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Author Topic: Backend feels loose?  (Read 1279 times)
BlueLine984
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Conyers, Georgia


« on: October 05, 2015, 02:40:48 PM »

Back at it again...the last couple days I've been riding and it feels like the back end of my Valk is loose like a well used hooker...Almost feels like it's going to slide out from underneath me. The Darkside is my next move but wondering if something else might be the problem. Shocks are adjusted for a hard ride and the tire appears to be just fine....

Any other ideas on what might be the culprit?
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csj
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« Reply #1 on: October 05, 2015, 03:32:28 PM »

Shock bushings.
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« Reply #2 on: October 05, 2015, 04:19:58 PM »

Loose as in , it feels like it's going to lose traction ? Or that it's sloppy ?
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Bighead
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Madison Alabama


« Reply #3 on: October 05, 2015, 04:21:27 PM »

Have you actually checked the air pressure?
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BlueLine984
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Conyers, Georgia


« Reply #4 on: October 05, 2015, 04:35:13 PM »

Loose as in , it feels like it's going to lose traction ? Or that it's sloppy ?

It seriously feels like it's slipping. Could just be the highways and the grooving in the concrete here in GA but I doubt it. More like it's just loose. Not sure the best way to explain it.
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BlueLine984
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Conyers, Georgia


« Reply #5 on: October 05, 2015, 04:37:13 PM »

Have you actually checked the air pressure?
That's like asking me if your bike is yellow...I check it religiously, not about to have a blowout!
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« Reply #6 on: October 05, 2015, 04:47:04 PM »

Loose as in , it feels like it's going to lose traction ? Or that it's sloppy ?

It seriously feels like it's slipping. Could just be the highways and the grooving in the concrete here in GA but I doubt it. More like it's just loose. Not sure the best way to explain it.
I think I know what you mean. I pretty much exclusively run car tires now. A while back between tires I had a metzler that still had another 5k of life left. Being a cheap bastard used it to get the rest of miles out of it. There were a few times it broke loose under throttle and a few times it felt close to breaking loose. Concrete grooving is always a strange feeling also. If your shock bushings, air pressures , etc. are all up to snuff it's probably this. A lot of people won't or don't ride car tires. But I like them and feel more safe on them (regardless of the pending flaming death).
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BlueLine984
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Conyers, Georgia


« Reply #7 on: October 05, 2015, 04:52:41 PM »

Loose as in , it feels like it's going to lose traction ? Or that it's sloppy ?

It seriously feels like it's slipping. Could just be the highways and the grooving in the concrete here in GA but I doubt it. More like it's just loose. Not sure the best way to explain it.
I think I know what you mean. I pretty much exclusively run car tires now. A while back between tires I had a metzler that still had another 5k of life left. Being a cheap bastard used it to get the rest of miles out of it. There were a few times it broke loose under throttle and a few times it felt close to breaking loose. Concrete grooving is always a strange feeling also. If your shock bushings, air pressures , etc. are all up to snuff it's probably this. A lot of people won't or don't ride car tires. But I like them and feel more safe on them (regardless of the pending flaming death).

Pending Flaming Death...Sounds SEVERELY appealing when debating the dark side LOL! I've got a Marathon ME880 on the back end now, running it at 35psi. Says max inflation is 42psi cold so I may jump it up to 40 and see if that helps. That's my smartass answer for Bighead above rather than the bike is yellow comment.
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Patrick
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« Reply #8 on: October 05, 2015, 05:07:14 PM »

I think what was meant about the tire pressure was the actual tire pressure. What Honda suggests is too low. Around the 42-45# range seems best.
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Paladin528
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Greater Toronto Area Ontario Canada


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« Reply #9 on: October 05, 2015, 05:20:30 PM »

What Honda "Suggests" is the tire pressure for the OEM tire only.  this is the tire and pressure that the bike is tested with and where the specifications come from.  Performance is degraded ON THE OEM TIRE if not run at that pressure.
That being said tires can be run at any pressure up the the MAX PRESS on the tire when LOADED.  Running the tire above that pressure can result in premature tire failure or tread delimitation due to momentary pressure bumps when riding.
Staying below the listed maximum pressure is recommended.
When using any tire other than OEM then use the manufacturers recommended tire pressure for the all up weight of the bike.  in the absence of that figure then experimentation can be used.
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« Reply #10 on: October 05, 2015, 05:42:59 PM »

I think what was meant about the tire pressure was the actual tire pressure. What Honda suggests is too low. Around the 42-45# range seems best.
I'm going to agree with Patrick. 35 is probably way to low. For me that tire was best at about 40. I think Honda and other MFGR's recommend for a cushy ride for some reason.
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BlueLine984
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Conyers, Georgia


« Reply #11 on: October 05, 2015, 05:47:17 PM »

I think what was meant about the tire pressure was the actual tire pressure. What Honda suggests is too low. Around the 42-45# range seems best.
I'm going to agree with Patrick. 35 is probably way to low. For me that tire was best at about 40. I think Honda and other MFGR's recommend for a cushy ride for some reason.

I'll jump it to 40 tomorrow and see if there's a difference; I like the dark side idea a lot less the flaming death thing that doesn't sound very appealing lol
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Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time. Thomas Edisonhttp://i47.tinypic.com/oh8fgz.gif
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« Reply #12 on: October 05, 2015, 05:52:13 PM »

I think what was meant about the tire pressure was the actual tire pressure. What Honda suggests is too low. Around the 42-45# range seems best.
I'm going to agree with Patrick. 35 is probably way to low. For me that tire was best at about 40. I think Honda and other MFGR's recommend for a cushy ride for some reason.

I'll jump it to 40 tomorrow and see if there's a difference; I like the dark side idea a lot less the flaming death thing that doesn't sound very appealing lol
Yeah but what a blaze of glory it will be  Grin
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msb
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Agassiz, BC Canada


« Reply #13 on: October 05, 2015, 07:21:21 PM »

I think what was meant about the tire pressure was the actual tire pressure. What Honda suggests is too low. Around the 42-45# range seems best.
I'm going to agree with Patrick. 35 is probably way to low. For me that tire was best at about 40. I think Honda and other MFGR's recommend for a cushy ride for some reason.

I'll jump it to 40 tomorrow and see if there's a difference; I like the dark side idea a lot less the flaming death thing that doesn't sound very appealing lol
Have run Metzler 880's on my 99 IS for the last few years - mostly 2-up riding and I keep the rear at around 44 - 45 #. No issues with handling, traction, or punctures and this higher pressure gives me at least 15% more life out of that tire. Under 40, as I ran when I first switched to them, and that rear 880 would start to cup after only a few thousand kms. I keep the front at 40, and it handles and wears perfectly...lasts at least 2.5 times longer than the rear.
I've been debating Darkside for years...just haven't wrapped my head around it yet. Guess I just like  spending $$ changing that rear every season  crazy2
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Mike

'99 Red  & Black IS
Tfrank59
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« Reply #14 on: October 05, 2015, 09:43:59 PM »

If you rule out the rear tire and shock bushings, it's probably time to get her up on the lift and check things like wheel bearings.
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BlueLine984
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Conyers, Georgia


« Reply #15 on: October 06, 2015, 01:37:28 AM »

If you rule out the rear tire and shock bushings, it's probably time to get her up on the lift and check things like wheel bearings.
I need to buy the service manual for this bike - just rolled 65k so perhaps that is the issue!
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Earl43P
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Farmington, PA


« Reply #16 on: October 06, 2015, 04:28:24 AM »

I'm posting this quote from my YEAR OLD thread, view the video to see what a bad left bearing looks like.

I am really anxious to figure this out too, trust me.
I put about 8-10,000 miles on it before replacing the rear tire. Wore out the Cobra.
I found old grease, no visible wear then.
I used the Honda moly paste grease, same as the Oldwing. It goes through a lot of tires, so I am well familiar with what needs done. The splines were good and the driveshaft cup was cleaned up and repacked.
There is probably 10-14,000 miles on the car tire since then. ( bought at 22k, wore out a Cobra, put on a CT, now at 46,000).

Last evening, I got it up on the jack and removed the saddlebags.

Grasping the tire,  I can feel play in the left bearing. Enough to lightly thunk.
You can see a gap open and close. I took video, http://s825.photobucket.com/user/Earl43P/media/WP_20141014_010_zpsrp4fcrfa.mp4.html?o=0
I may get it disassembled tonight.
« Last Edit: October 06, 2015, 08:45:31 AM by Earl43p » Logged

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Paladin528
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Greater Toronto Area Ontario Canada


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« Reply #17 on: October 06, 2015, 04:50:05 AM »

EEEEK!!!!  That bearing is toast.  Replace both sides as the other side wont be far behind if not buggered already.
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #18 on: October 06, 2015, 05:06:18 AM »

If you rule out the rear tire and shock bushings, it's probably time to get her up on the lift and check things like wheel bearings.
I need to buy the service manual for this bike - just rolled 65k so perhaps that is the issue!
You can download one from Dag's site also. Free of charge  cooldude
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indybobm
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Franklin, Indiana VRCC # 5258


« Reply #19 on: October 06, 2015, 05:31:23 AM »

Dag's URL for downloading the Service Manual:

http://valkyrienorway.com/download.html

Also, if the rear tire has been run at 35 psi, I would check it for cupping. That can make things feel slippery on corners. I run my rear tire at 44-46 psi.
« Last Edit: October 06, 2015, 05:33:20 AM by indybobm » Logged

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old2soon
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Willow Springs mo


« Reply #20 on: October 06, 2015, 05:50:58 AM »

103000 out of my rear wheel bearings.  coolsmiley Just sayin! Pull the top bolt out of the shock. If the mounting stud is not centered sock bushing is toast.  cooldude RIDE SAFE.
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Bighead
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Madison Alabama


« Reply #21 on: October 06, 2015, 07:30:52 AM »

Have you actually checked the air pressure?
That's like asking me if your bike is yellow...I check it religiously, not about to have a blowout!
The reason I asked that stupid question is you stated it appeared ok but didn't say pressure checked out ok. So Wasnt that stupid of a question, also you you need about 7 more pounds in that tire.
« Last Edit: October 06, 2015, 07:34:05 AM by Bighead » Logged

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Paladin528
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« Reply #22 on: October 06, 2015, 09:42:39 AM »

Cupping on a tire is indicative of a suspension issue like a bad shock or bad bushings.  Uneven and rapid wear of a tire would be caused by low tire pressure.  If you have cupping on your tire and "resolved" it by upping the pressure you are just masking another issue.
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indybobm
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Franklin, Indiana VRCC # 5258


« Reply #23 on: October 06, 2015, 02:53:53 PM »

Cupping on a tire is indicative of a suspension issue like a bad shock or bad bushings.  Uneven and rapid wear of a tire would be caused by low tire pressure.  If you have cupping on your tire and "resolved" it by upping the pressure you are just masking another issue.

That is not always the case with motorcycle tires. Cupping along the outside of the tread can be caused by underinflation.
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KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)
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« Reply #24 on: October 06, 2015, 05:26:30 PM »

Cupping on a tire is indicative of a suspension issue like a bad shock or bad bushings.  Uneven and rapid wear of a tire would be caused by low tire pressure.  If you have cupping on your tire and "resolved" it by upping the pressure you are just masking another issue.

That is not always the case with motorcycle tires. Cupping along the outside of the tread can be caused by underinflation.

Definitely  cooldude
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msb
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Agassiz, BC Canada


« Reply #25 on: October 06, 2015, 07:18:49 PM »

Cupping on a tire is indicative of a suspension issue like a bad shock or bad bushings.  Uneven and rapid wear of a tire would be caused by low tire pressure.  If you have cupping on your tire and "resolved" it by upping the pressure you are just masking another issue.
That may very well may a possible cause, although in my particular case I doubt it. Shock bushings are checked & replaced if necessary on a regular basis, and shocks have been updated as well. Cupping has ONLY been apparent with the ME880's I switched to a few years ago and ran at the dealer installed 38 psi.  Previously run Dunlops and subsequent ME880's at 45 psi have not had the same issue.
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Mike

'99 Red  & Black IS
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Brick,NJ


« Reply #26 on: October 06, 2015, 07:55:14 PM »

I have the ME880's also...'98 Tourer I run 41 on the rear and ride mostly solo and have good results.
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Ricky-D
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South Carolina midlands


« Reply #27 on: October 07, 2015, 07:34:36 AM »

Cupping at the tire tread division sipes is a wear characteristic of that particular tire and inflation may have an affect

but since it runs by itself, no issues with suspension components will have any effect on the tire wear whatsoever.

It's a motorcycle, not an automobile.

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