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Author Topic: Steering Drift  (Read 2158 times)

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cisco_k

  • Guest
Steering Drift
« on: May 22, 2006, 01:34:14 PM »

I have a 1800R that drifts to the right.  I really confirmed the drift after I installed cruise control and could release the right grip.  To go straight I have to lean way over to the left or sit to the left side of the seat.  I have new tires but the problem was there even before the new tires.  39,000 miles on the bike.  The forks seals were replaced about 10,000 miles ago.  New front brakes too.  The drift is on flat or crowned roads.  I have a windshield, and have checked it's position and have also noticed that the drift happens with all wind directions or speed.  Anyone experience this or know what could cause it?  Is there a way to adjust alignment?
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twistedrcpilot

  • Master Tejano Rider
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  • Posts: 864
  • Montgomery Tx. /Lake Conroe TX
Re: Steering Drift
« Reply #1 on: May 22, 2006, 01:48:10 PM »

That could be a number of things, spacing of the front wheel, alignment, to much weight on one side, fork oil leak, etc.
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*Closet Darksider*

snake

  • Master of Monumental Proportions
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  • Posts: 3850
  • What a ride it's been!
Re: Steering Drift
« Reply #2 on: May 22, 2006, 03:47:15 PM »

Pretty regular, from my observation. The last 100,000 miles I've put on motorcycles has been with a throttle lock. I instantly realized that, once you let go of the bars, you must lean or reposition your butt to the left. About one and a half inches to the left does it for me. Never realize much of a pull with your hand on the bar...You "automatically" correct without thinking. I believe the underlying cause to be the same reason the left (when you're sittin' on it ) side of the front tire wears more than the right, not purely because of the crown in the road, but because of all the extra weight on the right side from the heavy stock exhaust. You have to ride "leaned" to the left to "balance" the bike if your hands are not doing the "balancing" on the bars, or shift your weight left of center.
You don't really notice this effect  unless you ride with your hands completely off the bars, and it doesn't seem as strong a pull to the right if you have lighter exhaust on.
This 1800 is the second honda in a row since I started using the throttle lock. The last a Shadow 1100,
Try this, it "balances" mine. Put Bricks in the left saddlebag, about 70 LBS (assuming you have bags and they will hold the weight. Mine rides straight forward with equal weight on each side. It was just an idea, but it proved out to me. If it balances yours, take the bricks out, and don't worry about it as I don't anymore. JUST LOOK FOR THE TREAD WEAR MORE ON THE LEFT SIDE WHEN CHECKING YOUR TIRES. They do wear more on the left, the front seemingly a little more than the rear.
You wanna ride no hands, shift your butt to the left. Still have to lean a little, but....
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:ohwow: signed: A reality-challenged left wingnut!
     420! Yeah, baby!



cisco_k

  • Guest
Re: Steering Drift
« Reply #3 on: May 23, 2006, 12:17:04 PM »

Thanks for the suggestions.  I will give the bricks a try and let you know.  I realized that the pipes and mufflers were heavy but never equated that to an off balance bike.  My cruise control is not a throttle lock but a full fledged cruise control that I just added.  It works great, so far, and I'll know more in about four weeks.  I added Ultimate seats too, and have a CB system.  I'm leaving at the end of this week to ride to Alaska.  I have a buddy with a Gold Wing.  The two of us have taken a few long trips together and this one will be a real butt test.  About 9,000 miles in three weeks.  He tells me that with all the suff I've added to my VTX, that I may as well have gotten a Gold Wing.  I just smile and tell him that I like the looks and feel of the X. 
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cisco_k

  • Guest
Re: Steering Drift
« Reply #4 on: May 23, 2006, 05:48:06 PM »

I took some heavy tools and a short piece of iron and put them in the left saddle bag.  To my surprise, the bike started drifting to the left.  I would never have imagined that a little weight would make such a difference.  Now I know that the bike is fine and that all I need to do is work on the weight distribution when packing.  Thanks for the tip.
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cantex

  • Tejano
  • ***
  • Posts: 114
Re: Steering Drift
« Reply #5 on: May 25, 2006, 09:38:33 AM »

Which cruise control system did you go with? do you like it? cost? easy to install?
you can PM or email me if you dont want to post all the info publicly.
vern
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what a long strange trip it's been
 


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