Steering felt??

[Vmaxgrizz686]

I just recently purchased my first Vmax(1986) it is awesome.I am pretty new to motorcycles in general about 3 years of riding.This bike came with drag bars on it and to me the steering felt very twicthy if you will I feel every little thing kinda don't feel very safe I guess.I am comparing the feel to the only other bike I have ridden my 750 seca which is a totally different feeling.Both bikes are in mint shape and total gone though at my dealer so I believe it will just take some getting use to.The previous owner gave me the stock bars so I will put them on soon and try it again.I am new to the forum just wanted to say Hi all!! any input on my steering feel issue would be great Thanks!!! :th_peace:

 

[radar-4460]

they make a bar 1" wider then stock you might try them. you can see out of the mirrors better plus you have a little more leverage.

 

[Vmaxgrizz686]

Thanks for the input right now all I see in the mirrors are my elbows.First I will try stock bars I also found this article http://www.vmaxchat.co.uk/furbur.htm I will try it if the stock bars are not enough thanks again.:th_peace:

 

[FREERIDER]

mmmm, the first thing I did was put on some narrower drag bars. More control for me. And some barend mirrors, or one on the right. But Im no one to fallow. Good luck with your ride. You'll find most all the info you'll need for that bike in here.

 

[4gasem]

One of the first things I did was put on some nice Flanders drag bars. Are you sure that the head bearings are good? Most shops (if not all) overlook this and it's VERY important on a max to keep up on them. An '86, unless it's really low on miles probably could use some new ones.

Chris

 

[FREERIDER]

One of the first things I did was put on some nice Flanders drag bars. Are you sure that the head bearings are good? Most shops (if not all) overlook this and it's VERY important on a max to keep up on them. An '86, unless it's really low on miles probably could use some new ones.

Chris

I forgot that important part. :hmmm::ummm:
Probably good, just loose. Flat head, hammer and wrench for head nut.
But ya you should check em out too. Good lubing never hurt anyone. unk:

 

[eatatjoz]

I think you're just used to the slop in the Seca. I could never get mine to handle for crap, but it would run like a scolded dog.
Put the stock bars on there, and ride it for a while. Once you get used to the "responsive" handling, you can try the drag bars again.

If a Vmax handles like a pig, a Seca should just be parked and never ridden. (that takes the fun out of it though) You may have issues, but it sounds like you're just not used to the feeling of the bike to me.

 

[tugla]

i got the 1inch wider bars and really like them, more relaxed riding feel, never did try drag bars so i cant compare the two.

where about in Ont are you? 686

 

[woodsman30]

The list is endless as far as what it could be check the above as posted about bearings. How are the tires? this is the most important part on a vmax see if weather checked or cracked are there flat spots tire pressure ect... check front fork pressure check back shocks is anything leaking. Just my oppion but the first thing you should do is if you dont know alot about motorcycles "not saying you dont" is have it gone through by a shop you trust. Also the vmax require you to control the bike its heavy at over 500lbs dry so think about that plus yourself. Get use to the bike push on the handle bars while riding one side then the other you will be surprised and how fast it responds just doing that. Be safe and enjoy your vmax and welcome to the forum.
Thats my two cents

 

[Vmaxgrizz686]

Hi guys thanks for all the replies.The bike has nothing wrong with it head bearings and the tires are new.I took the bike out for another ride the next days and basically came to the conclusion that I was just nervous(didn't want to drop it) so I drove it like a princess lol!! I still have the drag bars on and now that I got the feel for the bike and I am comfortable all is well.Awesome bike only issue is I want longer mirror stems because with the drag bars all I see in the mirror is my elbows.I still may try the stock bars.The bottom line is nothing wrong with the bike or the drag bar and only problem was the princess behind them LOL!! Once again thanks for all the replies.All is well!!!:th_peace:unk:

 

[gamorg02]

Hi guys thanks for all the replies.The bike has nothing wrong with it head bearings and the tires are new.I took the bike out for another ride the next days and basically came to the conclusion that I was just nervous(didn't want to drop it) so I drove it like a princess lol!! I still have the drag bars on and now that I got the feel for the bike and I am comfortable all is well.Awesome bike only issue is I want longer mirror stems because with the drag bars all I see in the mirror is my elbows.I still may try the stock bars.The bottom line is nothing wrong with the bike or the drag bar and only problem was the princess behind them LOL!! Once again thanks for all the replies.All is well!!!:th_peace:unk:

sounds good man. i'd take a look at the ebay bar end mirrors. $15 with shipping or so and gives you a different view with the drag bars.

 

[4gasem]

Nut behind the wheel... Seen it before... lol

Keep an eye on the head bearings...

Chris

 

[OU812]

I myself would like to find a set of 1" over stock width with the same rise and pull-back as stock in "black" if anyone has info on where to go...:ummm:

 

[Redbone]

I myself would like to find a set of 1" over stock width with the same rise and pull-back as stock in "black" if anyone has info on where to go...:ummm:

I'd say talk to Sean, he has a few that are close to the factory. He could probably get it in black or have it powdercoated black for you.
http://www.morleysmuscle.com/muscle-bikes/vmax/bars-and-signals Stock bars are around 27.5" wide x 7/8" in diameter.

 

[trentsee]

Hi guys thanks for all the replies.The bike has nothing wrong with it head bearings and the tires are new.I took the bike out for another ride the next days and basically came to the conclusion that I was just nervous(didn't want to drop it) so I drove it like a princess lol!! I still have the drag bars on and now that I got the feel for the bike and I am comfortable all is well.Awesome bike only issue is I want longer mirror stems because with the drag bars all I see in the mirror is my elbows.I still may try the stock bars.The bottom line is nothing wrong with the bike or the drag bar and only problem was the princess behind them LOL!! Once again thanks for all the replies.All is well!!!:th_peace:unk:

Princess LOL!!!Not the bike to pussy foot around with it sure likes to be ridden!!I got my 2000 last summer,and the first couple of weeks I was a little leary but by the end of the season I was just killing it!!!I got so bad that my buds started to get worried about me.So this summer I'm gonna try to take it a little easier,the power gets to be intoxicating.Ride safe and have fun