what if you feel bike goes not straight - Discuss what if you feel bike goes not straight on CBRXX, the ultimate on-line community for Honda motorcyclists. Read it in General CBR XX Discussion. (General Discussion of the Honda CBR 1100 XX Super Blackbird that does not fit into the other specific forums.)

wowerman · 03-24-2009, 1:19 PM

Thanks again Brian.You're the Man!!I will ask on other bird forums.
I am in touch with Jaws Motorcycles and from pics John said swingarm will be out.
I love this bike,seroiusly but this problem is annoying.
I could do a lot of thing myself,but for example there is difficult to find leveled place around where I live.I was walking with big level yesterday to find some.
I do not have garage or workshop,I wish I had.
Once again wheel alignment was done in reputable honda dealer nad service.I take it as true.
On weekend try to test forks.
Thank you Brian.

Banshee · 03-24-2009, 6:54 PM

Strangely, I have never had a problem getting the string taut enough (it's why I wrap it around a brick), but trying to find a straight enough piece of plank, on the other hand...

Yes it is much more fiddly to get right, especially after adjusting the rear each time, but lacking the straight wood/metal/anything, the string works well.

deadman · 03-24-2009, 7:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banshee

Strangely, I have never had a problem getting the string taut enough (it's why I wrap it around a brick), but trying to find a straight enough piece of plank, on the other hand...

Yes it is much more fiddly to get right, especially after adjusting the rear each time, but lacking the straight wood/metal/anything, the string works well.

You do the best with whatever you have mate, I personally like the plank method.
As long as it works, it doesn't matter what you use,
Cheers,
Brian.

wowerman · 03-25-2009, 3:42 AM

I have wraped string line on ruler,pulled up so it was tight on front tyre,but had to run string line inside centre stand on low level,otherwise you need stand to lift bike up,because bike stand is on the way for string line.

Leftlaner · 03-25-2009, 8:23 AM

If the junction between swing arm and the rest of the frame is OK, you could probably have the swing arm straightened by your local machine shop. Or you could make the best out of the situation and do a single side swingarm conversion.. Or a get an aftermarket stretched version, or maybe one with a polished aluminium finish..?

speedygeezer · 03-25-2009, 9:04 AM

Go here Features for the answers to all your questions.

Leftlaner · 03-25-2009, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedygeezer

Go here Features for the answers to all your questions.

Just ordered one..

Thanks for the tip!

deadman · 03-26-2009, 3:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedygeezer

Go here Features for the answers to all your questions.

Thats an excellent tool. But it does have a discrepancy of 2.5 mm

If the planks are dead straight on the edges, there is no discrepancy what so ever, it is exact, it just happens to be fiddly, and depending on how pedantic you are, like me, I want it to be exact, My neck is on the line, and I want my bike to run dead straight at high speed,
Which my bike does. I dont mind the fiddling as I know it will be fun to ride when I have finished.
Cheers,
Brian.

deadman · 03-26-2009, 3:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wowerman

Thanks again Brian.You're the Man!!I will ask on other bird forums.
I am in touch with Jaws Motorcycles and from pics John said swingarm will be out.
I love this bike,seroiusly but this problem is annoying.
I could do a lot of thing myself,but for example there is difficult to find leveled place around where I live.I was walking with big level yesterday to find some.
I do not have garage or workshop,I wish I had.
Once again wheel alignment was done in reputable honda dealer nad service.I take it as true.
On weekend try to test forks.
Thank you Brian.

Half a mm shim under your axle bolt on the low side might be enough to raise your axle to run true to the square. and make both wheels vertically the same. trial and error on the thickness of the shim. If you can get a shimm in there, Its a cheap alternative and one you can do your self.
Cheers,
Brian,

Leftlaner · 03-27-2009, 1:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deadman

Thats an excellent tool. But it does have a discrepancy of 2.5 mm

If the planks are dead straight on the edges, there is no discrepancy what so ever, it is exact, it just happens to be fiddly, and depending on how pedantic you are, like me, I want it to be exact, My neck is on the line, and I want my bike to run dead straight at high speed,
Which my bike does. I dont mind the fiddling as I know it will be fun to ride when I have finished.
Cheers,
Brian.

Not entirely correct. That's a 2.5mm discrepancy TRIANGULATED, which translates to about 1/6th of a turn of the adjuster screw. In short: Same accuracy (or better) as with a laser aligner

speedygeezer · 03-28-2009, 8:54 AM

The "tracking offset" as described here,

Accuracy

refers to the center line of the rear wheel as it is projected forward to the center of the front tire contact patch/steering axis.

"Once again wheel alignment was done in reputable honda dealer and service.I take it as true."

Did they tell you what method they used to align your wheels?

I hope they didn't use this,

Contact

"If the planks are dead straight on the edges, there is no discrepancy what so ever, it is exact, it just happens to be fiddly, and depending on how pedantic you are, like me, I want it to be exact, My neck is on the line, and I want my bike to run dead straight at high speed,"

Nothing is as straight as your vision and it's a whole lot less fiddly. ;-)) You'd love the ProAligner and you could then use your planks for roasting weiners or building something. Besides, the ProAligner takes up a whole lot less room.

wowerman · 03-28-2009, 3:51 PM

I have checked front forks and they are dead straight.I was rolling then on marble which was completely straight and flat.No bends.Wheel spindle is straight and goes in to forks holes smooth like baby bottom.
That im sure now and there is one thing less to think about.

wowerman · 04-04-2009, 6:01 AM

There is definitelly something wrong.If ride my bird i can see more fairing on left hand side of rfont screet than on left hand side.It expalins that I have to bend bike to make it goes straight.If sit on bike and look at fairing I see left and right side are same.
Another thing.One of my mates has same bike,he rode it and has not nocited anything suspicious,but to be honest after one ride you do not know bike.
Let's say it again:
-wheel alignment done
-frame straight
-front suspension checked(straight).
So what left to do?Strip bike of fairings and see suspicious things?Welds?
What if everything is ok?
Swingarm?

speedygeezer · 04-04-2009, 8:47 AM

If the wheels are aligned correctly - and only "if" - then either the frame or the swingarm is bent or twisted. The only way to determine which one it is is to take your bike to a certified frame straightening shop. Eye-balling it won't tell you where the problem is.

Again, I'd find out who did the wheel alignment on your bike and what method he used. Since everything is based on wheel alignment, this is where you should look first and make sure it was done correctly.

Let us know how he did it.

Aurora · 04-04-2009, 1:51 PM

Did you ever notice you seating position on the bike?

If it was my bike I would shim the front spring, you said one spring was 2mm shorter than the other or just buy 2 Eibach springs of equal lengthfor you riding weight, so you have equal preload on your front suspension.

Your chain and rear sprocket, does the drive chain ride in the center of the sprocket or is it off to one side or the other?

beestoys · 04-04-2009, 3:29 PM

[quote=wowerman;94067]There is definitely something wrong.If ride my bird i can see more fairing on left hand side of front screen than on left hand side.It explains that I have to bend bike to make it goes straight.If sit on bike and look at fairing I see left and right side are same.

I am wondering if your bodywork is off it would explain the push as well. The fairings on these bikes play a very important part of the bike. If your stays are bent and displacing the body work on the frame you would get the effect your feeling.
Everything will align perfect which would explain your frustration. Statically everything is perfect but riding down the road gives you a dynamic of air pressure causing your drift or push.

wowerman · 04-04-2009, 3:58 PM

Beestoys,bird is not my first bike,my position is correct on bike,i know that.
Maybe one of front springs is weak and this will be problem.But i have swaped springs and still same action.
Maybe front suspension is straight but does not work properly??2mm difference will not be a problem I heard.
It is not only fairings,you can feel that bike is bent when ride it.
How do I check if drive chain is running on center of sprocket?
I think you would hear some noises if it was something wrong.
Anyway I will speak to honda service which done wheel alignment and frame.
Speedygeezer.I have to look for some shop like that.
Im starting to not believe in honda shops.

Aurora · 04-04-2009, 4:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wowerman

.
How do I check if drive chain is running on center of sprocket?

Look at the aft side of the sprocket. Does the sprocket make contact with the center of the chain, i.e. the rollers or does the sprocket make contact with the either side plate of each chain link?

beestoys · 04-04-2009, 4:32 PM

Wower
Not saying your inexperienced quite the opposite.
Just making an onbservation your setting position would be to offset and unveven airflow. The body work is tied to the bike if it is not correct it will efect the bikes tracking at any speed.
Just an outside thought to consider.

deadman · 04-04-2009, 10:17 PM

Try some one else other than a Honda shop,
Hoping you get your bike fixed, as they are not fun, when they are not tracking dead straight
Cheers,
Brian.

PavelBlueCBR · 07-01-2009, 5:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wowerman

Beestoys,bird is not my first bike,my position is correct on bike,i know that.
Maybe one of front springs is weak and this will be problem.But i have swaped springs and still same action.
Maybe front suspension is straight but does not work properly??2mm difference will not be a problem I heard.
It is not only fairings,you can feel that bike is bent when ride it.
How do I check if drive chain is running on center of sprocket?
I think you would hear some noises if it was something wrong.
Anyway I will speak to honda service which done wheel alignment and frame.
Speedygeezer.I have to look for some shop like that.
Im starting to not believe in honda shops.

Did you fixed you problem with you bike?

XX-XR · 07-02-2009, 9:18 AM

Adjust the rear wheel to point left and see if it's tracking better.

wowerman · 07-02-2009, 12:22 PM

Well.I bought another bird and it does same thing.Problem is in British roads(not only).
Many coutries have curved roads to help water(rain,other) comming to sides.You can only check suspension and adjust rear wheel.I see other bikers and their bikes act the same.
I do not know.Maybe birds are more sensitive for that?
Because are big and long?

XX-XR · 07-03-2009, 11:36 AM

Sounds like tire choice may be more important there.

Scrappy · 07-03-2009, 4:49 PM

Haven't read all the threads, but could it be a brake caliper sticking? Sometimes they do not release as quick as they should .....

speedygeezer · 12-07-2009, 3:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wowerman

Well.I bought another bird and it does same thing.Problem is in British roads(not only).
Many coutries have curved roads to help water(rain,other) comming to sides.You can only check suspension and adjust rear wheel.I see other bikers and their bikes act the same.
I do not know.Maybe birds are more sensitive for that?
Because are big and long?

BUMP

Any more progress on your handling problems, Wowerman?

ascar · 12-07-2009, 7:21 PM

wowerman so far you have been to the honda service centre a few times and they tell you the same thing every time - hence they do not have a clue
as said above phone John at jaws blackbird ( google it ) and take a ride up to Thetford its only about 60 miles from london he can have a look and will tell you what is wrong with it .
as a few have said it might be tyres but since you have changed them it will ether be a sticky caliper or the forks are not straight in the yokes .

SO since you are stuck and honda service is crap PHONE JAWS

ascar · 12-07-2009, 7:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedygeezer

BUMP

Any more progress on your handling problems, Wowerman?

are you sitting straight on the bike ??

elvetost · 12-08-2009, 2:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wowerman

Well.I bought another bird and it does same thing.Problem is in British roads(not only).
Many coutries have curved roads to help water(rain,other) comming to sides.You can only check suspension and adjust rear wheel.I see other bikers and their bikes act the same.
I do not know.Maybe birds are more sensitive for that?
Because are big and long?

Hello peoples.
I believe our friend had come to a conclusion.
Nice of all this people trying to help though!
Cheers, Chris

wowerman · 12-08-2009, 2:51 AM

I think roads in Britain are being built in way that they are nos square.Top point is in the middle and lower on sides to help water comes to side because of a lot of rain in this country.Correct me if I am wrong.That is why you have to tilt you bike.I have seen another bikes doing the same on fron of me.Maybe there is in this bike making him not straight?Factory fault?

03-24-2009, 1:19 PM	#61
wowerman Join Date: Dec 12 2007 Location: London Age: 33 Posts: 91	Re: what if you feel bike goes not straight Thanks again Brian.You're the Man!!I will ask on other bird forums. I am in touch with Jaws Motorcycles and from pics John said swingarm will be out. I love this bike,seroiusly but this problem is annoying. I could do a lot of thing myself,but for example there is difficult to find leveled place around where I live.I was walking with big level yesterday to find some. I do not have garage or workshop,I wish I had. Once again wheel alignment was done in reputable honda dealer nad service.I take it as true. On weekend try to test forks. Thank you Brian.

03-24-2009, 6:54 PM	#62
Banshee Join Date: Jun 21 2007 Location: Springwood, West of Hell (Sydney), Australia Age: 43 Posts: 1,082	Re: what if you feel bike goes not straight Strangely, I have never had a problem getting the string taut enough (it's why I wrap it around a brick), but trying to find a straight enough piece of plank, on the other hand... Yes it is much more fiddly to get right, especially after adjusting the rear each time, but lacking the straight wood/metal/anything, the string works well.

03-25-2009, 3:42 AM	#64
wowerman Join Date: Dec 12 2007 Location: London Age: 33 Posts: 91	Re: what if you feel bike goes not straight I have wraped string line on ruler,pulled up so it was tight on front tyre,but had to run string line inside centre stand on low level,otherwise you need stand to lift bike up,because bike stand is on the way for string line.

03-25-2009, 8:23 AM	#65
Leftlaner Join Date: Oct 30 2006 Location: Norway Posts: 521	Re: what if you feel bike goes not straight If the junction between swing arm and the rest of the frame is OK, you could probably have the swing arm straightened by your local machine shop. Or you could make the best out of the situation and do a single side swingarm conversion.. Or a get an aftermarket stretched version, or maybe one with a polished aluminium finish..? __________________ To do is to be - Socrates To be is to do - Jean-Paul Sartre Do-be-do-be-do - Frank Sinatra

03-25-2009, 9:04 AM	#66
speedygeezer Join Date: Nov 12 2006 Location: Winfield, KS Age: 73 Posts: 47	Re: what if you feel bike goes not straight Go here Features for the answers to all your questions.

03-28-2009, 8:54 AM	#71
speedygeezer Join Date: Nov 12 2006 Location: Winfield, KS Age: 73 Posts: 47	Re: what if you feel bike goes not straight The "tracking offset" as described here, Accuracy refers to the center line of the rear wheel as it is projected forward to the center of the front tire contact patch/steering axis. "Once again wheel alignment was done in reputable honda dealer and service.I take it as true." Did they tell you what method they used to align your wheels? I hope they didn't use this, Contact "If the planks are dead straight on the edges, there is no discrepancy what so ever, it is exact, it just happens to be fiddly, and depending on how pedantic you are, like me, I want it to be exact, My neck is on the line, and I want my bike to run dead straight at high speed," Nothing is as straight as your vision and it's a whole lot less fiddly. ;-)) You'd love the ProAligner and you could then use your planks for roasting weiners or building something. Besides, the ProAligner takes up a whole lot less room.

03-28-2009, 3:51 PM	#72
wowerman Join Date: Dec 12 2007 Location: London Age: 33 Posts: 91	Re: what if you feel bike goes not straight I have checked front forks and they are dead straight.I was rolling then on marble which was completely straight and flat.No bends.Wheel spindle is straight and goes in to forks holes smooth like baby bottom. That im sure now and there is one thing less to think about.

04-04-2009, 6:01 AM	#73
wowerman Join Date: Dec 12 2007 Location: London Age: 33 Posts: 91	Re: what if you feel bike goes not straight There is definitelly something wrong.If ride my bird i can see more fairing on left hand side of rfont screet than on left hand side.It expalins that I have to bend bike to make it goes straight.If sit on bike and look at fairing I see left and right side are same. Another thing.One of my mates has same bike,he rode it and has not nocited anything suspicious,but to be honest after one ride you do not know bike. Let's say it again: -wheel alignment done -frame straight -front suspension checked(straight). So what left to do?Strip bike of fairings and see suspicious things?Welds? What if everything is ok? Swingarm?

04-04-2009, 8:47 AM	#74
speedygeezer Join Date: Nov 12 2006 Location: Winfield, KS Age: 73 Posts: 47	Re: what if you feel bike goes not straight If the wheels are aligned correctly - and only "if" - then either the frame or the swingarm is bent or twisted. The only way to determine which one it is is to take your bike to a certified frame straightening shop. Eye-balling it won't tell you where the problem is. Again, I'd find out who did the wheel alignment on your bike and what method he used. Since everything is based on wheel alignment, this is where you should look first and make sure it was done correctly. Let us know how he did it.

04-04-2009, 1:51 PM	#75
Aurora Join Date: Oct 21 2006 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,260	Re: what if you feel bike goes not straight Did you ever notice you seating position on the bike? If it was my bike I would shim the front spring, you said one spring was 2mm shorter than the other or just buy 2 Eibach springs of equal lengthfor you riding weight, so you have equal preload on your front suspension. Your chain and rear sprocket, does the drive chain ride in the center of the sprocket or is it off to one side or the other?

04-04-2009, 3:29 PM	#76
beestoys Join Date: Sep 24 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 352	Re: what if you feel bike goes not straight [quote=wowerman;94067]There is definitely something wrong.If ride my bird i can see more fairing on left hand side of front screen than on left hand side.It explains that I have to bend bike to make it goes straight.If sit on bike and look at fairing I see left and right side are same. I am wondering if your bodywork is off it would explain the push as well. The fairings on these bikes play a very important part of the bike. If your stays are bent and displacing the body work on the frame you would get the effect your feeling. Everything will align perfect which would explain your frustration. Statically everything is perfect but riding down the road gives you a dynamic of air pressure causing your drift or push.

04-04-2009, 3:58 PM	#77
wowerman Join Date: Dec 12 2007 Location: London Age: 33 Posts: 91	Re: what if you feel bike goes not straight Beestoys,bird is not my first bike,my position is correct on bike,i know that. Maybe one of front springs is weak and this will be problem.But i have swaped springs and still same action. Maybe front suspension is straight but does not work properly??2mm difference will not be a problem I heard. It is not only fairings,you can feel that bike is bent when ride it. How do I check if drive chain is running on center of sprocket? I think you would hear some noises if it was something wrong. Anyway I will speak to honda service which done wheel alignment and frame. Speedygeezer.I have to look for some shop like that. Im starting to not believe in honda shops.

04-04-2009, 4:32 PM	#79
beestoys Join Date: Sep 24 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 352	Re: what if you feel bike goes not straight Wower Not saying your inexperienced quite the opposite. Just making an onbservation your setting position would be to offset and unveven airflow. The body work is tied to the bike if it is not correct it will efect the bikes tracking at any speed. Just an outside thought to consider.

04-04-2009, 10:17 PM	#80
deadman Join Date: Aug 16 2008 Location: Lilydale Melb Australia Age: 61 Posts: 2,331	Re: what if you feel bike goes not straight Try some one else other than a Honda shop, Hoping you get your bike fixed, as they are not fun, when they are not tracking dead straight Cheers, Brian. __________________ If ya not boppin, Ya in ya coffin. Rock and roll will soothe your soul. Mods, 6mm Shim, 12 inch risers, Double bubble Windsceen, Homemade Ventura type packrack, Expandable to 82 litre, Rjays rack bag, Lowered rear end frame by 3 inches. Suspension is still stock, home made Cans, awesome.

07-02-2009, 9:18 AM	#82
XX-XR Join Date: Jan 03 2007 Location: 98 XX 87 VFR700 America's Autobahn Arizona Desert Posts: 72	Re: what if you feel bike goes not straight Adjust the rear wheel to point left and see if it's tracking better. __________________ Gettin old aint for sissy's!

07-02-2009, 12:22 PM	#83
wowerman Join Date: Dec 12 2007 Location: London Age: 33 Posts: 91	Re: what if you feel bike goes not straight Well.I bought another bird and it does same thing.Problem is in British roads(not only). Many coutries have curved roads to help water(rain,other) comming to sides.You can only check suspension and adjust rear wheel.I see other bikers and their bikes act the same. I do not know.Maybe birds are more sensitive for that? Because are big and long?

07-03-2009, 11:36 AM	#84
XX-XR Join Date: Jan 03 2007 Location: 98 XX 87 VFR700 America's Autobahn Arizona Desert Posts: 72	Re: what if you feel bike goes not straight Sounds like tire choice may be more important there. __________________ Gettin old aint for sissy's!

07-03-2009, 4:49 PM	#85
Scrappy Dog With Atittude .. Woof! Join Date: May 31 2009 Location: Mansfield UK Age: 45 Posts: 494	Re: what if you feel bike goes not straight Haven't read all the threads, but could it be a brake caliper sticking? Sometimes they do not release as quick as they should .....

12-07-2009, 7:21 PM	#87
ascar Ascar Join Date: Sep 28 2007 Location: scotland west coast Posts: 344	Re: what if you feel bike goes not straight wowerman so far you have been to the honda service centre a few times and they tell you the same thing every time - hence they do not have a clue as said above phone John at jaws blackbird ( google it ) and take a ride up to Thetford its only about 60 miles from london he can have a look and will tell you what is wrong with it . as a few have said it might be tyres but since you have changed them it will ether be a sticky caliper or the forks are not straight in the yokes . SO since you are stuck and honda service is crap PHONE JAWS __________________ its not a minimoto blackbird - thats its real size

12-08-2009, 2:51 AM	#90
wowerman Join Date: Dec 12 2007 Location: London Age: 33 Posts: 91	Re: what if you feel bike goes not straight I think roads in Britain are being built in way that they are nos square.Top point is in the middle and lower on sides to help water comes to side because of a lot of rain in this country.Correct me if I am wrong.That is why you have to tilt you bike.I have seen another bikes doing the same on fron of me.Maybe there is in this bike making him not straight?Factory fault?