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05-04-2008, 05:48 PM | #1 |
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 527
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unstable at high speeds
Hey all
I got the lifan out for a trip "100 miles" First time I got to get the bike up past 50 miles per hour. I noticed that the bike is not very stable up at that speed. I have kansas crosswind to deal with and a unstable bike, combine the two and it is more of a workout to ride than it is fun. How can I make this bike better at those types of speeds? I was thinking a set of street tires. or even a less aggressive enduro tread. Will that help me? what about heavier rims? Thanks for your intrest,
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ALONZO 2007 Lifan a.k.a lucy lu. 2,000 miles of good riding. |
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05-04-2008, 06:29 PM | #2 |
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 291
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Check the weights on the rims and the alignment. May need some better tires, also.
Nuff said. olds_cool DON'T BE A SQUIDIOT! |
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05-04-2008, 07:15 PM | #3 |
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Bend, Oregon
Posts: 348
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One of the most common causes of an unstable feel is notched steering bearings. Easy to check by putting something under the engine to hold the front wheel off the ground, then turning the handlebars slowly back and forth to see if it turns smoothly.
Another thing to check is the swing arm bolt and bushings. Grab hold of the back of the rear wheel and try moving it from side to side while holding the main frame. It shouldn't move. Q |
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05-04-2008, 09:59 PM | #4 |
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Independence,Missouri
Posts: 1,049
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Hi alonzo,I live in the Kansas City area.I'll tell ya with wind that we have been having lately its all I can do to hold the bike on the road.I'm 250lbs .
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Kman 2007 HI-BIRD 250 2007 Vbike V4S 250 |
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05-05-2008, 10:25 AM | #5 |
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: COLUMBIA, SC
Posts: 973
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Street tires will help! More rotating mass. I'm also 250lbs. I get wind buffeted all the time on the interstate by 18 wheelers. You have to figure our combined weight is only a little over 500lbs.
Jason
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2008 Jonway MC-70-150 2007 Roketa DB-07B (RSM-200E) 2006 Roketa DB-07A (RSX-200E) 1995 Kawasaki Concours (ZG1000) |
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05-05-2008, 10:39 AM | #6 |
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 527
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well I checked the bearings, and the swing arm, no foul play in those areas. I am thinking the the aggressive off road tread is one problem. and the light weight spoke rims would be another area to improve.
I would like to put more rotating mass via street wheels and tread. anyone know of a wheel swap that will maintain my stock ride height and brake rotors?? Thanks for the help fellas
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ALONZO 2007 Lifan a.k.a lucy lu. 2,000 miles of good riding. |
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05-12-2008, 12:44 PM | #7 |
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the unstability?? adds to the challenge of riding and thus the enjoyment of the bike.
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05-12-2008, 01:18 PM | #8 | |
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 527
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Quote:
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ALONZO 2007 Lifan a.k.a lucy lu. 2,000 miles of good riding. |
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05-12-2008, 01:47 PM | #9 |
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Toronto Ontario Canada
Posts: 2,585
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http://www.chinariders.net/modules.p...ewtopic&t=4370
Try the above thread alonzo. They're talking wheel bearings. :idea:
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IronFist ___________________________________ The "chain" of command is used for beating spammers. ___________________________________ |
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05-12-2008, 02:24 PM | #10 |
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Altamont, Kansas
Posts: 15,103
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Make sure the tires are aired up. Also the stock tires like to wander.
Allen
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You meet the nicest people on a Honda Clone. |
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05-12-2008, 06:40 PM | #11 |
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Behany, Okla
Posts: 11
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I've put a little bigger ft. street tire on mine and it made a BIG differance but an Okie 35-40 mph cross wind it will wander Jake
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05-12-2008, 06:54 PM | #12 | |
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 629
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Re: unstable at high speeds
Quote:
Noticed that my front disc brake was binding at some spots a little causing a low speed hobble some times. I just took the caliper apart and greased the track bolts some and noticed that one of the dust seals was pinched a little preventing the slidder's free movement. Now the front wheel spins much more freely. Could be the knobbies on the tires "walking" a little. That's what we called it when i was a kid anyway.
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Wayne Wildfire WF300-SP |
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05-12-2008, 07:07 PM | #13 |
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Altamont, Kansas
Posts: 15,103
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That's a good tip on the caliper bolts. I may need to check mine.
I noticed alot less wander after I replaced the tires. Allen
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You meet the nicest people on a Honda Clone. |
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05-13-2008, 12:07 AM | #14 | |
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 527
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Quote:
Thanks to everyone.
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ALONZO 2007 Lifan a.k.a lucy lu. 2,000 miles of good riding. |
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05-13-2008, 12:29 AM | #15 |
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Catskill Mnts NY
Posts: 85
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one more quick note, the rear axle adjustment slots are way off on my 07 gy5. When I first set the wheel up out of the crate, I figured I would just match the open slot hole behind the axle to both sides. Then I eye balled the tires in line and ended up with nearly 1/4" difference in the slot holes after readjustment! Calibration is non existent on these adjusters.
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