Front end weirdness

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by nuss, Oct 11, 2015.

  1. nuss

    nuss New Member

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    I bought an 07 VFR800 for cheap that needed the clutch bled and a battery. Well I rode it for the first time and noticed a feeling in the front end like the tire was flat; however, it measures ~32psi. She wanted to correct any steering inputs back to straight. The previous owner low sided it but seemed to put her back together well and doesn't look like it had frame damage. My thought was to replace the tire regardless of its ability to hold pressure. Any ideas?
     
  2. duccmann

    duccmann Member

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    How old are the tires? and bump it up to 36 psi
     
  3. Lint

    Lint Member

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    Yeah, 32 is a little low. I'd say check the front to see if it's twisted slightly, or one fork is higher, but to me that would pull right or left I think.
     
  4. nuss

    nuss New Member

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    Bumped up to 36 psi and still the same reaction.

    The PO said he would buy new tires if he were to keep it but it didn't look very worn to me.

    It doesn't seem to favor a side.

    Maybe the PO messed with the suspension settings.

    Sent from my XT1096 using Tapatalk
     
  5. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

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    The symptoms sound like worn steering head bearings to me. Put the bike on the centrestand and a jack under the headers and lift the front wheel off the ground. See if the steering is smooth side to side, or has a notchy feel at dead centre. If so, time for new bearings.
     
  6. nuss

    nuss New Member

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    Interesting idea. I'll give it a shot.
     
  7. TNRabbit

    TNRabbit New Member

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    I replaced my original ball-type head bearings with AllBalls tapered bearings & have been VERY happy with the change. In fairness, the orginals were badly worn at 30,000 miles....
     
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