Test ride concerns on late (53) 2003 FJR1300

[AArnie]

Hi,

I rode an FJR1300 (UK) 2003 (53 plate) yesterday, but have a couple of concerns with handling. When moving slowly, 5 - 10 mph, say on a mini roundabout/roundabout or pulling away from a junction the steering wants to drop to one side - right for RH turn etc. It's as if it wants to turn itself, and not let you put in the input.

Then when at higher speed 40/50/60 mph entering corners the bike seems to have a tendency to go straight on, only quite a lot of counter steering seems to allow you to make the turn.

Now I have a 1200 Bandit at the moment, and I had exactly the same issue with that bike after changing the front and rear suspension, but after a few miles it dissapeared and I am perfectly happy with it.

The FJR has been standing for a while - could it be suspension this time also? The bike sometimes feels like your holding a spinning push-bike wheel - you know the gyroscpoic effect you feel.

I rode an 05 plate version a week or so ago - are there any differences in handling between the two - the 05 was lovely to ride.

Any suggestions welcome.

AArnie.

 

[ionbeam]

Worn tires (sorry about the spelling!) can cause your exact symptoms, with the handling problems beginning before the wear bars are exposed. The problem can be made worse by tire pressure, suspension settings, steering head loose, worn parts and dry suspension pivots (needs lube). Start with the simple stuff! All FJRs should have very good handling characteristics when everything is in good order.

FWIW, my rear shock was shot by 19k miles. When I replaced it I found most of the rear linkages were both dry and starting to corrode. You live in an often wet country, so at some point you should inspect the linkages, even if it is independent to the handling issues.

Search on suspension setting threads within the last 3 months and you should get a couple of good threads with tables of if/then corrections for suspension set-up.

 

[FJRMGM]

I agree - squared off worn tires handle just like you describe.

 

[AArnie]

thanks for the responses. The tyres are in good nick, but I can't confirm the that the pressures are OK - so I'll check them, and take a look at the other items listed, and give it another ride.

Thanks,

AArnie.

 

[dcarver]

Any chance the steering head has 'dimpled' in the straight-ahead position? I had an old Bmw that was horrrible until I replaced the races/bearings..

 

[AArnie]

Well I checked the bike out again, took a gauge with me this time, tested the tyre pressures - 22psi - that explains it!

Cheers all,

AArnie.

 

[throttlejockeyTJ]

Any chance the steering head has 'dimpled' in the straight-ahead position? I had an old Bmw that was horrrible until I replaced the races/bearings..

I was also going to say possible steering head problems or loose. Tires can have tread on them, but they age harden. Look at the tires 'Born on' Date. They can be aged. In my case the chicken strips on the rear tire were uneaven. Here is how to check the tires age.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/tec...e.jsp?techid=11

 

[AArnie]

Any chance the steering head has 'dimpled' in the straight-ahead position? I had an old Bmw that was horrrible until I replaced the races/bearings..

I was also going to say possible steering head problems or loose. Tires can have tread on them, but they age harden. Look at the tires 'Born on' Date. They can be aged. In my case the chicken strips on the rear tire were uneaven. Here is how to check the tires age.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/tec...e.jsp?techid=11

very handy link, most intersting.

Cheers

AArnie