Loss of control when braking

[wrenchmonkeyinparadise]

I ride an SV650 K2, and have lost control sometimes during normal straight-line braking. It feels like the back end swings forward enough for the bike to go down. I normally use only the front brake, so the rear isn't locked up. I've stiffened the pre-load which resulted in improvement, but the problem pops up again. This has happened on both dry and wet roads. Any ideas? Thanks. BTW, I weigh 150 lb.
:smt013

[Brian]

Have you checked your rear wheel alignment relative to the front wheel, or maybe the condition of your wheel bearings?
That's all I can think of right now that may cause that symptom, though i'm just guessing here.

Welcome to the site btw :)

[Paul C]

You don't give your weight, so no clue as to if your front springs are too light, pretty common on SVs.
I weigh 200 lbs, and know the spring rate is not enough; I do slide my oversized buttocks far to the rear of the bike while braking hard, something I learned from enduro and observed trials, when braking hard. It takes a bit of practice, stand on the footpegs and hang your rear end over the rear end.

[MiniMatt]

Welcome to the Org :D

Off the top of my head, are you downchanging at the same time - the engine braking is fierce on the SV and will regularly lock up the rear if not blipped. 150lb is on the lighter end of the pie scale but you might still be a tad heavy for the stock springs, I'm 130lb give or take a cornish pasty or two but I'm about perfect weight for the stock fork spring rate. Damping's still a bit agricultural mind.

Other than that, Brian's suggestion sounds like a good starting point.

[Stu]

how can the back end swing round unless the rear wheel is in the air? :???:

[Smudge]

skidding?

[tomjones2]

Does it always feel like its swinging to the same side?

[plowsie]

i blip the throttle to lock the rear on engine braking :???: lol

[Smudge]

Does it always feel like its swinging to the same side?
as i was reminded earlier this is a U rated site

[G]

Welcome to the Org :D

Off the top of my head, are you downchanging at the same time - the engine braking is fierce on the SV and will regularly lock up the rear if not blipped.

This is probably the cause I have locked the rear up a few times when I first got the SV when doing this. Still occasional do when riding hard.

[wrenchmonkeyinparadise]

Thank you to all who responded. Yes, I pretty certain now that this problem is caused by the rear being locked up during downshifts. I never had this happen on my previous bikes. Thanks again and this is a great forum!:cool:

[Smudge]

yep you may find yourself lifting your foot off the rear brake when letting out the clutch down shifting to second and first

[plowsie]

I bin sliding all week into bends :)

[Smudge]

I bin sliding all week into bends :)
soooo rude

[dizzyblonde]

I bin sliding all week into bends :)
must be made of money then, you'll need some new tyres on your new ride next

[plowsie]

must be made of money then, you'll need some new tyres on your new ride next
Got some coming :D

[dizzyblonde]

what sort??

[plowsie]

Pilot Sports see here (http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=96608) ;)

[Smudge]

ive been looking at a TL for next year and it looks just like your bike Stu

[plowsie]

i'll swap ya!

i seen the RSVR in same sorta thing as mine, sexy black with gold wheels :)

[Smudge]

sexy yours is like a fat lass wi the squirts

[plowsie]

only cos your old and fragile that ya back cant cope with a real sports bike you have to ride a naked

[Smudge]

i wouldnt have it any other way you wouldnt go for a bath in ya clothes would ya and youve got a sports tourer not a sports bike, ya nipple tickler