Front End Feels Loose

[Fortech]

Hey there,

I have a 2012 Tenere and really haven't messed with many suspension settings since taking possession if it.

A few weeks back I was on a multi week, several thousand km trip and noticed the front of the bike felt really loose at slower speeds (parking lot maneuvers, etc). I weigh in around 210 lbs with gear, had both 30L panniers at 80% capacity and the rear top box (40L) near 80% capacity and a 40L dry bag on the passenger seat. I was carting around the usual stuff so the weight of that is unknown.

It felt almost like the front end needed a fork brace of sorts - felt like I was back on my 2004 KLR until I got used to it.

I'm heading off for another few trips before summer is over and am interested in playing with some suspension settings to see if I can get the feeling to go away somewhat. I will be tasking the Mrs (120 lbs) with me on the remainder of the rides so the weight will increase from previous trips for sure.

If anyone has any quick tips and pointers to help me get the bike set I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks...

 

[Boris]

Rear shock is too softly sprung IMO, had the same issue on my 2013. For now I wound the rear preload up almost to max and the the front preload so that only 3 lines showing. I'll get the rear shock sorted with a new spring over the winter months.

 

[Fortech]

Thanks Boris, I will have to crank up the rear for sure and see how it behaves.

I've been doing some reading and also plan to setup the suspension as per the Sticky Thread within this forum subsection posted by Bushyar15, except increasing the rear preload to compensate for the passenger. If anyone has any further suggestions/tweaks to help me I'd be glad to hear them.

I will look into a new rear spring/shock for the future but am looking for a setup to get me through the near future.

 

[Checkswrecks]

On the uber-basic level, are you sure of your tire pressures and is the front very worn?

 

[Fortech]

Brand new Mitas E07 and I believe 32 frt 40 rear pressure

 

[Checkswrecks]

"brand new"


So is it just the feel of going to a new tire?


Otherwise, you could check for worn bearings, loose steering bearings, etc.

 

[Sierra1]

Your air pressure inquiry bring a question to mind. The manual specs 33/fr & 36/rr with loads less than 198lbs, and 33/fr & 42/rr with loads over 198lbs. But, the manual also lists Trail Wings as the installed tire. Do the pressure requirements differ with different tires?

 

[Boris]

Mr Fortech

Here's a really easy test for the bike, take the luggage off, panniers and top box, dry bag too. Go for a ride and see if the front end feels more planted.

If it does, which I'm guessing it will, then the rear shock is compressing under the weight, shifting the weight bias and leaving less weight over the front and making it feel floaty (floaty is a technical term ;D).

Good luck ::008::

 

[Fortech]

I think you're hitting the nail on the head with your statement Boris - the bike definitly feels "normal" without the rear load.

The Mrs and I are performing a "dry run" this weekend - a three day overnighter to prepare for our week long trip in August. I will perform some suspension tweaks throughout the weekend and try and find the best settings for my loading with thee stock components.

I suspect I will require a heavier rear spring before long to have the bike handle in a satisfactory manner. Without getting into a complete suspension component overhaul at this time, can anyone reccommend a replacement rear spring that will improve my 2 up capabilities without sacrificing too much solo ride? If there is a reasonable option out there, I think i'm going to bite the bullet and order "just in case" my findings this weekend aren't to my liking.

Spring options welcome! Living here in Eastern Canada, I have to order well in advance due to excessive delivery times.

Thanks again all who replied...

 

[WJBertrand]

Check your front wheel bearings for any play and inspect the steering head bearing adjustment while you're at it. I had some front wheel bearings go out on my Honda ST1100 whilst on tour 1000 miles from home and it wasn't obvious until I slowed down to parking lot speeds after checking into the motel.