GS850L scary handling

[flyingace]

I just got an 83 GS850L. It has only 35K miles and runs great.

However, it really has a 'hinge in the middle' feeling going around turns. I owned a Yamaha XS650, so I know what that hinge feels like - but this is worse. I realize this is a heavy bike, and that the slightly extended forks of this model make matters worse.

I checked the swing-arm - it seems tight. The shocks are original, but they seem OK.

Has anyone had this problem and effectively solved it?

Thanks.

[focus frenzy]

tires, steering stem bearings, fork bushings, wheel bearings, swing arm bearings, are all causes of handling problems.

you need to remove the rear wheel and it would also be good to remove the shocks from the swing arm mounts when checking the swing arm bearings.

odds are the swing arm bearings are ok as the shafties use realy big tough swing arm bearings.
it would be best to remove them, (much simpler than chain drive bikes) clean and repack the grease.

[flyingace]

Thanks Leon.
I need a new rear tire, so I'll do these things before I remount it. At least then I can eliminate the rear end as the source of the 'hinge'.

[SqDancerLynn1]

You have to pull the swing arm to get to the brgs Regrease them & adjust the preload, MAKE sure to lube the wheel adapter splines for the differential while the wheel is off. Could be worn tires, forks- oil, springs colapsed. I would start with a new set of tires if they are more than 5 years old

[flyingace]

Thanx SQ.

Lube the wheel adapter splines with what? No need to answer if it's in a the manual - I don't have it with me.

[SqDancerLynn1]

HD chassi grease

[UncleMike]

So the extended forks on the "L" models actually decrease handling performance?

[SqDancerLynn1]

So the extended forks on the "L" models actually decrease handling performance?

NOT if they are set up properly "L" model steers slower than the regular axel forks

[flyingace]

It appears to me (and I could be wrong) that the 'L' and 'G' models have the same wheelbase - so the fork length would only be a factor in terms of rigidity.

Ace.

[UncleMike]

Which could be corrected with a fork brace?

[Anonymous]

handling

things not mentioned but I have seen make sure the load adjustment is the same on both shocks and also check the tire pressure, and front fork oil volume

[SqDancerLynn1]

The "L" model of course has a longer wheel base partly because the axel is in front & also it has 1 deg more rake in the forks

[Poot]

When regreasing the back end, it would be a good idea to use Honda Moly 60 (60percent molybdenum disulfide) as it is the ultimate grease .


You should also take the front wheel off, check/regrease bearings, and change the fork oil /air pressure in the forks.


got an 850 L myself.


CHANGE HANDLEBARS~!

[flyingace]

Thanks all for the advice. I just discovered the air-assist in the forks had no pressure - and the rear was set up quite stiff. Weather won't permit me to check if it made a difference, but I'll repost here when I can.

Ace.

[bwringer]

The stock rear shocks are worse than worthless, dangerous, evil hunks of garbage. (I'm holding back here...) Heck, screen door dampers would probably be an improvement over stock.

A set of Progressive shocks will stabilize you wonderfully in the turns and are well worth the small investment.

And naturally, you're going to need a set of Progressive fork springs -- the same comments apply to the worthless stock Suzuki fork springs.

Until you upgrade your suspension, you're going to get all kinds of wobbles and weaves, pitching, instability, evil ride, bottoming, tire wear, and premature curvature of the spine.

Good suspension isn't just for the fast riders -- it's essential safety equipment for every rider.