C109 Handling

M

mommy2be *Due Oct22nd*

New member
Hi all. I recently bought a C109R and absolutely love this bike. Just the sheer size and power of this bike makes me want to ride everyday - and I do!! (45,000kms over 4 years experience).

What I am a little concerned about however is the handling. I feel that when I lean the bike over it seems like it wants to tip over. I am not going slow - sometimes at highway speeds on curves, but when I lean it really feels like someone is about to kick it out from under me and I am going to hit the road. As I bought the bike second-hand it does have a fairly distinct flat area in the centre of the tyre and the lean is really a push to get over that flat area and onto the curve of the tyre's side so maybe that is the problem - I don't know.

Does anyone else have this feeling (the feeling of the bike falling out from under you)?

How far can you lean this bike over? If I get right over and scrape the pegs I should still be OK right? But why don't I feel quite right?

I really want to use this bike the way it is meant to be used.

Opinions/comments really appreciated from ALL.

Hoodathunkut
:bluethum:
 
There's your answer. Start shopping for new tires.

There will be a HUGE difference. What you have now is probably somewhat dangerous. Until you get the tires changed, you would be better off NOT leaning so you don't have to go "over" that ridge.......and slow down. :bluethum:
 
New tires can make a big difference. I have experienced that feeling on several bikes that had worn tires.

Do a little research before buying tires. Don't buy the cheapest thing you can find. Look for a good deal, but avoid the cheap brands, like Shinko, Cheng Shin.

look here

Southwest Moto Tires: Motorcycle Tires

There are many other online stores to get tires. Even if you don't want to buy on line, it helps you know what a fair price is.

I buy mine from my local Suzuki dealer. He will match most online prices, and then you don't pay shipping.
 
I think you should put on a new tire. There isn't much to choose from in that size tho. Probably best to stick to the original Bridgestones.
 
And you do keep the pressure in your tire checked, right?

Like the others were saying, with the flat spot, the handling will be off. If you were not that happy with the feel of the tires when new, then you might want to try a different brand/tire with the new one. Different tires have different profiles that will change the feel of the bike, how it transitions into a corner, how it holds the line, and picks back up. I ride a sport bike, so, I have no recommendations for you. But if you look around you will get a good idea of how it will effect your handling. Some tire websites will have customer reviews which can be helpful.
 
Chicken strips. A fresh tire and a nice mix of curvy roads will eliminate this malady, like everyone else said. :bluethum:
 
Great information from all you guys...thanks heaps. I have been riding daily and doing a lot of slaloms (swaying side to side) and seem to have reduced the spot that goes from flat to round on the side. I do feel much better now but with more kms on the bike think I will getting better.

Funny thing though, I took the screen off the bike and rode for a few days without it. Hooley dooley it feels different!! The bike just seems smaller somehow and handling is better. I feel much better throwing the bike around and getting it leaned over. Still not perfect but a big difference none the less. Who would have thought that removing a screen could make a difference to how you feel on a bike.

Hoodathunkut
 
Call me a pu$$y, but I've ridden a few times with the windshield off and hated it.
Around the city is one thing, but on the highway, you take a buttwhoopin.

For highway riding, I just prefer to have the screen there to keep some of the wind from battering the body. You'll find that the lowers make a HUGE difference in the rain too!
 
Pu$$y! :P Just kidding...I agree with you. I much prefer to have the screen on too. I just wanted to see what it would be like without it. Handling is definitely different but long term...I like the screen on!

Man I LOVE the C109!!!:mrgreen::bluethum::P:D:)
 
The new tyres are finally on! Man it is sticky now!
I did about 300kms before leaning too much but the handling is now FAR better. You can feel the tyres stick as you go around the corners. And now that I have the Bully installed as well I can control that power even better. New tyres have made all the difference - it's unbelievable :bluethum:

Thanks to everyone who gave advice, especially Loki_ca who gave me the link to the Titanium Draggers. Might have to get some of them, they look cool :bluethum:

Hoodathunkut
 
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