A Question on Cornering and Traction

[Phoenix Kat]

I'm pretty new to riding and I've noticed that when I'm coming a little quick into corners, it feels as if the rear wheel is no longer on the ground. I've experienced this while cycling, but now that I'm on a motorcycle I feel the stakes are a bit higher than on my little road bike.

So is that feeling of weightlessness a sign that I'm about to lose traction, or can I push it further?

Just for reference, I ride an '06 Kat 600 on Michelin Pilot Road tires, which I believe are properly inflated. Thanks for any and all help.

[steves]

It sounds like the suspension might not be set up correctly.

Try reading up on this and see if it helps things out

http://katriders.com/wiki/index.php5?title=Shocks%2C_Setting

[Phoenix Kat]

Thanks, I didn't even know what that tool was for. Judging from the slight wobbles I felt at speed the other day, it wouldn't surprise me if it was the suspension. I hear that stock settings are focused around something like a 140 lb. rider, which is only 5lbs less than I weigh. So theoretically I should be able to adjust the suspension back to stock settings and everything should be good to go correct?

[Zepp]

Yes, definitely suspension problems.

Sounds like the rear could be springing up and then is too slow to come back down. My Cbr was doing this before I had the suspension tuned. It is very dangerous when going into a corner, if this is what is happening. The rear of the bike will not be planted on the ground

[H-2 CHARLIE]

just dont over shoot your turns the kat is real heavy and its not a SS bike ..just take it easy till you get used to the turns in the hills . im 240 lb and its fine for me my rear shock is at #4 it gives some rebound back there and its fine .. belive me iv seen bikes get away in the corners from other guys when im behind them ..it can be death so ride safe and dont take chances

[Phoenix Kat]

I checked a few minutes ago and realized my front suspension was set to the fifth 'click' as apposed to the second as the manual recommends. I'll see how she handles in the morning.

I suppose I'll ease up in the twisties until I have a bit more experience. Would a track day suspension set up be beneficial for street riding at all? I'm more than wiling to pay 50 bucks for peace of mind.

[H-2 CHARLIE]

my frt. shocks are at 5 so they dont bottom out , i believe 6 is max . the kats a heavy tank road bike that hangs pretty good for the weight ..any thing more you might look for a boat load of trouble. and the bars are not like clip-ons down low for a real percise turn

[Phoenix Kat]

Does anyone know what the recommended shock damping adjustment is for the '06 Kat is? I can only find the spring preload adjustment.

[tone]

[QUOTE=Phoenix Kat;1742491]I'm pretty new to riding and I've noticed that when I'm coming a little quick into corners, it feels as if the rear wheel is no longer on the ground. QUOTE]

While this can be caused by poor suspension settings as mentioned above you will also get the same feeling if you brake too deep into corners while trying to turn or are a little heavy on the rear brake

I'm not sure that this is what you are doing but thought it worth mentioning as you said you are a pretty new rider

cheers tone

[JokerZwild]

I'm pretty new to riding and I've noticed that when I'm coming a little quick into corners, it feels as if the rear wheel is no longer on the ground. I've experienced this while cycling, but now that I'm on a motorcycle I feel the stakes are a bit higher than on my little road bike.

So is that feeling of weightlessness a sign that I'm about to lose traction, or can I push it further?

Just for reference, I ride an '06 Kat 600 on Michelin Pilot Road tires, which I believe are properly inflated. Thanks for any and all help.

Simplest solution.....Slow the frig down!

[GregS]

Do a internet search for "motorcycle suspension setup". You'll get a good education on the basic dynamics involved. Of course you'll need to sort thru a lot of crap too but that's the internet for you.
I do very much agree with those that suggested "slow down" and to develop your riding skills before charging into disaster.

[scottynoface]

Simplest solution.....Slow the frig down!

Also the least fun, defies the point of owning a sportbike, and is unneccessary with the correct suspension set up.

My front is set up very stiff, if I'm hard on the front brakes at all (7/10 or more) the rear WILL raise and lose some traction.

http://www.sportrider.com/motorcycle_suspension/index.html

[HemiKat]

All ya need to know: http://www.gostar-racing.com/club/mo...0YOUR%20WEIGHT

[Tmod]

My first question would be is the spring and sag correct for you weight, If not it is a waste to adjust anything without them being correct. On that note if they are correct it sounds like you have too much rebound damping. I don't know about the 06 600 but my 06 750 has way too much rebound damping and that was with the adjuster on #1.

So what do you weigh? Ride single or double?

Tmod

[Phoenix Kat]

Wow, both of the above links have great info thanks. I read and bookmarked both of them for future reference. I plan on making adjustments tomorrow after work. I weigh around 150 lbs. and only do one-up riding right now, no exceptions.