thing after noticing the heavy steering.  42 Front, 46 rear, Avon Cobras. Tires checked often and that is what I've been running them at since install, 2 years ago. Steering head bearings were my other thought. Have to give them a check tonight. No leaks at the forks. Yes, I am a year older. I will say, as I back it out of the garage and do the turn around, I certainly feel the weight of the bike. |
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Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it! |
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Gideon
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« Reply #8 on: June 13, 2020, 12:07:10 PM » |
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Tire pressures? Shock bushings? Other, harder to fix, stuff that might make steering heavy are bearings at the steering head and swingarm bearings, but they probably wouldn't "go bad" sitting there. -Mike "spokes tight ? " Checked the spokes first thing after noticing the heavy steering. 42 Front, 46 rear, Avon Cobras. Tires checked often and that is what I've been running them at since install, 2 years ago. Steering head bearings were my other thought. Have to give them a check tonight. No leaks at the forks. Yes, I am a year older. I will say, as I back it out of the garage and do the turn around, I certainly feel the weight of the bike. What a difference year makes! |
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But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
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pais
Member
Posts: 723
One more turn should do it!
Kent, Ohio
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« Reply #9 on: June 22, 2020, 04:40:08 PM » |
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Well, I can't seem to find anything wrong with my '97. Starting to really believe that I'm just another year older. I just don't remember the front end being this heavy! Low speed maneuvers are a chore!
Well, thanx for the input.
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Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it! |
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MarkT
Member
Posts: 5196
VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"
Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km
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« Reply #10 on: June 22, 2020, 04:55:04 PM » |
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Recently installed VTXtreme 4° triple trees on my 97 Tour. Feels like power steering now. They aren't cheap but well engineered and beautiful finish.
BTW a narrower tire will also lighten the steering. Like a Batlax BT-45 in 130/90-17. And plenty of air pressure. Not to mention, this tire bought as a rear tire has nearly twice the tread depth of one designated for front. I'm running "double darkside" with an Austone TT in back.
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« Last Edit: June 22, 2020, 04:58:24 PM by MarkT »
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Challenger
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« Reply #11 on: June 23, 2020, 01:09:04 PM » |
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I know this sounds silly, but if you've checked everything else, set the rear shocks up one notch and ride her again.  |
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rancher
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« Reply #12 on: June 23, 2020, 04:42:08 PM » |
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Are you sure your pressure gauge is reading correctly? Just a thought....
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« Last Edit: June 23, 2020, 07:31:11 PM by rancher »
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pais
Member
Posts: 723
One more turn should do it!
Kent, Ohio
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« Reply #13 on: June 25, 2020, 04:50:30 PM » |
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Are you sure your pressure gauge is reading correctly? Just a thought....
Never gave this a thought. Worth a try. Hope it reads correctly. Most I ever spent on an air chuck. I think $22.00 off the MATCO salesman. Recently installed VTXtreme 4° triple trees on my 97 Tour. Feels like power steering now. They aren't cheap but well engineered and beautiful finish.
BTW a narrower tire will also lighten the steering. Like a Batlax BT-45 in 130/90-17. And plenty of air pressure. Not to mention, this tire bought as a rear tire has nearly twice the tread depth of one designated for front. I'm running "double darkside" with an Austone TT in back.
Tire change sounds good. New triple tree not likely to happpen. At least not until Winter. Kicking around selling it and getting something smaller. The Adventure bike segment has got my attention. I know this sounds silly, but if you've checked everything else, set the rear shocks up one notch and ride her again. Have thought about new rear shocks for a year or so. |
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Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it! |
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hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16773
upstate
South Carolina
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« Reply #14 on: June 25, 2020, 06:07:08 PM » |
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Ride someone else's Valkyrie to compare... are you going to
InZane?
-Mike
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pais
Member
Posts: 723
One more turn should do it!
Kent, Ohio
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« Reply #15 on: June 27, 2020, 04:23:23 AM » |
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Ride someone else's Valkyrie to compare... are you going to
InZane?
-Mike
I had planned to go to original dates. Can't go to the "modified" dates. Another in the long line of "items" I can't remember. I literally can't remember if this is how bike felt at end of last riding season. I never really put it away though. I was riding in January and throughout the winter. I just don't remember it feeling sooo heavy, the front end that is.  |
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Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it! |
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