Handling issue

[billyn1@telusplanet.net]

If the front fork and suspension are solid, my experience has been that turns that require counter-steering or feel like the front end is "flopping" into the turn are almost always because of cupping of the front tire (first) and even cupping of the rear tire. Rear tire cupping will sometimes feel like misaligned front and rear wheels, where it feels like the rear end is trying to pass the front end. Cupping is uneven tire wear on the centre part of the tread. My favorite, the Drifter, is starting to pull in turns, and I know the tires are worn/cupped. A trick to try is to over-inflate to max listed on the tire and see if the handling improves. If it does, new skins are in order!  

[Easy Drifter]

replaced head bearings with All Balls and tires with Michelin Commander III Cruisers, bike has never handled better!

[Pete]

It sounds like a head bearing problem to me. Could be over tight / brinelled, or even loose. I suggest a strip and inspection.

[gwilki]

My new-to-me 1999 1500 had strange handling issues and it turned out that the wheels were out of true. I found a good "spoke guy" and he put every to rights. It may be worth a look??

[Easy Drifter]

'02 800 model, when riding, anything off center the bike wants to turn to either side.Heavy feeling, counter steering needed to correct.

Tire pressures are correct, head and wheel bearings have been checked for noise and looseness.

Everything seems right but the front end feels like crap.

Any ideas?