Old GS handling limitations

[glib]

Fast street riding is 50% how many chances you're willing to take, 40% rider ability, 10% bike.

If you and the guy on the Aprilia switched bikes, what would have happened?

We will find out when the warm weather comes back (February decided to show up again). I’m guessing I’ll slow down if your percentages are accurate since I won’t push it with another mans bike.

[glib]

Yes they make a difference. I'm assuming since you did racetech stuff your steering head bearings are in order. If not, service them when you get a new tire. It is that important. Is there rebound damping, compression damping on your rear shocks? I run my shocks as soft a I can control with those to get a firm controllable ride. Raise your fork tubes in the yokes 10mm at a time until it starts to turn quicker and your comfortable with it. This makes a BIG difference. It takes away the tank like turning that GS's have.

There is lots more to chassis set-up but this is good place to start.

I'

If you raise the forks on the ES model, it will interfere with the air in the forks—that is, the holes in the tubes will be above the seals that hold in the air. I could try it anyway but what do you think about this?

Regarding the shocks, I hate having to assume anything but the truth is I just assumed the Ohlins were good because they are Öhlins. I only know they have nitrogen pressure because I had that done. Beyond that they could be in need of service. What I can describe is that they seem squishy when I come off the center stand and I feel that they bottom out too easily but the preload is in the proper range.

[Sandy]

Fast street riding is 50% how many chances you're willing to take, 40% rider ability, 10% bike.

If you and the guy on the Aprilia switched bikes, what would have happened?

Very well said. I've always said that stepping up to a more proficient bike (or doing lots of mods) won't do anything until you've really learned to ride the one you have.

[RichDesmond]

Fast street riding is 50% how many chances you're willing to take, 40% rider ability, 10% bike.

If you and the guy on the Aprilia switched bikes, what would have happened?

[limeex2]

Yes they make a difference. I'm assuming since you did racetech stuff your steering head bearings are in order. If not, service them when you get a new tire. It is that important. Is there rebound damping, compression damping on your rear shocks? I run my shocks as soft a I can control with those to get a firm controllable ride. Raise your fork tubes in the yokes 10mm at a time until it starts to turn quicker and your comfortable with it. This makes a BIG difference. It takes away the tank like turning that GS's have.

There is lots more to chassis set-up but this is good place to start.

I'

[glib]

are you running a fork brace?

I'm not but I do have one from another 1100E. I was thinking about trying it. Do they make a difference?

[glib]

I think he meant dragging from the lean angle. What kind of tires... swingarm tight, steering head bearings?

Yes. I did understand it was a reference to lean angle. I have a sport demon in front--still has plenty of tread but admittedly well worn and cupping. Nearly new Michelin in back (3/4 in "chicken" strips). Everything you mentioned seems tight.

[greg78gs750]

are you running a fork brace?

[Tom R]

I think he meant dragging from the lean angle. What kind of tires... swingarm tight, steering head bearings?

[glib]

Unless you're dragging the foot pegs/engine cases/sidestand, you haven't reached the limits of cornering yet.
yes, even with skinny tires
Upgrading the suspension is always good and will enhance your cornering confidence

Thanks for the info on the WP shocks, I might have to send mine in

I'm not dragging anything now--I did with the Works shocks before rebuilding them. I guess I'll get them charged with Nitrogen and give them a whirl.

[Big T]

Unless you're dragging the foot pegs/engine cases/sidestand, you haven't reached the limits of cornering yet.
yes, even with skinny tires
Upgrading the suspension is always good and will enhance your cornering confidence

Thanks for the info on the WP shocks, I might have to send mine in

[glib]

So I thought I'd start a new, more general thread with a post from my Works Performance shock rebuild thread and see if I might get some more comments.

I just added Sonic Springs and Race Tech Emulators and it really helped tighten up the front of my GS1100ES. Sag is in range for both front and back (Ohlins in back--haven't charged the Works with nitrogen yet), but...

"Shifting to the realm of unrealistic expectations, I rode on Saturday with a guy on an Aprilia 1000r and I was left wanting in the corners. Though my front is solid in static testing, I could feel wobble when pushing hard in the corners. I’m not sure if it needs some damping adjustment or it’s my lack of skills or the bikes aged design limitations. But the Aprilia looked like liquid as it disappeared out front. After the ride, he said that while following closely behind me, he thought I did well to get the beast on skinny tires around the corners but could see that it was a battle. So am I expecting too much or is there more work to do?"

BTW, it's been suggested that I increase preload in back because I was bottoming out so I promptly broke the spring "keeper" by not using a spring compressor to disassemble when I found the adjustment hopelessly stuck (I am addicted to learning by mistakes).