Pulls in during right turns

[FJR Rich]

Hello,

I tried googling this but perhaps not using the right words (???) so please point to the right posts if applicable.

My handlebars pull hard to the right during a slow turn, e.g going around a corner or slow curve. Only right turns do this. The left turn is not a problem. Is this a tire problem or do I have another issue? e.g. Suspension? Alignment? It takes some effort to keep it under control during the turn. Otherwise, no other problems.

My tires are the BT021 with the known wear issue, i.e. hump in middle. Tread is still good. My first thought it's the tire, but wouldn't both directions be affected?

Tire pressures: 40F/40R. Front shocks set at equal clicks (8). Original tire. Wheel never removed. '08 A-model, 3500 miles. Nothing unusual looking about the rear tire.

I did find a link regarding "hard turning in", but my issue is the opposite.

Just checking before I replace the tire.

Thanks,

Rich

 

[wfooshee]

Tires. That hump, and the groove next to it are the culprits.

 

[mcatrophy]

QUOTE (wfooshee @ Mar 25 2010, 01:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Tires. That hump, and the groove next to it are the culprits.


I agree 100% with wear on the BT021 causing a handling problem. This is a response I gave on another thread:

QUOTE (mcatrophy @ Mar 7 2010, 10:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
... When that gets past about half life, like this one of mine

the bike's handling goes to pot, no fun at all - particularly if you're on a long trip.


FWIW, my Storm ST front has now done some 6500 miles (half as much again as the previous BT021), shows the same "V" wear, but still handles fine. I will be changing it soon. When it hits the wear bars it's illegal to use in the UK. And we sometimes (?) get rain. Probably I'll try a PR2, to match my next rear, I find the Storm ST rear less grippy than the BT021 rear. Just my experience.

 

[FJR Rich]

wfooshee, mcatrophy,

Thanks for the replies. I hoping it was only the tire and nothing else. Just couldn't understand why it didn't pull in both directions. I think I'll try the PR2 that many here like.

Thanks again.

Rich

 

[Burnspot]

wfooshee, mcatrophy,
Thanks for the replies. I hoping it was only the tire and nothing else. Just couldn't understand why it didn't pull in both directions. I think I'll try the PR2 that many here like.

Thanks again.

Rich

I'll go out on a limb here and guess....perhaps engine torque biases the pull in one direction more than the other?

 

[okmac]

I had the same problem with BT021's. I went back to the orgional BT020 and the problem went away. Just getting ready to install a set of PR so will see how they work.

Mac

 

[wfooshee]

wfooshee, mcatrophy,
Thanks for the replies. I hoping it was only the tire and nothing else. Just couldn't understand why it didn't pull in both directions. I think I'll try the PR2 that many here like.

Thanks again.

Rich

I'll go out on a limb here and guess....perhaps engine torque biases the pull in one direction more than the other?

For most of us city riders, right turns are sharper than left turns, and the tire wear shows that. the groove is different.

Maybe you just make more right turns?

 

[mcatrophy]

wfooshee, mcatrophy,... Just couldn't understand why it didn't pull in both directions. ...

Rich

Probably because there is more wear on one side of the tyre than the other. (Perfectly normal.)

Unless you've an algnment issue or something loose, of course. ("Off course"? Geddit? Sorry, it's been a long day.)

 

[Intech]

wfooshee, mcatrophy,
Thanks for the replies. I hoping it was only the tire and nothing else. Just couldn't understand why it didn't pull in both directions. I think I'll try the PR2 that many here like.

Thanks again.

Rich

I'll go out on a limb here and guess....perhaps engine torque biases the pull in one direction more than the other?

For most of us city riders, right turns are sharper than left turns, and the tire wear shows that. the groove is different.

Maybe you just make more right turns?

+1 left turns are generally sweeps (talking intersections) and rights are sharp. the two things that effect this wear are tire pressure and tire quality. If you are good with changing your tires every 3 K then stay with the BT021. I would highly recommend the PR2. I think once you try it you will never use a BT021 again.

 

[midlifeuturn]

Call me crazy, I don't mind, but I felt the same thing on many slow turns, especially to the right. Just the other day I tightened up my suspension from the stock settings to the settings going around on one of the threads. I noticed an immediate difference, much bigger then I expected from what seemed to be small adjustments. I did about 70 miles yesturday and didn't notice the "diving" into slow turns like I previously had. I have about 2500 miles on the stock Metzlers and I had noticed this on slow speed turns right out of the show room, so it probably wasn't so much the tires. If you're not in the position of getting new tires right away try adjusting your suspension and see if that helps. It's maybe a five minute adjustment, if you drink a beer while you do it, and you can always change it right back.

 

[wfooshee]

BTW, regarding the 021 tires:

The front has been shown to be a piece of wet, smelly curdling bacteria-laden pond scum from the nether regions of one's sitting parts, while the rear is generally regarded as a fine tire, fairly good value and long-lived for the price.

 

[Intech]

Call me crazy, I don't mind, but I felt the same thing on many slow turns, especially to the right. Just the other day I tightened up my suspension from the stock settings to the settings going around on one of the threads. I noticed an immediate difference, much bigger then I expected from what seemed to be small adjustments. I did about 70 miles yesturday and didn't notice the "diving" into slow turns like I previously had. I have about 2500 miles on the stock Metzlers and I had noticed this on slow speed turns right out of the show room, so it probably wasn't so much the tires. If you're not in the position of getting new tires right away try adjusting your suspension and see if that helps. It's maybe a five minute adjustment, if you drink a beer while you do it, and you can always change it right back.

You are CRAZY!!! (you told me to) I would check the tightness of your steering head bearing. They have been know to be improperly tightened from the factory.

 

[FJR Rich]

Thanks again everyone! All useful information and I'm feel more confident it's tire wear instead of something else. I'm going to change the tire. Any one planning a PR2 group buy soon?

Rich

 

[Allnight]

Don't know about a PR2 GB, but I have about 3k on my PR2's (front and back) and I'm loving them! I had BT021 from the factory, and I really like these a lot better.

I guess I'm just saying "I think you're making a good choice, going to PR2's"

Mike