Stiff Bike to Push

[Anonymous]

Hi Folks;
I have a '83 GS 850. Runs Great. But really stiff to push.
Tire pressure is good. Breaks don't appear to be binding.
But when I'm in the saddle and I attempt to walk it...man-o-man it takes some effort. Bike weight is approx 560# wet.

Do you periodically have to grease the front/rear axle perhaps ??
Changed final drive fluids resently...looked good.

Why sooooo stiff ?? Thanks for any help.

[Anonymous]

Get it up on its center stand and see if each wheel spins freely. If not, you may have bearings needing to be greased and/or changed......or the axle nuts could be over tight. My 850 is also not the easiest bike to "walk" while sitting on the seat, but rolls easy while I'm pushing/pulling from one side.

[Anonymous]

I have a '79 850, and an '83 1100gl. The 850 is a real bear to push around, the 1100 is a piece of cake compared to the 850.

[mcycle-nut]

Re: Stiff Bike to Push

Do you periodically have to grease the front/rear axle perhaps ??


Thanks for any help.

That will have nothing to do with how easily(or not) the bike is to push. It certainly helps with future dissasembly, as the bearings and spacers won't "weld" themselves onto the axle. 8)

[Anonymous]

Thanks folks.
Dallyr, my bike too is alot easier to walk along side, but when it comes to sraddling the saddle and walkin it...WOW.
Could the axle nut be too tight ?? Think this might loosen things a bit ??
I'll check this.

Instructorpilot, I also have an '80 GS 850 that's a piece of cake to walk while on the saddle. But my '83 suzi is a "Bear" . The '80 had some work on it to lighten it a bit too.

[Anonymous]

Hard to push

I had the same problem with my 850 until I changed the wheel bearings. Now if I could only put that bike on a diet.

[argonsagas]

Check your wheels/tires on the centerstand, as already suggested.
Bearings area a definite possibility, but it is also possible your brakes are dragging due to dirt or wear particles.

Try a can of brake cleaner spray. (Use only a product specifically meant for brakes) Just put something absorbent under it, then spray liberally in front and back of the pads, then the whole disk. Dries up in a few seconds and you're ready to ride.

I had the identical problem on my GS1100G when I first got it and the spray worked immediately. Now I use if several times a year, to eliminate buildup and keep the disk clean.

[Anonymous]

its pretty simple physics, ur not getting enough leverage since the pivot point is your knee and your pushing with those very small muscles that handle the begging pivot of the knee.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Guys.
Argonsagas: I'm definitely gonna try the brake cleaner as a start...then work my way from there. Simple (inexpensive) stuff first.