I got out for my first decent run yesterday, put about 150 miles on. Started noticing a slight resistance, not really a hangup, on left hand turns. Didn't even notice it for awhile, then sometimes heavier, sometimes not noticable. Started wondering if it was my imagination, but happening too often to ignore. Going through the twisties on the river roads along the Missouri bottoms the bike just handled "different" on left banks than right. Not as responsive to the "press to turn" initiative in the 40-55MHP range. I couldn't really peg it down to uphill/downhill or any other single circumstance and couldn't always get it to repeat. Stopped a couple of times and looked for obvious reasons. No apparent brake pull, no uneven weight distribution, tire pressure and visual inspection seemed OK. Toward the end of the day as the wind kicked up I was leaning forward a little more and didn't notice it as much, but then again my speed was up a little more on that stretch. Anyone out there have a similar experience, or know what I should be looking for?
 As always, I appreciate the knowledge shared on this forum. I've missed it when my computer was down.

Ride safe!

Dan

Also, look at the profile that is worn into your front tire.  I have seen some very triangulated wear (usually improper inflation - low) that can really affect handling especially when you inflate them to the proper level then.

I appreciate the responses. You've given me an idea where to start looking. I'll probably check the bearings this weekend. The tire pressure was good and no apparent wear or damage to them or the wheels. The only cable issue I've found is a slight need for clutch cable adjustment, been meaning to get to that anyway. Just another excuse to spend some quality time with the metal mistress!  

hulonjk37 wrote on 05/02/08 at 16:12:02:


Holy crap!  

I will have to keep an eye out for the wheel bearings.  I was not aware that they could fail so catastrophically without some serious warning signs!