Bike feels unstable

[beserkr]

Just wondering if anyone has had this problem? I have an 03 naked I put in correct springs for my weight gold valves set the sag all was fine now after a year the bike just feels unstable like it wants to fall over or wonder at all speeds. So I pulled everything apart front and rear suspension I found the steering stem bearings were loose like a whole turn the adjusted nut loose strange thing the lock down nut was tight. The races must have not been al the way seated from the time I purchased the bike brand new. So I tightened that the bike feels a lot better but still has a mind of it's own at speed. I am a mechanic so assembly should be on the money for the gold valves and springs. I went by the hash marks on the swingarm for the chain temsioner maybe they are off although I never had this problem before. Anyone had anything like this. Sorry but I types this on my iPhone

[Dappa D]

Sorry but I types this on my iPhone

showoff :smt019


nah seriously welcome to the site dude, sure someone who can help wil be along shortly

[the_lone_wolf]

...I am a mechanic...
...I went by the hash marks on the swingarm for the chain temsioner...

:o

[fizzwheel]

When was the last time you checked your tyre pressurwes and what are they set at ?

Also, squared off tyres may make the bike feel like that to...

[arcdef]

would pressure alone make the bike feel like it was all over the road?

[Luckypants]

Yes if they are out by a lot, the carcass squirming about makes the bike unstable. Worn tyres can feel very unstable to due to the uneven wear, cupping etc.

[Bear]

would pressure alone make the bike feel like it was all over the road?

Yep, it's really important to have the correct tyre pressures




Which aren't 30 rear and 28 front like I had when I checked for the first time in 3 months today...

[Paul the 6th]

i left my bike stood in the garage for 2 months after my off and then when I fixed it up it felt horrific. Was chatting to a guy on a fireblade at halfords after the first big run out and he mentioned it could be tyre pressures - "The front end goes all soggy if the tyre pressure is too low" - they were down to 26psi after 2 months of standing... reinflated and the bike felt much better. Got rid of my old squared off rear just before xmas as well - new set of avon storms has made the bike feel much better :)

[custard]

squared off rear will make it "fall" into corners and feel like it is top heavy. duuno about high speed... does it weave or something?

[flymo]

would pressure alone make the bike feel like it was all over the road?

Yes totally. I had a problem last year exactly like this. After looking at frame geometry, messing with shocks, front forks and all sorts I found a faulty front tyre valve.

The bike would feel like it wanted to tip into the corner even at very slow speed.

Have you checked the other obvious things such as wheel bearings? raise each wheel and just try it for side to side play, it should be pretty obvious if you have a knackered bearing. The other common thing is the swing arm bearing that can wear out if not greased.

[MattCollins]

I would have replaced the head bearings if they had been loose for any period of time. Pounded bearings that feel smooth can be totally knackered... but try tyre pressures first.

Cheers

[Alpinestarhero]

Which aren't 30 rear and 28 front like I had when I checked for the first time in 3 months today...

I should check mine too, might cure some of my handling woes :mrgreen:

Soooo I'm worried you maaaay have knackered head-race bearings if they havnt been seated properly for so long. Here's the test: Find a suitable method to get the front wheel off the ground. turn the handlebars side to side - if you notice any notching, thats an indication the head race bearings arn't too healthy. I think also you give the handlebars a tug - if there is any movement, again, the head-race bearings arn't at their best.

In addition, how many miles as the bike got on it? SV suspension isn't the highest quality - the rear shock may be tired now aswell...although you wou;dn't notice a decline in handling overnight (not unless the damping unit failed and lost all the fluid inside the shock :mrgreen:).

As others have said, tyre pressures first.

One other thing; I know that in colder weather my SV feel heavier to turn in; you may be experiancing this. Wait for a warmer day, see how your bike feels. It may also be yourself, being cold and gripping the handlebars too tight etc etc.

Lets sort the problem with cheap ideas first, before considering more expensive and time consuming solutions!

Matt

[startrek.steve]

Yes if they are out by a lot, the carcass squirming about makes the bike unstable. Worn tyres can feel very unstable to due to the uneven wear, cupping etc.

Whats cupping?
sounds nice!

Steve

[vardypeeps]

My SV650 is a right pig at the moment. Tyre pressures are fine as is everything else but my front and rear tyres are squaring off and it is an absolute bugger to ride!
Getting some new Avon Storms fitted tomorrow so all should be good then!

[Luckypants]

Whats cupping?
sounds nice!

Steve

A phenomenon where the tread becomes 'scooped out' into a cup shape, through wear. Makes handling interesting.

No is not nice!

[kwak zzr]

i'm a big fan of watching tyre pressures now since well err i had fun in a field :(