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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Something wrong with the steering ?
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Message started by mpescatori on 04/13/12 at 00:07:23

Title: Something wrong with the steering ?
Post by mpescatori on 04/13/12 at 00:07:23

I just collected my Savage from the dealership workshop, no issue with all the jobs they did - other than forgetting to rehaul the front brake pump which is rock stiff and won't brake much :-/

My issue is that I find the steering a little odd...
...meaning that the bike tends to "close" to full right or full left at a standstill, or at any speed.

In other words, I have to keep my hands BOTH on the grips, else, instead of keeping a straight line she will make the best of any little ripple in the road and tend to close into a tight curve.

The steering is, in my view, unstable.

Unfortunately, the Savage was laid up a year and a half and in the meantime I rode another, completely different bike,
a big BMW 1200 which is rock solid and breezes away on longitudinal corrugations which I remember made the little Savage wiggle like a hula dancer
(she's also twice as heavy... getting back on the Savage made me feel like I was riding a little boy's tricycle! :D).

So... is it me who am "spoiled" by the big Beemer... or is the Savage's steering actually flawed by bad bearings or something?

As I am looking to stiffen up the suspension, would a DR650 enduro (or any 38mm front fork with a forward mounted axle, for that matter) be an acceptable swap, or should I change the triple tree as well ?

:-/ :-/ :-/

HELP ? :-[

Title: Re: Something wrong with the steering ?
Post by dr1445 on 04/13/12 at 03:47:21

you could try longer rear shocks, that will quicken the steering, but the ls 650 is a slow steering bike by design so you still might not be satisfied.

Title: Re: Something wrong with the steering ?
Post by LANCER on 04/13/12 at 04:37:48

Remove the stem bolt, bearings, etc., and check everthing and replace bearings if needed; then grease & assemble to proper spec for the stem/nut.
It may or may not change the feel of it compared to the Beemer but you will know that everything is the way it should be and won't have any concerns about things coming apart on you.
Might as well service your forks at the same time. You can do it all on an easy Saturday.
Suggestion: use 15 wt. fork oil vs the 10 wt. listed; it will firm up the feel of the front end. I use 20 wt. but I ride a bit harder than average and prefer the heavier feel.

Title: Re: Something wrong with the steering ?
Post by mpescatori on 04/13/12 at 05:57:47

Thanks LANCER :)

I was actually considering swapping the front fork with something off a dual sports.

I replacing the two stems sufficient (I will need to use the donor's front wheel as well I guess ::) ) or should I transplant the triple tree as well?

My idea is to have a cool freeway cruiser (keep in mind my cruising speed is 55/60-ish)

8-) Regards 8-)

Title: Re: Something wrong with the steering ?
Post by dr1445 on 04/13/12 at 06:23:14

the dr 650 forks are 43mm diameter, so you need to use the dr triple trees.

Title: Re: Something wrong with the steering ?
Post by mpescatori on 04/14/12 at 02:16:20

425417121213260 wrote:

the dr 650 forks are 43mm diameter, so you need to use the dr triple trees.

Roger that.

The "unfortunate" thing is I have just spent very good money on a ner front tire, and want to ensure the new front wheel is a 19", not a 21" as is found on most enduros and some cruisers (Kawas I think)

I'm on the lookout for a decent front fork with 38mm stems in the local equivalent to Craig's List, will see what I can find.

Title: Re: Something wrong with the steering ?
Post by dr1445 on 04/14/12 at 02:41:55

maybe this will help find the perfect fit if there is such a thing. in the meantime + one on lancers advise and the longer rear shocks will help steering response.

http://www.ohiocaferacers.com/OCRTubeSizes.pdf

Title: Re: Something wrong with the steering ?
Post by mpescatori on 04/14/12 at 16:36:04

726427222223160 wrote:

:o

WOW ! Thank you, I didn't expect such a wealth of info !!!

:)

Title: Re: Something wrong with the steering ?
Post by verslagen1 on 04/14/12 at 16:56:52

4F5247514143564D504B220 wrote:

My issue is that I find the steering a little odd...
...meaning that the bike tends to "close" to full right or full left at a standstill, or at any speed.

In other words, I have to keep my hands BOTH on the grips, else, instead of keeping a straight line she will make the best of any little ripple in the road and tend to close into a tight curve.

The steering is, in my view, unstable.

at a standstill... verticle?
I know it will with the wheel off the ground, but usually at a stop light it will stay put. And I don't get very many opportunities to take my hands off except to coast up to a light, but it does stay straight.

maybe your bearings are just a tad loose?
with the front brake on, rock the bike back and forth... do you hear a clunk?

Title: Re: Something wrong with the steering ?
Post by mpescatori on 04/17/12 at 05:24:19

Hello Verslagen :) No clunk at all, very stable front fork etc.

Had the bike seen by my BMW mechanic, one look and he explained everything.

Very raked front fork (OEM, but still more rake than most), very low seat when compared to the triple tree and handlebars, short rear shocks and narrow 19" wheel, all contribute to having a "very manoeuverable" front end.

He also says to be careful as I come from 18 months' riding a Beemer which is steady as a train (he's right, the Beemer IS steady).

1" longer rear shocks, thicker front wheel, new fork with forward mounted axle will all contribute to give a "steadier than thou" front end.

8-)

Title: Re: Something wrong with the steering ?
Post by spacepirates on 04/17/12 at 06:03:39

That Ohio Cafe Racer's club is good info, but they haven't kept it updated with the years.

All Balls Racing's website has a front end conversion calculator type thing:
http://www.allballsracing.com/index.php/forkconvertion

Put the savage in as your bike and see what front ends you can use (some require new bearings, and this doesn't factor in stem length).