unstable at high speeds

alonzo · 05-04-2008, 05:48 PM

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,

olds_cool · 05-04-2008, 06:29 PM

Check the weights on the rims and the alignment. May need some better tires, also.

Nuff said.

olds_cool

DON'T BE A SQUIDIOT!

Q · 05-04-2008, 07:15 PM

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

kczukiman · 05-04-2008, 09:59 PM

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 .

fatboy250 · 05-05-2008, 10:25 AM

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

alonzo · 05-05-2008, 10:39 AM

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

05-12-2008, 12:44 PM

the unstability?? adds to the challenge of riding and thus the enjoyment of the bike.

alonzo · 05-12-2008, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zapkin

the unstability?? adds to the challenge of riding and thus the enjoyment of the bike.

Challenge yes, Hitting the road and the bike constantly wanting to wander towards the semi trucks comming at you, NOT FUN!!!

IronFist · 05-12-2008, 01:47 PM

http://www.chinariders.net/modules.p...ewtopic&t=4370

Try the above thread alonzo. They're talking wheel bearings. :idea:

katoranger · 05-12-2008, 02:24 PM

Make sure the tires are aired up. Also the stock tires like to wander.

Allen

jake100 · 05-12-2008, 06:40 PM

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

elroyjetsn · 05-12-2008, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alonzo

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,

How tight is you front axle bolt and check for any play in the headset?

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.

katoranger · 05-12-2008, 07:07 PM

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

alonzo · 05-13-2008, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katoranger

Make sure the tires are aired up. Also the stock tires like to wander.

Allen

opps, after checking the tire pressure it was really low, "15 psi" after putting it back to 32 psi it actually behaves like a motorcycle. DUH! no more comments needed this bike handles like a 279 pound bike should.

Thanks to everyone.

dieselhead · 05-13-2008, 12:29 AM

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.

05-04-2008, 05:48 PM	#1
alonzo Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 527	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, __________________ ALONZO 2007 Lifan a.k.a lucy lu. 2,000 miles of good riding.
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05-04-2008, 09:59 PM	#4
kczukiman Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Independence,Missouri Posts: 1,049	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 . __________________ Kman 2007 HI-BIRD 250 2007 Vbike V4S 250
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05-05-2008, 10:25 AM	#5
fatboy250 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: COLUMBIA, SC Posts: 973	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 __________________ 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
alonzo Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 527	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 __________________ ALONZO 2007 Lifan a.k.a lucy lu. 2,000 miles of good riding.
	0

05-12-2008, 01:47 PM	#9
IronFist Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Toronto Ontario Canada Posts: 2,585	http://www.chinariders.net/modules.p...ewtopic&t=4370 Try the above thread alonzo. They're talking wheel bearings. :idea: __________________ IronFist ___________________________________ The "chain" of command is used for beating spammers. ___________________________________
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05-04-2008, 06:29 PM	#2
olds_cool Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 291	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
Q Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bend, Oregon Posts: 348	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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05-12-2008, 12:44 PM	#7
Guest Posts: n/a	the unstability?? adds to the challenge of riding and thus the enjoyment of the bike.
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05-12-2008, 02:24 PM	#10
katoranger Join Date: May 2007 Location: Altamont, Kansas Posts: 15,103	Make sure the tires are aired up. Also the stock tires like to wander. Allen __________________ You meet the nicest people on a Honda Clone.
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05-12-2008, 06:40 PM	#11
jake100 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Behany, Okla Posts: 11	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, 07:07 PM	#13
katoranger Join Date: May 2007 Location: Altamont, Kansas Posts: 15,103	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 __________________ You meet the nicest people on a Honda Clone.
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05-13-2008, 12:29 AM	#15
dieselhead Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Catskill Mnts NY Posts: 85	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.
	0