[Last_Bastion]

Over the last few days, I've noticed my VLX 600 is being a little "overly sensitive" and I'm not comfortable making any quick maneuvers as of late. It happens mostly under 20mph or over 70mph, but between those speeds is a good sweet spot.

It's not so touchy that I don't feel confident riding, but it's enough to be a little disconcerting.

Anyone have any insights as to what might be going on?

P.S. I've checked the tire pressure and shock settings just to be sure and nothing looks out of the ordinary.

 

[smilie]

Please explain "overly sensitive". And please tell me you're referring to the bike and not the girlfriend.

 

[Last_Bastion]

I mean that small amounts of pressure on the handlebars are producing more dramatic movements than I'm used to.

 

[smilie]

What's the most recent work that's been done on the bike? Anything on the front end?

 

[Last_Bastion]

The only thing I've done is put on a new MCII, but it's well past the break-in period. I've got it set at 27PSI right now.

 

[smilie]

The only thing I've done is put on a new MCII, but it's well past the break-in period. I've got it set at 27PSI right now.

If I remember correctly, my vlx called for 29psi on the front. Increase your tire pressure and recheck the installation of the front wheel. Loosen the pinch bolts, and axle and reinstall as per manual. Did you reinstall the wheel in the sequence recommended in the manual? i.e. seating axle before torqueing left side pinch bolts?(might be opposite of mine as your brake is on the left.)

 

[kacealraid]

They VLX is a sensitive and easily maneuvered cruiser as is. I remember the first time riding mine after I picked up the 1100 Sabre and I felt like I could dip and turn EXTREMELY easier with it being lighter and easier to move around. Maybe it's just in your head? But definitely check to make sure...

Just understand sometimes the thing you think you hear or the feeling you think you feel is sometimes just overthinking. Hope you figure it out!

 

[7xclm]

Maybe you need too practice a little.

 

[smilie]

Another thing that came to mind as an afterthought. When I mounted my MCII front, it was a real bear because of the harder sidewalls. (v.s. the stock Dunlop) The ride and handling of the Michelin is a nite and day difference. (much tighter to the road in curves/turns and FEELING more of the road) Being as your just back from a winter layover, are you just not accustomed to the feel?

 

[Last_Bastion]

Another thing that came to mind as an afterthought. When I mounted my MCII front, it was a real bear because of the harder sidewalls. (v.s. the stock Dunlop) The ride and handling of the Michelin is a nite and day difference. (much tighter to the road in curves/turns and FEELING more of the road) Being as your just back from a winter layover, are you just not accustomed to the feel?

This is pretty much what I've been assuming. I'm also thinking that there isn't something wrong, because when I hit a bump or pothole in the road, I don't wobble even the slightest.

I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something.

 

[John Hopkins]

These tests might help.

face the front of the bike and stand astride the front wheel while gripping it with your knees, hold the bars and try to move them from left to right and back, there should be no slackness or movement.

jack the front of the bike up, this can be done by sitting it on the centre stand and weighing or tying the back wheel down.

now grip the front wheel at three o'clock and nine o'clock and push sharply with one hand while pushing with the other, there should not be any slight movement or clicking sound, if there is the wheel bearing needs replacing.

Next spin the wheel and when it stops mark the tire at six o'clock with chalk, repeat this several times.. if the chalk marks are all in the same area the tire is out of balance.

Now you need to make a simple tool, a piece of old floorboard or thin plank about a foot long with another piece of broomstick or 3/4" square x six inch wood screwed into the centre of it the plank simply supports the upright stick, now use gaffa tape to hold a stick of chalk at wheel rim height so that by moving the plank to the right position the chalk will almost touch the rim, now spin the wheel to see if the rim is distorted.. now move the chalk so that it almost touches the sidewall of the tire and spin the wheel again, if the tire moves away from or towards the chalk it is fitted badly.

And finally straddle the front wheel and hook your elbows under the bars and see if there is any play as you lift the bars if there is the steering head bearings have worn out or need tightening.

John

 

[Old Dad]

This is quoted from your 2nd post ever here

Newbie here pt2
I am a first time rider and still very green. I just bought my first bike, VLX600 and have been putting nearly 100 miles a day on it.

I gather that your being in Co. that your first riding season (last summer) was your only time on a bike, and a short season due weather. So likely it's just you getting used to being back on the bike. Practice up some after the winter's layup.

maybe