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Griffin85FG

Joined:

Jan 13

Posts: 3

Griffin85FG says:

Twitchy bike

Hello, My first post :smile.. shame its a bad one.


Ive been out riding in the evenings quite alot recently as where i live, everybody is miles away. but ive been having a problem with my bike.

I live in Cornwall. There is no snow and its pretty damn cold at the moment. Roads freezing ETC. Now, ive only had my bike for 3 weeks (Did my CBT 3 weeks ago too). To get anywhere i use country lanes. But im finding, as im going round corners my tail wants to slide out and my front wheel is also slightly skittish. 

I only use roads that i know gritters would have been down. But is this problem due to Ice, My tyres, the salt on the roads or inexperience? if so, HELP! As i know im going to come off. Im also not racing everywhere, but just taking my time.

Im riding a Honda Varadero 125 with Avon tyres. (cant remember the Model, but when i bought the bike they had just been fitted). 

During the day, its not a problem. i can happily take my bike out knowing that im going to stick to the road and the tyres will grip.

Before i have a nasty accident, can somebody please help?

Thanks

Stuart

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  • Posted 115 days ago (25 January 2013 16:47)

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domster

Joined:

Sep 12

Posts: 89

domster says:

Stuart

You're starting out in the worst combination of road conditions. If you're not comfortable slow down & let the local nutters pass. Check the tyre pressures are as recomended by the bike, not tyre, manufacturer or even set them 2psi below.

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  • Posted 115 days ago (25 January 2013 17:10)
philehidiot

Joined:

Feb 09

Posts: 3039

philehidiot says:

Probably

due to the cold - the tyres may not be able to warm up and if they're really new they'll have the release coating on which will make them really sllippy. You also need to check the pressures.


Grit can also cause problems if there's too much of it.

Most important is to relax as much as you can so the bike corrects itself and possibly slow down a bit. I've had tyres do this in the cold and it's not safe at all. If tyre suitability is indeed the case then I suggest using alternate transport until the temperature increases.

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  • Posted 115 days ago (25 January 2013 17:12)
Griffin85FG

Joined:

Jan 13

Posts: 3

Griffin85FG says:

Thanks

Thanks guys.. i take my time everywhere at the moment and im comfortable with riding the bike. I shall check the pressure and check the tyres. i think ill just take more precautions too ( check the road more thoroughly) and relax a little more


but many thanks guys!:smile

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  • Posted 115 days ago (25 January 2013 17:41)
kcmc

Joined:

Jan 08

Posts: 5284

kcmc says:

Honda XL 125V Varadero year?

Hi Griffin85FG and welcome to the site:smile

You say


During the day, its not a problem. i can happily take my bike out knowing that im going to stick to the road and the tyres will grip.
Before i have a nasty accident, can somebody please help?

Ride only during the day until the good weather comes along if you suspect you will have an accident.Good Luck
 
KCMC:tongue:

 

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  • Posted 115 days ago (26 January 2013 02:32)
Griffin85FG

Joined:

Jan 13

Posts: 3

Griffin85FG says:

yeah

Yeah, sounds like a good idea haha! but i need to commute too... so it could be a little tricky


and its a 2007 model =]

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  • Posted 114 days ago (26 January 2013 16:36)
hairybob

Joined:

Jan 09

Posts: 387

hairybob says:

twitchy bike

if it only feels strange at night check your wheel alignment and that your bars are in line with your forks and not bent. Get someone experienced to ride it, see what they think. 

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  • Posted 114 days ago (26 January 2013 18:13)

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