May 10th, 2015, 02:54 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: James
Location: Lakeland
Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninjette Posts: 809
|
Why does this Ninjette turn so weirdly?
A friend of mine has an '02 Ninjette with about 14,000 miles. I rode it recently and quickly noticed a few differences from my '07 Ninjette:
First, the whole steering assembly just feels heavier. Second, when turning, at any speed, the bars seem to grab and tip past a certain angle of steering/lean. The steering would be heavy, and then it would randomly grab and make the whole thing lighter, so that I'd have to counter-counter steer to keep from slamming the thing into the ground! Now, my initial thought was that it needs tires. BT45s, decent tread, adequately aired, with no noticeable cupping. Then I checked through the steering assembly, and it seems everything is tightened with no obvious blockages. However, I don't know how old those tires are, even though they're in decent shape.. Could old tires in general cause this? Maybe it sat for a while, developed some hard spots or something? I've also read that the forks could be bent, the steering bearings could be overtightened, and a few other potential causes, but it seemed that all of those caused much greater symptoms! Any ideas? *Edit*: what makes it worse is that this is my friend's first bike, so he doesn't notice the issue.. (or maybe he's just not that observant! )
__________________________________________________
"That's what" -she |
0 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
May 10th, 2015, 02:58 PM | #2 | |
Daily Ninjette rider
Name: Hernan
Location: Florida
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16
|
Quote:
http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Steerin...ng_replacement http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Servicing_the_swingarm http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Uni_Tra...ge_Lubrication http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/How_do_...he_fork_oil%3F He should also check the three bolts that hold the engine. If those are loose, the whole frame wobbles.
__________________________________________________
Motofool .................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí |
|
0 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
May 10th, 2015, 03:21 PM | #3 | |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
|
Quote:
Check for shock stiction/issues, front and rear as it can change the bikes handling drastically and quickly like you describe. Have another look and ensure it's not a safety issue for your friend. If so, tell him so he don't get hurt. Otherwise... let it go.
__________________________________________________
Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
|
0 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
May 10th, 2015, 04:25 PM | #4 |
-
Name: -
Location: -
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): - Posts: A lot.
|
Maybe the forks have been messed with. If they're mounted too high or too low in the triple clamp it will change the steering angle.
The "slow, slow, then suddenly fast" steering tendency you mention sounds like forks mounted too low in the triple clamp. |
0 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
May 10th, 2015, 04:35 PM | #5 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Fish
Location: co
Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 250/300 Posts: A lot.
|
Sounds like you need to work on your riding skill's more.
__________________________________________________
Hey Unregistered never go faster than your brakes can be applied... |
0 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
May 10th, 2015, 05:34 PM | #6 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: James
Location: Lakeland
Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninjette Posts: 809
|
not sure if intentionally or unintentionally unhelpful
__________________________________________________
"That's what" -she |
1 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
May 10th, 2015, 05:38 PM | #7 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: James
Location: Lakeland
Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninjette Posts: 809
|
Quote:
__________________________________________________
"That's what" -she |
|
1 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
May 10th, 2015, 05:42 PM | #8 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: James
Location: Lakeland
Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninjette Posts: 809
|
Quote:
And you're right.. I may just have to let it go. It worries me that he didn't notice the difference, considering he's eventually gonna move up to a 600cc supersport, but I may just have to let it go.. Can't convince someone they're feeling something that they don't know they're feeling!
__________________________________________________
"That's what" -she |
|
1 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
May 10th, 2015, 05:43 PM | #9 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: James
Location: Lakeland
Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninjette Posts: 809
|
That sounds perfect!! And seems to be easy to check. Thank you!!
__________________________________________________
"That's what" -she |
1 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
May 10th, 2015, 05:51 PM | #10 |
.
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: A lot.
MOTM - July '15
|
|
1 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
May 10th, 2015, 06:04 PM | #11 |
Daily Ninjette rider
Name: Hernan
Location: Florida
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16
|
You are welcome
__________________________________________________
Motofool .................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí Last futzed with by Motofool; May 11th, 2015 at 09:00 AM. |
1 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
May 10th, 2015, 07:49 PM | #12 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Monroe, MI
Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '75 CB550:.'82 XV920:.'00 KLR650:.'00 EX250:.'08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - June '15
|
My wife's bike sucks. I hate riding it now. Same issue, it just feels weird, and everything seems fine.
She likes it, has no problems, so I'm fine with it as well!
__________________________________________________
'82 XV920: Soon to be tracker--'00 KLR685:adv --'04 DRZ400E--'12 Super Tenere --'13 Versys Ride more, worry less. |
1 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
May 10th, 2015, 08:09 PM | #13 |
Participant
Name: Dave
Location: South of Seattle
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): '94 K75 std Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Aug '15
|
|
1 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
May 10th, 2015, 09:15 PM | #14 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Fish
Location: co
Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 250/300 Posts: A lot.
|
You need to work on your riding skills at a slower speed.
__________________________________________________
Hey Unregistered never go faster than your brakes can be applied... |
0 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
May 10th, 2015, 09:41 PM | #15 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: James
Location: Lakeland
Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninjette Posts: 809
|
maybe you misspelled writing.. because my penmanship is pretty horrible
__________________________________________________
"That's what" -she |
1 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
May 10th, 2015, 09:48 PM | #16 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Fish
Location: co
Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 250/300 Posts: A lot.
|
Ask your self this "would the doctor have a hard time riding it" If no then work on your skills more.
__________________________________________________
Hey Unregistered never go faster than your brakes can be applied... |
0 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
May 10th, 2015, 10:39 PM | #17 |
.
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: A lot.
MOTM - July '15
|
|
1 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
May 11th, 2015, 05:10 AM | #19 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Monroe, MI
Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '75 CB550:.'82 XV920:.'00 KLR650:.'00 EX250:.'08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - June '15
|
My feelings are so hurt now.
__________________________________________________
'82 XV920: Soon to be tracker--'00 KLR685:adv --'04 DRZ400E--'12 Super Tenere --'13 Versys Ride more, worry less. |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
May 11th, 2015, 09:02 AM | #20 |
Daily Ninjette rider
Name: Hernan
Location: Florida
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16
|
I understand that you find the other 7 posts of mine fishy and unhelpful, @fishdip, ...... but what can be wrong with my previous "You are welcome"?
Mine too !!!
__________________________________________________
Motofool .................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
May 11th, 2015, 01:02 PM | #21 |
ran when parked
Name: Katie
Location: DC/MD
Join Date: Aug 2013 Motorcycle(s): Freeride 250R, KLX250SF, mopeds Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Sep '17, Dec '14
|
didnt read the other replies...
steering stem bearings, wheel bearings, tires, clutch or throttle cables catching in the steering stem/triple tree.....
__________________________________________________
Instagram: @katie.baden |
2 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
May 11th, 2015, 01:06 PM | #22 |
vampire
Name: A
Location: IT
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2 many 2 list Posts: A lot.
|
Have you checked the tire pressure?
|
|
May 11th, 2015, 11:21 PM | #23 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: James
Location: Lakeland
Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninjette Posts: 809
|
I took his word that they've been adequately aired. He ordered new tires yesterday. Whenever he gets them mounted, maybe the problem will be solved!
__________________________________________________
"That's what" -she |
|
May 11th, 2015, 11:21 PM | #24 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: James
Location: Lakeland
Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninjette Posts: 809
|
Steering stem bearings, wheel bearings, and bent/misaligned fork are the main suspects now. Thank you!
__________________________________________________
"That's what" -she |
|
May 11th, 2015, 11:22 PM | #25 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: James
Location: Lakeland
Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninjette Posts: 809
|
@fishdip.. just you wait until I'm at 1000.. u git no respct bro
__________________________________________________
"That's what" -she |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
May 12th, 2015, 12:58 AM | #26 | |
.
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: A lot.
MOTM - July '15
|
Quote:
|
|
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
May 12th, 2015, 09:25 AM | #27 |
Fogwalker
Name: Jeff
Location: Western NC
Join Date: Mar 2015 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250 "Matilda" Posts: 124
|
I'd check the air pressure in the front tire.
Test riding a few machines, I've noticed that they tend to tip in hard at low speeds when the front tire air pressure is low. Ride on, J~
__________________________________________________
Take care of new riders, for we were them, and they will be us. Y. Hong 2004 |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
May 12th, 2015, 09:46 AM | #28 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: xorbe
Location: Bay Area, CA
Join Date: Jun 2013 Motorcycle(s): N650 (and others) Posts: 408
|
Steering stem bearings are a popular upgrade at the N300 forum for steering feel.
|
|
May 14th, 2015, 10:42 AM | #29 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Spooph
Location: Golden, CO
Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Oct '15
|
As Finesse posted, check for anything binding, it sounds almost like a cable is catching somewhere and then the steering tension eases up when the cable or whatever rides over what it's being caught on.
I had a bike with rusted out steering head bearings, and the symptoms were very similar. I would check those steering head bearings ASAP. My bike eventually got so bad as it would lock up mid turn and you'd have to break the bars free to continue the turn (makes you realize how much you change your steering inputs through a turn when all of a sudden you can't) and scary as hell. Also mondo dangerous... So, make sure your buddy gets his bike checked out - removing the triple trees isn't that hard if you have stands/a way to support the bike...
__________________________________________________
My therapist has 2 wheels and a seat. If you are ever in doubt to my tone, please refer to my avatar. |
|
May 17th, 2015, 03:12 PM | #30 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: James
Location: Lakeland
Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninjette Posts: 809
|
Quote:
I'll be seeing him tonight.. adding it to the list
__________________________________________________
"That's what" -she |
|
|
May 17th, 2015, 03:58 PM | #31 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jono
Location: Memphis, TN
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Triumph Street Triple, 2009 KLX250SF, 2003 Suzuki SV650S (Sold), 2006 Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: A lot.
|
How is the front suspension? Are the forks lowered? Maybe Raised?
My guess is that the steering stem bolt is too tight. Or the ring nut below the top triple is too tight. |
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
[crash.net - MotoGP] - Crutchlow 'fell at turn one, nearly landed at turn two' | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | November 12th, 2014 11:40 AM |
Looking for 09 oem rear turn signal and front turn signals and tail fairings | mbbernas | Items Wanted | 1 | September 11th, 2013 10:48 AM |
Electrical Issue - Turn signals turn to emergency blinkers. | tgoff | 1986 - 2007 Ninja 250R Farkles | 6 | July 6th, 2012 09:07 AM |
My turn... poor ninjette | Graugaard | !%@*#$%!)@#&!%@ I crashed! | 18 | May 13th, 2012 04:44 PM |
I need help replacing my turn signal on my ninjette! | venmichaels | 2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk | 8 | August 12th, 2011 10:46 PM |
|
|