Frame alignment and coasting

[Texer]

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?

[Skunky]

Doesn't sound right to me. I would check your front fork/wheel alignment. And make sure the rear wheel spacer is in place.

[billday]

Try this

http://www.framestraightsystem.com/Motorcycle%20Frame%20Check.htm

[volador]

Fork Alignment

[johnny]

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

[Laitch]

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.

[Scott]

My R100r and K75 both track straight. 

[Texer]

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.

[herseyb]

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?

[Laitch]

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?
 

[Texer]

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.

[Laitch]

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.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

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.

[Texer]

Thanks Laitch and Gryphon, good to know it may be overthought.  I do enjoy the ride .

[Skunky]

Rider1.jpg (18.29 kB . 228x245 - viewed 427 times)

[Laitch]

It's ok to hang on to the handlebar, Texer. You'll still be able to join the carnival. Bring along some friends. 

[Texer]

It's ok to hang on to the handlebar, Texer. You'll still be able to join the carnival. Bring along some friends. 

I must have been inspired. I just watched the Seattle Cossacks in action this last summer!

[alabrew]

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.

[Texer]

Thanks - will check (and I’ve done this for my ‘70 R75/5). I don’t have a damper on the K100rs.

[Skunky]

It's ok to hang on to the handlebar, Texer. You'll still be able to join the carnival. Bring along some friends. 

Ha! The Top one was like trying to get out of Brands Hatch Race track after the world championships.

[TommyT]

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.

[natalena]

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.

[duckhawk]

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.

[Texer]

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.

[billday]

Alabrew was talking about the steering stem bearings, not the wheel hub bearing.