Heavy Turning/Steering

[TheCaptain]

Hey guys

Last week, on Tuesday, I changed my insurance from a Ninja 250R to a 2010 SV650S (full fairing) with a 33bhp ecu installed. It has the Dunlop D220 (OEM?) tyres on it, which I am led to believe are less than desirable. I crashed the bike the next day, but we'll forget that for the time being.
As soon as I got on the SV, there was a noticeable difference in power, weight, blah blah blah. But, one thing I found interesting/annoying was that when I pushed the bar in (counter-steer) to tip the bike, the steering was incredibly heavy and the bike, when leant over, seemed to want to level up and ride straight.
So, I suppose I have 3 questions:
1. Is this a common problem among SV's and is it something you just get used to?
2. If so, what are the solutions (if there is any) to better the steering and feel? (Without costing much if possible)
3. If not, any ideas what the hell is wrong with my bike?

Thanks

[Cymraeg_Atodeg]

First thing I'd do is have the head bearings looked at, my SV1000S has a steering dampener and her steering isn't heavy, so, to get it on a 650 something must be up.

[TamSV]

SV isn't heavy on the steering but I've never ridden a 250 ninja so I can't compare the two.

Checked your tyre pressures?

[Thelens]

Sounds like nothing more than low tire pressure to me ! have you checked them ?

[TheCaptain]

I haven't checked the pressures, no.
I'm planning on filling them up with Nitrogen when I get it back from the body shop (after my crash).
What's more bothering me is the bike doesn't want to lean and always wants to stay dead bolt upright. Can this be rectified by correcting the pressures?

[TamSV]

From your first post you say you don't want to spend too much money so forget the nitrogen and put some air in. :)

[DarrenSV650S]

It could be the steering stem nut has been tightened too much. That makes the front end want to stay straight

[TheCaptain]

My step-dad works at a garage which supplies Nitrogen, so I get it for free. :D
Anyway, is the bike not wanting to lean a common problem?

[DarrenSV650S]

No. Yours is broken

[Thelens]

I haven't checked the pressures, no.
I'm planning on filling them up with Nitrogen when I get it back from the body shop (after my crash).
What's more bothering me is the bike doesn't want to lean and always wants to stay dead bolt upright. Can this be rectified by correcting the pressures?
Low pressure can make the bike handle really badly. Slug like turn in until going slow when you find the opposite and the bike wants to fall over. So yes it can :)

[TamSV]

My step-dad works at a garage which supplies Nitrogen, so I get it for free. :D

Anyway, is the bike not wanting to lean a common problem?


Oh well, if it's free....:)

Whatever you put in the tyres, make sure they're up to the right pressure. I'll bet you a shiny Scottish penny that's your problem.

If not then, no, heavy steering is not a common SV trait so if the problem continues further investigation will be warranted (but on the bright side you'll be up by one penny) :)

[Dave-the-rave]

If it were mine I'd get the front wheel in the air and check tightness of the steering. The bars should turn from side to side easily. If it's too tight it'll feel like you describe especialy at low speeds. If ya have to steer it like a car around a roundabout the bearings are too tight. Please check your tyre pressurs as well. It only costs 50p.

[TamSV]

Please check your tyre pressurs as well. It only costs 50p.


50P!!! You're all f******* aristocrats on here tonight. ;)

I use a foot pump. It's 78% nitrogen too. :)

[Dave-the-rave]

You could blow in em and save the price of a foot pump.

[TamSV]

Good point. I'm worrying about that penny I might owe the OP so I'm looking to cut back ;)

[DJFridge]

50P!!! You're all f******* aristocrats on here tonight. ;)

I use a foot pump. It's 78% nitrogen too. :)

I always use a footpump. Easy peasy, no charge squeezy

[Bibio]

pizz paying for air, pizz to manual foot pumps i use an auto 12v one, i just press the button to the right pressure and it stops when its at the right PSI.

ooohhh and as most others have said it'll be your tyre pressures.