Sweeping corner - swaying

[spanktrumpet]

I have an old (93 WP) GSXR 750 which has been well looked after (showroom condition) however when I go round fast sweeping corners (70 +) the bike feels like its swaying from side to side as it leans in. Is this me, the suspension or the age of the bike?

[Steve_T]

Head bearings?

[Mon Ami Mate]

Steve_T said:

Head bearings?

Yep, I'd go along with that. What you are describing sounds very much like a front-end instability. You might also check tyre pressures and wear.

[spanktrumpet]

thanks chaps!! the tyres are new but ill check the tyre pressures anyway! how can i check to see if the head bearings have gone

[zzr1200]

The head bearings if knackered will usually settle in to the straight ahead position if you swing the steering lock to lock with the front end in the air. Also take of the front wheel and try to pull the forks towards you and feel for play. My ZZR1200 headstock bearings are sha@@ed and I had the same problem on my ZZR1100, gonna replace them soon though.

Paul

>> Edited by zzr1200 on Thursday 4th September 21:52

[Mon Ami Mate]

spanktrumpet said:

thanks chaps!! the tyres are new but ill check the tyre pressures anyway! how can i check to see if the head bearings have gone

You haven't gone for oversize tyres have you? I once tried this on an old Kawasaki 750 Turbo (which wasn't the best handling device to start with). The results were disastrous - it handled like a pig on stilts, including very alarming oscillations on fast sweepers. Check your new tyres are the same size as the original recommendation.

[Dunc B]

Check all of the above including D.O.R.(direct of rotation )on tyres, that can give quirky problems.
Also head bearings can be just a tad tight aswell,no play or centering spots to notice.

[spanktrumpet]

Cheers all !!! I am going to check the tyre pressures and directional arrows tonight as im off to Burnham with mates on Sunday :0). The tyres are the correct size so if it still sways ill look at the head-set when I strip it down over the winter. Thanks again. It’s the first time I’ve experienced that type of swaying (a bit worrying)