What's up with my bike?
Discussion
OK, I know this isn't a hugely technical forum but thought I'd ask anyway.
2007 Gixxer Thou K6. 1800 miles on the clock (I know, I know, but I do it's not my only bike!). It's the second K6 I've had and the third Thou (first one was a K2).
Basically, the reason I bought my first K6 was the utterly astounding handling. The reason I bought the second was because someone decided that their need to "own" my bike was greater than mine, so they helped themselves.....
But now, the problem I have is with the suspension. Bear in mind that I do a lot of track days, trips to the Ring, have done CSS, etc etc, so I'm not entirely incompetent on a bike (around the middle of the fast group) although I'll happily admit that I'm incapable of translating suspension issues into adjustment/action.
The problem is, the bike feels absolutely rock hard, and consequently really jittery over anything but the smoothest of tarmac. The suspension has been fiddled with twice, the first time I can't remember who it was but the second time was a Dutch guy who worked for (I think) WP and was present at last year's Nurburgring Motorrad sessions. During the sessions I was much less than happy with it, especially in the rain, and so he made a number of adjustments, but it was still really skittish.
I've now set everything back to stock. Tyres pressures are correct. I rode about 100 miles today, mix of motorway and x-country routes, and although I did have a heavy tank bag on, the bike was awful. At first, it was dropping into corners way too sharply, although that sometimes happens on cold-ish tyres, but once I'd done 50 or 60 miles and got onto the twisties, it was just not confidence inspiring in the least.
Because I've had the same bike before, and didn't have these problems with it, I'm wondering whether there's actually a fault somewhere. The front seems reasonably supple - I *think* it's the back that's gone hard. AFAIK the preload has never been altered, and I'm getting on for 17 stone without my kit, so I can't see why it would feel hard - quite the opposite, presumably?
HM Racing are setting up my track bike next week and I'm tempted to get them to do the Thou as well and see if they can improve it; otherwise it's a trip to the dealer, as it's still under warranty. Just thought I'd chuck it in here and see if anyone has any thoughts?
2007 Gixxer Thou K6. 1800 miles on the clock (I know, I know, but I do it's not my only bike!). It's the second K6 I've had and the third Thou (first one was a K2).
Basically, the reason I bought my first K6 was the utterly astounding handling. The reason I bought the second was because someone decided that their need to "own" my bike was greater than mine, so they helped themselves.....
But now, the problem I have is with the suspension. Bear in mind that I do a lot of track days, trips to the Ring, have done CSS, etc etc, so I'm not entirely incompetent on a bike (around the middle of the fast group) although I'll happily admit that I'm incapable of translating suspension issues into adjustment/action.
The problem is, the bike feels absolutely rock hard, and consequently really jittery over anything but the smoothest of tarmac. The suspension has been fiddled with twice, the first time I can't remember who it was but the second time was a Dutch guy who worked for (I think) WP and was present at last year's Nurburgring Motorrad sessions. During the sessions I was much less than happy with it, especially in the rain, and so he made a number of adjustments, but it was still really skittish.
I've now set everything back to stock. Tyres pressures are correct. I rode about 100 miles today, mix of motorway and x-country routes, and although I did have a heavy tank bag on, the bike was awful. At first, it was dropping into corners way too sharply, although that sometimes happens on cold-ish tyres, but once I'd done 50 or 60 miles and got onto the twisties, it was just not confidence inspiring in the least.
Because I've had the same bike before, and didn't have these problems with it, I'm wondering whether there's actually a fault somewhere. The front seems reasonably supple - I *think* it's the back that's gone hard. AFAIK the preload has never been altered, and I'm getting on for 17 stone without my kit, so I can't see why it would feel hard - quite the opposite, presumably?
HM Racing are setting up my track bike next week and I'm tempted to get them to do the Thou as well and see if they can improve it; otherwise it's a trip to the dealer, as it's still under warranty. Just thought I'd chuck it in here and see if anyone has any thoughts?
I have a K8 600 & it's like riding a wooden bike!
I know that they're sports bikes and are set up with less comfort in mind.
But i had a honda cbr600rr 2008 yesterday for the day & the feel of the bike was a lot smoother & nicer.
Although the CBR did feel cheap & naff in comparison to the GSXR.
Sorry that doesnt help at all...
Someone was saying about a suspensions specialist on here but i forget what their name is....
I know that they're sports bikes and are set up with less comfort in mind.
But i had a honda cbr600rr 2008 yesterday for the day & the feel of the bike was a lot smoother & nicer.
Although the CBR did feel cheap & naff in comparison to the GSXR.
Sorry that doesnt help at all...
Someone was saying about a suspensions specialist on here but i forget what their name is....
It is an black art when it comes to bike suspension, if you have access to HM then get them to set up a reasonable compromise and don't forget to ask them for a written list of settings that they have made. They could also point you in the right direction for trackday settings.
First job is to set preload correctly and then HM can progress from there. Also watch out for 'trackday experts' who offer to help you 'set up your bike'. My Son had same problems as you are experiencing and in the end knuckeled down to learning how to set up a bike for his racing (Crescent Suzuki) His never looked back since.
First job is to set preload correctly and then HM can progress from there. Also watch out for 'trackday experts' who offer to help you 'set up your bike'. My Son had same problems as you are experiencing and in the end knuckeled down to learning how to set up a bike for his racing (Crescent Suzuki) His never looked back since.
Thanks, yes, I think I'll have to ask HM. It's just that having had the same bike before, this one is not the same. Definitely agree with the "track day expert" thing, but both the guys who had a go at mine were professionals, not just random other attendees. I'm just wondering whether anything has actually failed.
Hope for a dry day at the weekend then I'll get out on it without excess baggage and see how it feels then.
Hope for a dry day at the weekend then I'll get out on it without excess baggage and see how it feels then.
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff