Bike pull right while using throttle lock - why?

I just bought and began using the Go Cruise throttle lock. It's cheap, simple, and works well for $20.

The problem I'm having is that, when I'm using it, and I take both hands off the handle bars, the bike tends to go to the right instead of staying straight. (I realize that you are not supposed to take your hands off but I do anyway.)

So, as I'm cruising down the highway I keep having to correct to the left. I can use the handlebars to correct but I notice that by just sticking my left leg out or leaning slightly left I can also correct.

So, what may be causing this? Is there more air resistance on the right side of the bike? Are the tires too worn? Is a tire not tracking right?

What else could it be?

 

the road "crowns" from the middle/center down to the right side.... what roads are you taking it on? even most highways crown from the median out to the outside...

 

It is hard to say, there are many factors can cause this problem, your body, balance, airflow, tires, road condition....etc
Try not to have the throtle lock on and let the bike roll on neutral to see if you have the same issue. I bet you it will do the same or it probably driff to other side now.......otstir:

 

I see that you're in the USA (drive on the RHS of the road). Road cross-fall could have a lot to do with it. It has to be said: throttle locks are supposed to give your wirst a rest, not allow you to let go of the bars... Sorry to state the obvious, but... well... you know... :biggrin:

For peace of mind, it's a good idea to get the alignment checked. Other than this, it's probably the delecate balance between body position, holding the bars, road cross-fall, prevailing breeze direction (even if it's only a 1knott breeze), etc, etc, etc... Personally, as long as the forks are aligned properly, I wouldn't be concerned.

 

Check your steering head bearings. My old v45 sabre would do this, as there was a huge notch in the head bearings.

Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2

 

Your front tire is worn. Mine jerked to the right before I replaced the old worn front tire. Now it goes straight if I take my hands of the bars.
To see if your steering head bearings are bad get the bike on the center stand and place a jack under your header and bring your front wheel off the ground. Your forks should go side to side with no catching,interference or play.

 

And pulling/pushing the front wheel backward/forward, there shouldn't be any free-play in the bearings: freeplay can hide a notchy bearing, as was the case with mine: I carefully tightened out the free-play (didn't over-tighten it), and it became notchy. I ended up getting an "All Balls" set of tapered roller bearings fitted. So far, I've had about 5000km of trouble-free riding (I'll report back if I find that the new bearings don't stand the test of time).

Good luck!

 

Thanks for the advice. I'll start with the simple and move to the complex

 

That and keep your hands on the handlebars. :biggrin:

You might try finding a stretch of road with no traffic and try riding in the left lane without your hands on the handlebars and see if the bike pulls to the left. That should give you some idea as to whether or not the "crown" of the road is a factor.

 

Basically every bike I have ever owned, except my 1990 VFR has done this. My back is not completely in alignment, and I am pretty sure that is the reason for it. It's simply my positioning on the bike. On occasion I'll put the throttle lock on and when the bike leans to the right, put my left hand out like a sail, and it will straighten up. Makes long rides somewhat less boring, lol.

 

Ding ding ding! Winner.

 

just tossin it out there check your swing arm bushings

 

OK, here's the update.

The cause of the pull is definitely the crown of the road. The more the crown, the more the pull. It wasn't immediately obvious to me because, even on roads that have a very mild crown, the bike still pulls a little.

However, my tires are definitely worn. They are getting close to "worn out," actually. This may be a contributing factor. I'm not in the financial position to buy tires ahead of the time that I need them, but I'll be forced to buy them soon anyway. I'm curious to see how much of a factor this is.

I'll post an update to this thread if I find anything newsworthy. :smile:

BY THE WAY.... I absolutely LOVE riding with no hands! It is so freeing! Sometimes I hold my arms out in front of me, Superman-style. I have a RWB bike. Maybe I'll don the costume. otstir:

 

You got some good shit :bandito: in Texas..............:crazy:

 

I wouldnt chance a worn out front tire ever. For the $150 its cheap insurance on my life.