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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Steering Geometry
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Message started by skepticalnewt on 07/03/05 at 07:56:19

Title: Steering Geometry
Post by skepticalnewt on 07/03/05 at 07:56:19

Lets see if I can explain this. Compared to other bikes I've had, the front end seems to want to turn to either side more than stay pointed straight ahead, either while moving or sitting still. You have to make a concerted effort to keep the bike pointed straight ahead.

I thought this might be due to the rake of the front end and the larger tire. However, my other bike doesnt do this and I dont remember this with any of my previous bikes. So I thought I'd just ask if this seems to be a common thing on this bike, that just needs to be gotten used to.

Thanks,
Steve

Title: Re: Steering Geometry
Post by lancer on 07/03/05 at 08:25:05

Never had a problem with mine. As a matter of fact, when I put on the taller shocks in the rear it resulted in the expected quicker steering feel and responsiveness.

Title: Re: Steering Geometry
Post by Paladin on 07/03/05 at 10:48:04

I've never noticed anything but a desire of the bike to go where I want it to. Very stable even with no hands on the handlebars (tho' it tends to slow down w/o throttle.)

Another forum was talking about a no bs bike, no body steer. On a pedal bike you can steer ("Look Ma! No Hands!") by shifting body weight. They claim this cannot be done on a motorbike. As a tech I had to check for myself. You can bodysteer a motorbike but the weight ratios of you/pedalbike and you/motorbike means that the effect if far less.

Title: Re: Steering Geometry
Post by Savage_Rob on 07/03/05 at 10:57:16

I've done it on my Savage but she generally prefers to folllow the cant of the road surface. If it's flat, she likes to go straight, etc. Paladin's right; body steering is possible but it's far less responsive than on my old 10-speed.

Title: Re: Steering Geometry
Post by WD on 07/03/05 at 13:23:51

Mine tracks straight as an arrow shaft. Even on off-camber roads. Takes a serious lean to get it to turn.

Check your steering stem bearings. You may need to tighten your pre-load. If you don't know how to do this, it is explained in the tank slapper post.
-WD