Hey, I just picked up a few bikes to fix up and sell and one is a '08 GSX-R 1000. Just got it running and took it out and noticed whenever I would lean the bike going into a turn the steering would want to fall the direction I was leaning. Been riding for a few years now and haven't had this problem. The front tire is worn more on the sides than the middle because it was a practice bike for the track. Don't know if that would have anything to do with it or not. Forks and frame are straight and steering pivots just fine. Let me know what you guys think it may be. Thanks.
Steering issues
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edit: re-read, realised the prob now is it DOES fall in too easily... steering head bearings may be too loose potentially.. anyway I wrote the response below thinking it wouldn't steer in quick enough.
That was classic 'problem' when they first released (i think) the first watercooled gixxer WN?, it was simply the steering head locknut was too tight from the factory, all the journos bagged the crap out of the bike saying it couldnt steer!!!! classic..
pop the tank and lift the front end by running tie down straps through the frame near the steering head to a rafter (or jack from under the engine), check to see your steering freely moves side to side.. should take between 200-400g of weight (use a digital scale held vertically) to get the steering moving.
While your at it, make sure there's no notchyness in the bearings and that when you pull (from the front) and push the forks there's no clicking sound to indicate bad steering head bearings.
That was classic 'problem' when they first released (i think) the first watercooled gixxer WN?, it was simply the steering head locknut was too tight from the factory, all the journos bagged the crap out of the bike saying it couldnt steer!!!! classic..
pop the tank and lift the front end by running tie down straps through the frame near the steering head to a rafter (or jack from under the engine), check to see your steering freely moves side to side.. should take between 200-400g of weight (use a digital scale held vertically) to get the steering moving.
While your at it, make sure there's no notchyness in the bearings and that when you pull (from the front) and push the forks there's no clicking sound to indicate bad steering head bearings.
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612 Posts
Not sure what you guys have been riding but... Older bikes say 80's and other makes would take counter steer all the way through a turn while not really going that fast. Newer bikes especially recent with the wheels tucked in close not much of a rake are quick sterring like you probably noticed. Some tires will even give different steering effects. Body position which I get nasty with going into a dirt bike rider position in some turns give different cornering characteristics. Leaning to the outside can get you that quick wheel turn to the inside some times. In short add 10-20 more mph to the turn and it will be less pronounced for sure. Like I said tires especially steeper ones are more pronouncd turn ins. If the tire is extra worn on the sides then that quick turn in could be explained by that and fixed up by adding speed. But.... beware.
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263 Posts
Unlike rear tires, which get squared off or develop a flat spot in the middle of the tire. The front will wear the sides away and leave a high spot in the middle, tire pressure will also be critical, I have a 98 R1, and if the front is low by even a couple of psi, it behaves exactly as you have described. I am sure your new tires and careful attention to tire pressure will cure your problem. If not check the front end has not been lowered or the rear raised beyond spec.
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