K1200LT handling

[PeterH]

I have recently changed my 1100RT for a 99 K1200LT. I have put a new Ohlins rear shock in and put new tyres (Metzlers) front and back.My riding is mostly 2up. What I am experiencing is a feeling of the bike " flexing" as I come out of corners and in windy conditions.My question is,is this because of the length of the bike or is there something that can be done to stabilize this.The new shock and tyres have helped immensely but I feel that there is still something that I am missing. I have been told that the front steering stabilizer is new. Any help wold be appreciated. My wife and I love the bike and the way it handles apart from the above

[cws]

Hi Peter and welcome. Dont forget we have an Aus/NZ/Asia site on the forums too! Go introduce yourself :)

Don't know about the "flexing" out of corners, but in windy conditions it will tend to self-correct after being hit by a gust. If you get the chance on a windy day and a straight road and its safe, ie, not heavy traffic, when the wind hits dont try and correct it, let the bike do the work. You might get a nice surprise. I've found it to be very stable in windy conditions, far more so than my past bikes.

cheers

[cws]

Hey, just remembered our Aussie Moderator, Onions, is in NZ now for 4 weeks too.
Wonder if he'll be in Auckland? Look out for man with his family in a motorhome, eyeing off your LT! :rotf:

[murray]

I have recently changed my 1100RT for a 99 K1200LT. I have put a new Ohlins rear shock in and put new tyres (Metzlers) front and back.My riding is mostly 2up. What I am experiencing is a feeling of the bike " flexing" as I come out of corners and in windy conditions.My question is,is this because of the length of the bike or is there something that can be done to stabilize this.The new shock and tyres have helped immensely but I feel that there is still something that I am missing. I have been told that the front steering stabilizer is new. Any help wold be appreciated. My wife and I love the bike and the way it handles apart from the above
Pete

Your suspension is out of balance, The rear is now much stiffer than the stock front. Now yon have to bite the bullet and purchase a new front shock. I have felt your symptoms on my LT even with F-R ohlins, once the preload is balanced you will be rock solid in the turns and have better steering.

[Moonshine]

Be sure to check the final drive rear pivot bearing preload adjustment. The small needle bearings have a tendency to flatten and become loose and this allows a little rear wheel steering into the handling feel. I replaced the needle bearings with bronze bushings and I eliminated the flex feeling on my bike. Very small movement in the pivot bearings makes for a large movement at the tire contact patch with the ground.

[KMC1]

All of the above are great advice, I particularly agree with the need for a balanced preload front & rear, so most likely you will need a new shock for the front too.
Two questions come up for me;
Is the new rear shock made to your riding specifications. weight, load etc?

Are you running your air pressure up around 48psi rear / 43psi front?

[PeterH]

Hi Kevin,
Thanks for your advice. The model Ohlins that has been fitted to the rear is Type 46DRS BM851. I weigh 235lbs with all my gear and my wife is 165lbs with all her gear I tried to find out if this one is the correct shock but I could not find any info. I was advised by another LT rider that rides in our group to pump the tires to your recommended pressures ( made a big difference) As a man who is obviously in the know do you think that this is the right shock
Cheers
Peter

[rmg08057]

Peter

This is a brilliant bike and I have ridden it hard in many different conditions. The frame won't flex until its really stressed and the only time I have ever noticed it is when well leant over above 100mph, she does waggle her tail disconcertingly then. I have Wilbers after market shocks which are very nice.

I have been in vicious winds here in the US, there are many high bridges and one memorable occasion crossing Kansas. The bike certainly gets buffetted, but flexing....I don't think so...she just gets knocked sideways as a total unit, in fact on occasion we have to ride at a solid angle/lean to cater for the constant wind, kinda like the Canterbury Plains.

I'm with Pete...I believe the front shock is shot and the difference between the two is creating the condition you talk about. BTW, after about 25k miles the standard shocks are shot...the same with the Wilbers, they need a good rebuild. Mine are going in soon for their second rebuild as she's getting a bit rough on the bumps.

On the tire pressure thing, my experience is opposite to most people and unless riding for very long distances on freeways/interstates (the types of distances/road-conditions that don't exist in NZ), I always use 36/42 on BT-020's. In NZ I would definitely use the lower pressures and the 020's over the (few) other choices. Handling in the wet and the corners is excellent.

Anyway, welcome to the forum...there are few Kiwi's on the site. Not to hijack your thread, but check out my profile...I am in Philadelphia in the USA, but am returning to NZ (Beachhaven in Auckland) at the end of the year. I have 103k_miles/160k_kms on my 2000LT and I hope to bring it back with me when returning. Did you get your LT 2nd-hand from Auckland? I rode in NZ a few years ago with a bloke whose name escapes me...he had a blue 99LT and owned a restaurant near Brown's Bay from memory. We had a grand day doing the Coramandel. I was on an 1100GS.