Leaning In

[MotorBikeMike]

Hey fellow Katriders. I'm new to bikes and this being my first bike (02 750), I find quite a bit of push steer or counter steer is required to get a good lean on this bike. I am 5'11 180lbs. I have been experimenting with weight shifting my body on the bike to get a lean instead of push steering. Or at least combining the two methods.


How do you guys ride these heavy sport tourers in corners? My very first corner is when I discovered how heavy these bikes are compared to the bikes at Motorcycle training course...lol Lots more counter steering effort required for sure.

[92xjunker]

Rebuild the suspension so it's easier to ride. And counter steer is a normal practice.

[MotorBikeMike]

Rebuild the suspension so it's easier to ride. And counter steer is a normal practice.

Suspension is rebuilt. Still tweaking the settings as its still too stiff up front. Do you normally shift your butt to one side when cornering spiritly or is it redundant? I got the counter steer down now. Was a bit tricky the first couple of days riding. Now its second nature.

[92xjunker]

Always shift your weight and counter steer. Once the suspension is setup, it will handle with less effort and be more stable.

[Black_peter]

leaning into the turn reduces the lean angle of the bike.
Edit: Sorry, it was late...
Leaning off the bike, reduces the lean angle of the bike.
The amount of counter steer (push) needed to turn the bike is a function of the weight, the tires, and the rake/trail.

[MotorBikeMike]

Okay....thanks for the informative help fellas. I was playing around shifting my weight on the bike to help with cornering this weekend and it makes a huge difference.

[Kreylyn]

As mentioned, I would also suggest you revisit the height / sag adjustments for the front and rear of the bike. A slow turning bike generally suggests the rear is too low/front too high.

A small adjustment can make a huge difference.

When you rebuilt the suspension, was it back to stock or did you use aftermarket parts?

Krey

[MotorBikeMike]

As mentioned, I would also suggest you revisit the height / sag adjustments for the front and rear of the bike. A slow turning bike generally suggests the rear is too low/front too high.

A small adjustment can make a huge difference.

When you rebuilt the suspension, was it back to stock or did you use aftermarket parts?

Krey

Good point. I used stock parts for the rear I believe. The Suzuki dealer did it for me. To check height on the front and rear, where do you measure from on both locations to determine proper height of both front and rear?

[Kreylyn]

Good point. I used stock parts for the rear I believe. The Suzuki dealer did it for me. To check height on the front and rear, where do you measure from on both locations to determine proper height of both front and rear?

I don't have specific heights to give you... that's all depends on your riding style and preference.

Drop the front by 5mm... give it a ride test to see how you like it. If it's an improvement, do another 5mm... check again.

Once you get to the point you want it, note where for future ref.

Krey

[MotorBikeMike]

Sweet will do. I do believe the heights are off since I went to a rear 160/60 tire. This should make a nice difference to lower the front.


This is accomplished by raising the fork height in the triple?

[woobie]

Dated with bad acting, but the info is good if you haven't read the book.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZwyOCdUup8

[MotorBikeMike]

Dated with bad acting, but the info is good if you haven't read the book.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZwyOCdUup8

The only thing that makes this video worth watching is the content. The acting is uber annoying tho...almost like it was produced in Canada or something...LoL