interesting strearing issue with a new to me '05 VFR

I picked up a 2005 VFR800 ABS last week. This bike has a CBR600 rear shock which I was told was a little longer than the stock. Whick I think may be causing my issues. Anyway, I have put about 300 miles on it so far and I finally got used to strearing this bike in corners. I found when I am not leaning off the bike and going into a corner the bike seems to want to strear into the curve. I have to actually turn the handlebar out of the corner slightly. If I do lean off the bike to put my weight into the corner and thus the bike is not leaning as far it turns perfectly fine. I'm wondering if it is just me and these bikes are like this or is there a geometry thing going on with it. Maybe the rear shock has raised up the rear end causing this? It has stock bars and it looks like there is about 1/2-3/4 gap between the top of the bar clamps and the top of the fork tubes. Does that seem normal?

Help.

 

Both my bikes suffer from this at times, and it is always due to worn-out tires (even if they don't LOOK worn out). Do you know how many miles are on them?
I change the tires and whammo, back to normal. Main symptom was heavy resistance in the bars to turning, while leaned over.
It's also possible that your tire pressures are low, it could feel similar.

Your described raised rear end is a well-used mod to enhance turn-in feel by making the bike turn more easily, and therefore should be counter-acting some of the feel you are feeling.

Let us know if a new set of tires cures it.

 

the rear shock being longer and the fork tubes being raised sounds like the problem.
lower the fork tubes back to the stock hieght and give that a go.
I have the 19mm tail riser and raised my forks 3/8" to quiken up the steering, sounds like your forks have been raised too much in relation to the rear shock.

 

I had the same issue with my 3rd Gen and as previously mentioned it turned out to be the tires. A couple of new Michelin Pilot Roads and problem solved.

Regards
Rollin

 

notthe tires
I would be interested to know more info on the rear shock if you have any.. what year, model, was it revalved for the VFR????
if you dont like the way it turns lower the forks ( raises the front end )

 

Thanks for the replys!!!

I don't really want to change the tires yet. I do not know the year of the shock either. Is there any identification that would tell me? Maybe a part number, I'll look for that. Is raising the front end as simple as loosening the four bolts that hold the tubes and moving them? I'd like to try moving the front end first since the rear is higher than stock. What is the stock height?Is there any way for me to determine the distance the rear is moved up? Like a spot on the frame to measure its height from the ground?

Thanks.

-Mike

 

I would like to know the over all hieght of your shock and I will measure the stock on and post it.
I have been looking for a shock for my bike that has all the adjustments.
I take it your 600 shock does have damp and rebound adjustment on it.
I would move the forks so that the bar mount hits the top clamp.

as mentioned above I raised the tail on mine 19mm and then played with the front, ended up raising the tubes 3/8" but I like the bike to drop in fast.
I will also measure mine from the ground to the rear bolt on the rear sets and see what you come up with.

 

Heatmizer & Rollin Agin, the tires were the problem. Oh if I would only listen better. I'm still young, but learning. Thanks. I put a set of Pilot Road 2ct's and the bike handles friggin awesome! Now I have my confidence making turns again.

 

Glad to hear you got it solved! Now go get rid of those chicken strips on your new rubber.

Rollin