Steering Question?

This is our first Silverwing....it's a 2004 we bought this weekend for the wife to learn on...I (and wife) noticed in riding in a parking lot the steering is very heavy at slower speed when turning right. The bike really fights a right turn . Turning left is easy. Is this normal for this bike?

No!

It would be worth supporting the front wheel off the ground to feel the steering, it may be some tight cables just need supporting or re-routing...

Don't jack it up using the plastic underneath as it may crack.

The wheels are like a gyro and as such will turn one way easier than the other. That said, at slow speeds I would have thought the effect minimal. Maybe your muscles in your arms are weaker on one side, ( ).

First thing I would check is the tyre pressure and ensure they are correct. I recently had a tyre under inflation problem and the symptom was difficulty in steering particularly slow speeds.

I've ridden motorcycles all my life.... and I noticed it right away but didn't say anything. She's never ridden before, but she noticed too and complained about it. Front tire is fairly worn (as is rear) ..replacing it this week to see if that helps...didn't know if this was a characteristic of this type bike or not.

Steering feels fine on the center stand no rough spots in the bearing either left or right. ANy other ideas to check - it may be the tires.....

x

@Hvymtl

"noticed in riding in a parking lot the steering is very heavy at slower speed when turning right"

About what speed would you be travelling at? I've assumed that its real slow (10mph ish), slow enough that you don't really need to bank at all.

If you were able to measure this heaviness, would it be about 25% or 50% the strength needed as it is to turn left?

I've never noticed a difference but I will be going for a spin later I will try to see if I notice any difference.

bigbird wrote:

RArch wrote:

Don't jack it up using the plastic underneath as it may crack.

No problem using the undercover to jack up your Swing as long as you place a piece of 2X10 board under the tupperware.

Good to know, spread the load and it should be fine

Back from my spin, its always enjoyable

I did some slow turns both left and right at about 10mph and turning the steering feels the very same to me each way. I'd describe the strength required as very very little, hardly any effort required.

Is it possible that once moving there is enough pressure on the head bearings to make a difference ie they are worn?

The service manual suggests a few possibilities for hard steering;
* steering stem top thread too tight.
* worn or damaged bearings.
* worn or damaged bearing races.
* bent steering stem.
* insufficient tire pressure, faulty front tyre.

Maybe fit those new tyres before first...

First solo bikes are not steered, they are leaned. Low air pressure in tires can make handling funny. Foot pressure(as there are no pegs) makes great difference---feet up front=push right go right, etc.

SilverWing not best bike for leaner----it has a lot power and can put you in the weeds quickly. Get her in MSF course, learn the basics, become qualified for bike lic.-----ride each and everyday for everything and SilverWing can be safe and enjoyable.-----there is not short cut to safe and enjoyable riding. Professional quality boots/gloves/rain gear/jackets make big difference in comfort and might help if you fall off.

Thanks for the ideas and suggestions - swings new shoes arrived yesterday, so I 'll get them put on in a day or two and see if that makes a difference.

Sure is not as easy to ride as a motorcycyle (IMO) - maybe not a good idea for a beginner bike... but thought since it had no manual clutch it would be easier for her to focus on other riding skills... like staying upright

Turns out the previous owner or the factory installed one spring one way the other ..the other ( loose coil up and loose coil down). I would suspect that would cause easier turning as the one leg "collapsed earlier when turn left and the tight coil kept the leg from compressing turning right (if you follow this). Anyway..steers (yep-I said steers) same now.

I'm amazing that it made enough of a difference for you to feel it.

I've had the front mud guard off my 2009 bike and its got a fork brace, just wondering if your bike has such a thing fitted? If not, it may help too.