Sloppy steering

[Louwai]

in vic Dynoverks ARE listed as recomended, which is whats worrying. i take all my bikes there and have never had a problem but like anywhere they could've let their standards slip... I'll be going down to speak to Dean on monday.

The younger guy, (is that Dean?) asked me to bring it back for them to check over.
That will be later this week. I'm busy Monday & Tuesday.

Like I said, I was very happy with the job they did last time. (which is why I went back) I was a little sus on the chain & sprokets being "almost" done after just 12000klm, but other than that they were great. Absolutely no issue.

The only reason I've started asking questions this time is because the old girl just doesn't feel right. And there are so many of you guys here on the board that know a shit load more than I do. What better place to ask.

[maggot]

yeah Dean is the bloke to speak to. I've always been happy with the service i've gotten there and they've looked after my busa since new (as well as my brother on his R6 through 2 crashes and my other bikes)

but it is possible that they have dropped their standards (or one of their newer mechanics isn't quite up to scratch). I sincerly hope thats not the case since i really like the work they do on my bikes and they're pretty good blokes as well. time will tell I guess...

[Louwai]

I sincerly hope thats not the case since i really like the work they do on my bikes and they're pretty good blokes as well. time will tell I guess...

They've always been very friendly & professional with me. Certainly no complaints there. Hopefully we'll get it sorted when he looks at it again.

[Gassick]

Ron at Balls has done all my servicing and anything else that l have had done to "Big Love". When he says he is going to do something he does it and he doesn't give you back the bike unless it is right! There are only 2 blokes that I have complete faith in when it comes to my Bus and Ron is 1 of them!!!!

[Louwai]

Ron at Balls has done all my servicing and anything else that l have had done to "Big Love". When he says he is going to do something he does it and he doesn't give you back the bike unless it is right! There are only 2 blokes that I have complete faith in when it comes to my Bus and Ron is 1 of them!!!!

OK. Sounds good. So where do I find contact details for Balls. I've searched both Yellow & White pages but can't find anything. Or is BALLS not the business name?????

[Ozboc]

String line the wheels something there aint straight.

The work was done last Tuesday. Since then it just doesn't feel right.
The guy reckons he slightly overtightened the head bearing so that I wouldn't need to come back to get it re-tightened.

anyone else have alarm bells ringing on this ??? did you ask how much pre-load is meant to be on the bearings and how much "extra" he has added ?

Or could it be a case of your steering was really stiff in the first place and now its operating correctly and you just have to get used to the feel ? any chance of taking another beast of the same year out for a ride to see how that feels for a comparison ?

If your not happy , don't be shy to take it back. Last thing this forum needs is another addition to the "gone but never forgotten" section , especially after the loss this week ........


Boc

[Louwai]

anyone else have alarm bells ringing on this ??? did you ask how much pre-load is meant to be on the bearings and how much "extra" he has added ?

Or could it be a case of your steering was really stiff in the first place and now its operating correctly and you just have to get used to the feel ? any chance of taking another beast of the same year out for a ride to see how that feels for a comparison ?

If your not happy , don't be shy to take it back. Last thing this forum needs is another addition to the "gone but never forgotten" section , especially after the loss this week ........

Boc

I have arranged to take it back during the coming week. We'll see.

Points noted buy the guy I spoke to, as to why it could feel different.
1) Old head bearing was notchy
2) Old head bearing was BALL bearing, new head bearing is Needle bearing. runs smoother
3) Was an air bubble in the damper & damper was bled.

When discussing on the ph, the guy said that when the head bearing was fitted & tightened, he actually though it was a touch too tight, but he let it go figuring it would "bed in" (my words not his) with a bit of use.

A general minor service was done at the same time, as well as the fork seals being done. I'm very happy with all other work done. Just the steering / handling doesn't feel right.

Previously the bike was very stable. NEVER had steering issues. It always went where it was pointed. Since the work last tuesday it's now sloppy / loose as mentioned. I don't mean that it feels like the bearing is not fitted correctly or tightened correctly, It just has VERY free movement, to the point where I would think the damper is not working at all.
It also seems to follow grooves in the road VERY easily. Just cruising along I can feel the bike start to wander & follow a groove or something in the road. Only just for a few seconds, but it does it. It has NEVER done that before.

[BUSGO]

Steering damper, I reckon.
Dynoverks had a good reputation, I hope they resolve it for you.
Heavier oil needed or not enough oil in it.
It should not have needed looking at till about 4 years old, if at all, unless it was showing low resistance.
The first busa that I ever rode had the damper removed and I thought it was very loose in the front end.

[kev11e]

G'day
A worn front tyre will also do the following grooves thing. Maybe the worn bearings masked the worn tyre behaviour?
Regards
Kevin

[Louwai]

G'day
A worn front tyre will also do the following grooves thing. Maybe the worn bearings masked the worn tyre behaviour?
Regards
Kevin

Yeah checked that one out, thanks......

Spoke to Dean today. He's basically saying it won't get any better unless I replace the damper.
Are the std dampers adjustable / fixable???? Can I get this one overhauled??? Is it worth it????
Or should I just replace it??
If replacing it, does anyone have a suggestion as to what I should put on?? & about how much???



Oh, found part of the rattle in the front. 3 left side bolts of the front guard were finger tight.
I had checked these a couple of mths before the service looking for the noise but not after.

[BUSGO]

There was a discussion thread on the old board for how to refill the damper in a bucket of oil.

Some of the more experienced members may be able to re post the procedure.
Try this link for oil viscosity.
Steering Damper loose

You could get a good OEM one from a recent wreck if you shop around OR maybe a member has a spare laying around the shed.
If you can afford an aftermarket one, there are some good ones out there.

[Louwai]

You could get a good OEM one from a recent wreck if you shop around OR maybe a member has a spare laying around the shed.
If you can afford an aftermarket one, there are some good ones out there.

Yeah, have been told a price range of $600 to $1200. Haven't looked around yet so don't know how accurate that is.

[Ward P]

Mines a '99 with lots of k's on it, It still handles great.
It seems a bit strange that it should 'go' just when it was serviced?
I'm not that mechanical but I'd be a little peaved if it was Ok, then crook after the service - sounds a bit sus!!

[imagunna]

There is an article on Hayabusa.org re the restoration of dampners.
Was on page 2 of general items,last time i read it.
One member writes of sloppy steering too, so might be worth a look.

[Louwai]

There is an article on Hayabusa.org re the restoration of dampners.
Was on page 2 of general items,last time i read it.
One member writes of sloppy steering too, so might be worth a look.

Cheers, thanks. I'll check it out.....