Total Motorcycle Community Forums

ronboskz650sr wrote:Sorry zoo. You just stated a large number of factors that can increase the speed where countersteering comes into play, so I'll concede to your higher than walking speed, for your bike (limo-size compared to my 56 inch wheelbase, and most bikes).

Wasn't trying to be hostile or storm out, and I'm not offended. I didn't mean to offend you, either. So, I'm sorry.

No problem, Ron. It's been over a year and 9,500 miles since I had a sportbike (my '84 NightHawk) so I can only relate my observations and experiences with my Meanie (94.9" long, 67.1" wheelbase). The bike is far more stable at low speeds than people will readily believe, and I aced the U-turn exercises during my license testing and pride myself in being able to putt along so slow while keeping my balance. No hard feelings, no offense taken, and I'm glad to be a part of a community where these things work themselves out like they do (for the most part...sorry, Sev ).

Hey Guys,

I was following this thread yesterday and got interested in the question of what speed countersteering starts (i.e. turning the bars in the direction of the turn instead of the opposite direction). This is one of those things that I don't normally think about, it just happens while I'm riding. I'm not trying to restart the whole debate. I just thought I'd add a data point.

I had a bunch of errands to do after work yesterday, so I spent the evening riding around the city streets, watching what I did with the bars at every turn. For my '93 Nighthawk 750, the magic number seems to be 15 mph. Above that speed, I don't turn the bars in the direction of a turn. Interestingly, when I made a right turn while still rolling (i.e. green light) I'd steer the bars in the direction of the turn while entering, but by the time I was accellerating out of it, above 15 mph, the bars were straight and I was countersteering.

Well guys , I found one of my problems. Seems as though when the dealership readied my bike they put too much tire pressure in. The manual says that I needed 29psi in the front and 36 psi in the back. They had put 41psi in both according to the delivery checklist.

Is it customary to overfill new tires?
I tell you it rides soooooooooooooo much better since I let out a few pounds.
Before, with them over filled I felt like I was riding on ice , and I guess I"m lucky that I have'nt damaged the tires. My cornering and right turns are so much better now.

Well ya'll take it easy

m50 wrote:Well guys , I found one of my problems. Seems as though when the dealership readied my bike they put too much tire pressure in. The manual says that I needed 29psi in the front and 36 psi in the back. They had put 41psi in both according to the delivery checklist.

Is it customary to overfill new tires?
I tell you it rides soooooooooooooo much better since I let out a few pounds.
Before, with them over filled I felt like I was riding on ice , and I guess I"m lucky that I have'nt damaged the tires. My cornering and right turns are so much better now.

Well ya'll take it easy

did you actually check the tires with a gauge? seems like alot of psi over what it needs? might have been just a mistake on their papers.

but then again dealers can be morons when it comes to things like that. i had my car in a tire shop and they did a courtesy check of all my tires(which were fine). and added 10 pounds to the front and 15 to the rear.

You can do more damage by underinflating, so keep an eye on them. That front pressure means a mere 3 psi drop is over 10% of the recommended pressure. That will really feel squirmy/funny, and if it goes uncorrected can allow excessive heat to build up and damage the tire. Glad you figured it out. Have fun.