K1 GSXR 600 Handling issue - Anyone help?

Hi Guys.

Ok - I have just bought a K1 GSXR 600, lovely bike and insanely fast compared to my SV .

However I am having a problem with the handling and was hoping someone might be able to help, I know a lot of people on here have now 'graduated' to gixers .

Bit of history - The bike has only done 3000 miles, though it is a 2001 model so is 6 years old. Tyres and chain all look to be ok. Tyre pressures checked - 36 and 42 psi. All suspension settings are stock and I weigh around 11 stone.

When riding in a straight line bike feels good, however as soon as try to turn the front end 'flops' into the corner. So, as an example, going round a roundabout, it feels as if the front wheel is flopping towards the roundabout, so I have to literally turn the handlebars to the left in order to hold the wheel in line with the back wheel!

One thing I thought might be causing it - I suspect as the bike has only done 3000 miles it has never had new tyres so those tyres could potentially be 6 years old!? Could that be the cause? They are Dragon Evos.

Thanks for any advice guys, much appreciated

Look on the side of the tyre, is it a 70 profile? (i.e. 120/70 - 17) or a 60 profile?

Which one should it be? I am at work but I can check it in lunch break, would that cause this kind of handling issue then?

It's hard to grasp what the symptom actually is, but if it's "falling" into bends it may be because the tyres are "squared off", it's hard to tell unless you're a tyre fitter/mechanic or you compare against a new set.

Get a pair of decent sports tyres on it and see how it runs from there.

Don't forget, the Gixxer will turn in quicker than your old SV, and with the K1-3's that I've ridden, there is a lot of weight sitting over the front and it felt very strange after the SV.

.

[fizzwheel]

IIRC it should be a 70 profile front tyre. What are the tyres like are they "Squared off" My bike does the same with square tyres.

You might be better off asking your question www.gixerjunkies.net theres loads of info on there and its more specific to your bike than the org is.

[21QUEST]

If tyres are not squared off then check the steering head bearings. That's probably where I'll put my money.

I know it's only got 3000 odd miles..... but that is assumming from new it was adjusted correct in the first place .


Ben

I did think steering head bearings too - but I also thought surely not on such a low mileage bike! I take it loose head bearings would allow the front end to flop from side to side too easily?

Jelster u r right - bike feels VERY odd after SV, felt like my **** is in the clouds and my wrists are on the ground! I dont think it is this though as I have got used to the new riding position now and the issue is still there.

Bike needs an MOT anyway so I'll get the garage to take it for a spin this evening and see what the 'official' verdict is, hopefully just needs new tyres, fingers crossed!

Still - dodgy handling hasnt stopped me enjoying the absolute crazy speed and noise of my gixer . I dont think I could ever go back to an SV now i have experienced what a proper bike can do! I actually used to genuinely believe nothing could be faster than my trusty SV . Oh well - just have to show the girlfriend what it can do now - so far I have only shown her 8000rpm of speed and that was too much for her!

Fizzwheel - when u say urs does the same thing with squared off tyres - do u mean the bike just turns in too quick or do u mean that the front end actually 'flops' into the corner and feels like it is almost pointing into the corner more than the rear? Hopefully u r right and it just needs new tyres

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

IIRC it should be a 70 profile front tyre. What are the tyres like are they "Squared off" My bike does the same with square tyres.

You might be better off asking your question www.gixerjunkies.net theres loads of info on there and its more specific to your bike than the org is.

I am prety sure the K1 had a 60 section as stock ...

and yes a 70 rofile tyre on a bike that is supposed ot have a 60 will cause the problems you mention mattyL

Aaaah - I have just checked the tyres. They are Pirelli Drago Evo Corsas, dont look squared off but the rear tyre wont have much more life in it. And - the front tyre is a 70 section, so this could be the problem then?