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TECHNICAL MOTOBRICK WRENCHING In Remembrance of Inge K. => The Motobrick Workshop => Topic started by: Texer on February 16, 2020, 11:40:25 PM

Title: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: Texer on February 16, 2020, 11:40:25 PM
Hello all, A new question just popped up that I thought was interesting today. I have been getting used to my R100rs recently after some well placed maintenance. I am really appreciating it. Today however I was finding that I had to control the steering. Something that I had never really noticed before. So, I tested it and put it into neutral and tried to Coast at around 10, 15, 20 mph on my way home from my afternoon ride in my neighborhood. I found that it did not want to trace a straight line. I had to shift my weight far to the left to keep it in line. My question is, have other riders found the K-bikes to be more solid and planted than I have described or is this situation that I have found a common one?
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: Skunky on February 17, 2020, 05:22:56 AM
Doesn't sound right to me. I would check your front fork/wheel alignment. And make sure the rear wheel spacer is in place.
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: billday on February 17, 2020, 07:01:58 AM
Try this

http://www.framestraightsystem.com/Motorcycle%20Frame%20Check.htm
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: volador on February 17, 2020, 07:57:19 AM
Fork Alignment (http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,13306.0.html)

Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: johnny on February 17, 2020, 08:41:14 AM
greetings...

coasting... really... brain disengages when not nose up into the distance on the throttle...

may wanna try that... may find some yeeehaaaaa if you getts after it... its not a primative motoboxer after all...

j o
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: Laitch on February 17, 2020, 09:40:27 AM
I have been getting used to my R100rs recently after some well placed maintenance.
Did you mean to type K100RS?

Are the tires new; what does the date stamp indicate? What is the front and rear tire pressure?

Road crowns and surfaces can affect handling. If the tires are showing a uniform wear pattern and aren't worn beyond their indicators, ride it more and avoid niggling obsession until you've put a few thousand mile on it under your command.
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: Scott on February 17, 2020, 01:02:05 PM
My R100r and K75 both track straight. 
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: Texer on February 17, 2020, 02:04:27 PM
Thanks all for the replies - yes K100rs.  Tires are actually new.  I’ll be able to do some measurements and more test riding in about 2 weeks due to work travel.
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: herseyb on February 17, 2020, 04:31:12 PM
I've always had to lean out to the left on my k75 if i wanted to ride no hands.  I just guessed it's cause the drive shaft is on the right, but what do i know?
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: Laitch on February 17, 2020, 06:06:52 PM
I. . .  put it into neutral and tried to Coast at around 10, 15, 20 mph on my way home from my afternoon ride in my neighborhood. I found that it did not want to trace a straight line. I had to shift my weight far to the left to keep it in line.
Are you indicating that the moto would drift to the left despite the handlebar being held in alignment, or were you riding no-hands?
 

Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: Texer on February 17, 2020, 07:11:29 PM
Are you indicating that the moto would drift to the left despite the handlebar being held in alignment, or were you riding no-hands?
This was when riding no-hands.  There is no real pull in that direction when holding the bars.
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: Laitch on February 17, 2020, 07:17:46 PM
There is no real pull in that direction when holding the bars.
Unless you're trying to develop a circus act, forget about it and enjoy the ride.
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on February 17, 2020, 08:01:26 PM
All my K-bikes pull when I let go of the bars.  I suspect it has something to do with rotating masses in the engine.

Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: Texer on February 18, 2020, 12:10:36 AM
Thanks Laitch and Gryphon, good to know it may be overthought.  I do enjoy the ride .
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: Skunky on February 18, 2020, 03:33:54 AM
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Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: Laitch on February 18, 2020, 11:26:56 AM
It's ok to hang on to the handlebar, Texer. You'll still be able to join the carnival. Bring along some friends.  :laughing4-giggles:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrLvYrKYVD8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrLvYrKYVD8)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78KfLkBFMk8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78KfLkBFMk8)
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: Texer on February 18, 2020, 11:33:07 AM
It's ok to hang on to the handlebar, Texer. You'll still be able to join the carnival. Bring along some friends.  :laughing4-giggles:
I must have been inspired. I just watched the Seattle Cossacks in action this last summer!
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: alabrew on February 18, 2020, 06:19:58 PM
When you raise the front tire clear of the ground, does it swing through it's arc smoothly or is there a notch.
Move it slowly so as to not activate a damper if there. Doesn't hurt after to swing it quickly to see if the damper is working.
Over time, front head bearings need periodic repacking - did it about 8 yrs in service on my first '85 k100rt and then the '91 k100RS when I got it.
It's symptom is similar to what you are reporting.
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: Texer on February 19, 2020, 01:25:09 AM
Thanks - will check (and I’ve done this for my ‘70 R75/5). I don’t have a damper on the K100rs.
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: Skunky on February 19, 2020, 03:39:19 PM
It's ok to hang on to the handlebar, Texer. You'll still be able to join the carnival. Bring along some friends.  :laughing4-giggles:
Ha! The Top one was like trying to get out of Brands Hatch Race track after the world championships.
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: TommyT on February 21, 2020, 07:21:31 AM
Hello all, A new question just popped up that I thought was interesting today. I have been getting used to my R100rs recently after some well placed maintenance. I am really appreciating it. Today however I was finding that I had to control the steering. Something that I had never really noticed before. So, I tested it and put it into neutral and tried to Coast at around 10, 15, 20 mph on my way home from my afternoon ride in my neighborhood. I found that it did not want to trace a straight line. I had to shift my weight far to the left to keep it in line. My question is, have other riders found the K-bikes to be more solid and planted than I have described or is this situation that I have found a common one?
I have a 1991 K75 RT that pulls to the right hands free, my 1990 K75S goes straight. Go figure. The RT feels fine hands on riding. Going to change the tires on it soon. Will report if that makes any difference.
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: natalena on February 21, 2020, 08:17:03 AM
When you raise the front tire clear of the ground, does it swing through it's arc smoothly or is there a notch.
Over time, front head bearings need periodic repacking - did it about 8 yrs in service on my first '85 k100rt and then the '91 k100RS when I got it.
It's symptom is similar to what you are reporting.

Totally agree with this quick check. I posted about brinneling on Schnelfarher's (sp?) "clicking post", and have had this happen on other brands as well. Mostly dirt/enduro bikes.
Just to clarify, lifting the front wheel is while on center stand, and not at speed in front of the shopping mall straightaway.
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: duckhawk on February 23, 2020, 09:03:46 AM
Used to ride no handed for 10 minutes at a time, 60 mph,  on an 81 R80RT on curves along HWY 60 in SW Wisconsin. A well aligned bike is a joy to ride. It's worth doing what you can to improve the alignment on what you have.
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: Texer on February 29, 2020, 10:34:41 AM
Again -thanks all for the replies. I rechecked the front wheel bearings and they are good and smooth. I think I found the real issue - I had not evened out the load in my bags the day the issue worried me.  I was able to test that this week and it seemed good in the short trip I could make.  I’ll run w/o bags in a good test location later to verify.
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: billday on February 29, 2020, 10:40:10 AM
Alabrew was talking about the steering stem bearings, not the wheel hub bearing.
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: Laitch on February 29, 2020, 11:02:37 AM
I think I found the real issue - I had not evened out the load in my bags the day the issue worried me. 
It also helps if you can keep heavy meals like dumplings, meatballs and lasagna in the center of your stomach.
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: johnny on February 29, 2020, 01:54:24 PM
greetings...

the right bag weighs more to counter the weight of the exhaust...

j o
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on February 29, 2020, 08:04:15 PM
And the left bag weighs more to offset the weight of the swingarm and the final drive...
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: BlitzenGruv on March 07, 2020, 09:14:38 PM
I always balance my load with a 12-pack in each bag.
Title: Re: Frame alignment and coasting
Post by: Skunky on March 07, 2020, 10:33:57 PM
My Left testicle is heavier than the right to compensate for my right leg being 1cm shorter.  Helps with cruising