Triumphrat

09-30-2005, 11:27 AM

Does anyone know what might be the cause of excessive pull or lean to one side? My 98 TBS has a pronounced pull to the right . If you let go of the handlebars it is very noticeable. In general it rides fine but two other people have taken it for a ride and commented on it. The pull to the right seems to affect a left hand turn a bit.

There is no noticeable misalignment in the tires and the frame appears sound. I've had the bike for two seasons but have only put on a few thousand miles. The tires are 500 miles old and the bike has around 9200 miles.

Any ideas?

Saigon5 · 09-30-2005, 11:44 AM

Before buying my TBS I did read somewhere that the 2 pipes on the right side are causing a slight pull to the right. I must confess that it does not bother me.

[ This message was edited by: Saigon5 on 2005-09-30 10:02 ]

Bushwhacker · 09-30-2005, 12:15 PM

Quote:

On 2005-09-30 09:27, Mandrake wrote:
The tires are 500 miles old and the bike has around 9200 miles.

Any ideas?

Before I chalked the problem up to unequal weight distribution (which I have doubts about) I would do the following.

The first thing I would do is check the adjustment screws for the chain and make sure they are both in the exact same place.

Next I would be concerned that when the tires were changed they were not properly balanced.

Finally I would research the particular tires you just installed and see if anyone else has had any issues with these tires.

Wombat · 09-30-2005, 12:40 PM

The TBS is basically a very well balanced bike.

Although having 2 pipes on one side IS going to add weight to one side and will cause it to pull slightly to the right.

My '04 TBS wich has a pipe on each side does not have this pull to one side.

If it bothers you too much, you could always change to later model headers and have evenly balanced exhaust.

Bob

flybiker251 · 09-30-2005, 01:20 PM

Funny that you should mention a pulling to the right as my Legend seems to fall more to the left with a commensurate pull to that side. It seems like I have to pull back against the bar to keep it from dumping into the curve. I have learned to compensate for this and it isn't as pronounced as I have described but the tendency is there and am curious if there is a remedy?

fbird · 09-30-2005, 01:47 PM

What a coincidence! Just got tires this morning and the mechanic came out wondering why my tires had such a strange wear pattern on them. I had to explain to him about the balance issue. I've heard if you switch to the offroads or something similar that it helps this if it bothers you. If you have ever pulled yours off you'll see how heavy they are and understand why. I Got a set of Emgos last week and couldn't believe how much lighter they are.

shortys · 09-30-2005, 02:33 PM

You say there is no noticeable mis-alignment. I'd say check your alignment like your life depended on it.
I Pop a chalk line on the floor, center the F&R on that, then I use two 8' flourescent lights (for straight edges) zip tied to the rear on each side, as high up as they'll go and still clear the frame/centrestand/pipes. Then measure the gap both sides of the front tire.
It really doesn't take as long as it sounds.

jimmyj900 · 09-30-2005, 06:28 PM

My seems to lean to the left -- but that's only because of a few blown out discs in my back.

Try a chiropractor and see if your bike straightens up! :-D

Jim

JWoodsie · 10-01-2005, 12:06 AM

I'm with Jimmy on this I reckon youse are sitting crooked due to spine misalignment. I limp quite noticeably, and this tends to misalign my spine. I'm a regular at our local "Backcracker" after visits I ride noticeably straighter. :-D
Try moving your arse around on the seat, see if this makes any difference.

rambo · 10-01-2005, 04:04 AM

hi mandrake,
i bought mine new and it has always pulled if you let go of the bars.the engine is offset plus the two pipes on one side pull it over.never been a problem on the move.
cheers :hammer: :hammer: :hammer: