Front end feels light?

[svandy]

hi last week i found that the front end on my sv was light iv hadnt noticed it b4 so i tuck it bk to the dealer to see if they no y it did it and they sed its couse ov my front tire as past a certain point bt my bike as done 3000miles so if eneyone can tell me if thats right or not

thanks svandy

[svandy]

Sorry it ment 2 say my front end feels light lol

[TazDaz]

@andy, what's the problem? Feeling light because of a tyre seems strange to me.

[Berlin]

Can you expand on the term "Light". Is this in a straight line? When cornering? as you tip into the corner?

What state is the back tyre in?

[svandy]

Thanks. As for the front end being light, it seems to be as i turn into a corner. The back tyre is fine, been on the bike the same length of time as the front one, so done 3000 miles.

[Berlin]

As you use the front tyre it triangulates as the rubber wears away. As you lean over the bike should roll over the front tyre profile but as this rubber is now worn away then there is less resistance. So it tips in with less effort.

This is usually counteracted by a squared off rear tyre that tried to stop the bike leaning into the corner. The front has less resistance and the rear has more (as they wear).

This is why worn tyres feel so bad. The rear is fighting with the front.

As you haven't got the squared off rear you are feeling the drop in resistance as you tip into the corner.

A new tyre will fix it.

C

[svandy]

Thanks. Is there anything else i can do to stop this happening without buying a new tyre?

[maviczap]

My front end was very unpredictable with standard fork springs and oil. I had it slide away without warning once.

Its similar to how you describe your problem

Improved by getting rid of the standard Metzeler Z4, but best improvement was by fitting Hagon springs and using heavier oil

Better than this was a GSXR front end

[Berlin]

Not really, its the lack of rubber on the corners of the tyre that causes it and the only way to get that rubber back is to replace it with a new tyre.

You will eventually get used to the lightness as the tyre wears and it'll feel really good when you get the new tyre on (always does)

What make of tyre is it and how worn is it? You don't usually get noticeable wear until you've rocked up some serious miles on a front, or unless you're hard in the corners.

C

[Red Herring]

To wear away the shoulders on a front tyre enough to lose the profile in 3,000 miles you would need to be a fairly committed rider, in which case your rear tyre would have been pretty much gone by now. Try nosing your bike up to a couple of others and comparing the profile on yours to theirs, that might give some indication but bear in mind that some makes of tyres wear and feel different to others. Might be worth checking a couple of other things whilst you're at it. Have you checked your tyre pressures recently, is it possible you've used a dodgy gauge and over inflated them? Have a look at your preload, could someone have wound the adjusters all the way in (wouldn't be the first time someone has done it for a laugh). Finally I'd have a look at the head bearings. You'll need someone to help you but basically pull the bike up on the side stand so the front wheel is off the ground and turn the steering lock to lock. Should move freely with no notchiness or lose play. Good luck.