My bike feels funny

Over the past few days, I've noticed a difference in how my bike feels. More so when I'm riding home in the mornings. It kinda feels 'rattly' and just doesn't feel as smooth as I remember it to be.

Now I know that tyres take longer to warm up in the cold, and I have noticed that the bike doesn't feel like it's gripping very well for the first few miles, but does the cold affect the whole smoothness of the bike?

Then there's my clutch.

The lever feels rather heavy to use. I'm finding I have to release the clutch a whole lot further to get to the biting point, so I end up stalling?

[Luckypants]

Check yout tyre pressures cold. The colder weather had probably made them a little lower than normal.

The clutch could be normal wear & tear and / or stretch in the cable. This can be adjusted.

I check the pressure every other day, and they were both fine when I last checked.

[squirrel_hunter]

Also clutch wise check and grease the worm mechanism found under the front sprocket cover.

As for it feeling jerky in the mornings its possible that your getting a little carb icing. Next time you have to fill up try the higher octane fuel as this can make a massive difference in the winter.

Originally Posted by melody

Over the past few days, I've noticed a difference in how my bike feels. More so when I'm riding home in the mornings. It kinda feels 'rattly' and just doesn't feel as smooth as I remember it to be.

Now I know that tyres take longer to warm up in the cold, and I have noticed that the bike doesn't feel like it's gripping very well for the first few miles, but does the cold affect the whole smoothness of the bike?

Then there's my clutch.

The lever feels rather heavy to use. I'm finding I have to release the clutch a whole lot further to get to the biting point, so I end up stalling?

You've been thrashing it again haven't you Melody?

+1 on possible carb icing.

Is the higher octane fuel the more expensive one?

[squirrel_hunter]

Yep.

Ok will try it next time

[Richie]

Originally Posted by melody

Is the higher octane fuel the more expensive one?

yes. to that question.

just a quick question.
Since you've been riding, how does the front tyre look... rounded or V'ed off at the sides.. as this will cause less grip and make the bike seam unfriendly.
& ref Clutch... when did you last change the engine oil.. & what is your engine tick over rpm at idle? ,compaire it to your warm engine.

Originally Posted by Richie

yes. to that question.

just a quick question.
Since you've been riding, how does the front tyre look... rounded or V'ed off at the sides.. as this will cause less grip and make the bike seam unfriendly.
& ref Clutch... when did you last change the engine oil.. & what is your engine tick over rpm at idle? ,compaire it to your warm engine.

I think my front tyre is V'd off. I've heard someone refer to it as being 'squared off'

Engine oil was changed few weeks ago.

I'll have to check the rpm at idle.