10-18-2017, 11:16 PM | #1 |
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: connecticut
Posts: 980
|
Look Ma no hands... sort of
So I was riding my hawk and I took my hands off the handle bars to adjust my glove and I was struggling to steer this bike with no hands. I used to be able to do this on my CR and all my bicycles but can seem to get this to track where I want without my hands.
Is this because of the Rake or the tires or my skills? Anyone else notice this? |
|
10-19-2017, 10:04 AM | #2 |
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sardis, BC, Canada
Posts: 25,977
|
It could one of a few different causes or the tolerance stack-up of a few issues. Off the top of my bald head:
Rims aren't true, front caliper dragging a bit, steering neck not set up properly, poor quality tires, steering neck isn't true to the frame (that's a long shot), either (or both) rims aren't centered on the axle, etc. Before tearing anything apart, ride the bike slowly on a surface that will tell you what the tires are doing, like a bit of sand or water on the road; there should be only one tire track, not two. Then, put the bike on a stand and check both rims. Do they spin freely? Are they out of round? After those simple tests, you can begin to diagnose.
__________________
Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer |
|
10-19-2017, 10:21 AM | #3 |
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sardis, BC, Canada
Posts: 25,977
|
Could also be a dragging wheel bearing. You'll discover that when you put it on a stand and spin the wheels. if it is, I'd swap 'em with Japanese bearings.
__________________
Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer |
|
10-19-2017, 01:11 PM | #4 | |
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: akwesasne, NY-13655
Posts: 2,220
|
Quote:
|
|
|
10-19-2017, 01:33 PM | #5 |
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 8,100
|
It could be many of the things mentioned, but even in perfect working order I have found my Hawk far more trickly to go "hands free" than many of my previous bikes. I chalk some of it up to my own mass in relation to the bikes, and the center of gravity and height of the bike as well. I can make this bike change direction by simply sneezing.
That said, I would like to add a couple of things to the Weldandgrind list. Front fork alignment is slightly out and/or rear wheel alignment is off just a bit. The rear wheel alignment can sometimes make the front feel and behave as if it is out of whack too. That slight off-tracking of one wheel can throw off your sense of balance and direction when you let go. It's a long shot, but very easy to check for and correct.
__________________
Hawk Information and Resource guide: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=20331 2018 Hawk 250 - Full Mod list here. http://www.chinariders.net/showpost....62&postcount=1 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 https://chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=34124 |
|
10-19-2017, 02:41 PM | #6 |
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: connecticut
Posts: 980
|
Great info. Thank you everyone. Going to check the easy stuff first. Confession to ARH... I haven't yet greased the steering. I have grease zerks ready to go, just need time. Once the white stuff starts flying I will tackle that project.
|
|
10-20-2017, 10:44 AM | #7 | |
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Volcano, Ca
Posts: 7,112
|
Quote:
Also, it could just not be a very well balanced bike and as MD states, on such a small light bike and our fat asses on them, it's like sitting a bowling ball on a golf tee. Mrs. 2LZ Victory is almost impossible to ride with no hands because all the giant exhaust pipes hang on one side.
__________________
"Light a fire for a man, and you heat him for a day. Light a man on fire, and you heat him for the rest of his life." 2007 Suzuki DRZ400S (SM convert) 2009 Q Link XP 200 1967 BSA B25 250cc Starfire 2022 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411 1948 Royal Enfield Model G 350 |
|
|
10-20-2017, 02:27 PM | #8 |
Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Houma, La.
Posts: 11,707
|
Hmmmm...I haven't tried that yet on the Hawk. I'll have to see over the weekend how it works out. I'll have to make sure I do it in front of my mom's house to get the full effect. lol
__________________
2024 Linhai 300 ATV 4x4 2023 Lifan Lycan 250 Chopper 2023 Venom Evader 2022 Lifan KPX250 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S (Sold) 2004 Honda ST 1300 2016 Black Hawk 250 (sold) Keihin PE30 carb,125 main,38 slow.Pod filter,ported & decked head 10:1 CR,Direct Ignition Coil,15/40Sprockets,NGK DPR8EIX-9,De-Cat,Dual Oil Cooler,Digital Cluster 2016 Cazador180 XL 2014 Coolster150 JerryHawk250.com My YouTube Channel |
|
10-20-2017, 05:41 PM | #9 | |
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: akwesasne, NY-13655
Posts: 2,220
|
Quote:
|
|
|
10-25-2017, 11:49 AM | #10 |
Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Houma, La.
Posts: 11,707
|
I tried t over the weekend. At 55 and down to 35 it wasn't a problem keeping it strait. Now I wish I had cruise control.
__________________
2024 Linhai 300 ATV 4x4 2023 Lifan Lycan 250 Chopper 2023 Venom Evader 2022 Lifan KPX250 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S (Sold) 2004 Honda ST 1300 2016 Black Hawk 250 (sold) Keihin PE30 carb,125 main,38 slow.Pod filter,ported & decked head 10:1 CR,Direct Ignition Coil,15/40Sprockets,NGK DPR8EIX-9,De-Cat,Dual Oil Cooler,Digital Cluster 2016 Cazador180 XL 2014 Coolster150 JerryHawk250.com My YouTube Channel |
|
10-26-2017, 12:50 PM | #11 |
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: connecticut
Posts: 980
|
One other but of data. My tires are inflated to 32 psi. Not sure if that matters.
|
|
|
|
|
|