| Author | Message | ||
     Fzrider |
I just changed tires from Scorpions to Sportec M1. On the first ride after the change I noticed a huge change in handling. It feels like I am driving with a 30lbs sand bag on the handlebar (heavy steering). I tried to compensate by lowering the tripe clamp along the fork tubes but could only lower it 1.5mm as it seems to have some type of resistance to move more. The result of this change is not much better than original setting but I was wondering if anybody else on a XBs had solve this type of issue. Thanks (And, yes I checked the tire pressure) | ||
| M1combat |
Interesting... I've never tried the scorpions but I regularly ran the M1's (M3's now) and never really thought that the steering was heavy. Maybe I just didn't know any better  . What pressures are you running? There is a ring on the forks that will not let the triples slide down too far. I'd say that if you are up against that, you are too far anyway but as long as you're OK with it it's all good . I'm sure someone here can help with the 30lb weight issue... | ||
| Darthane |
What you're hitting on the fork tubes are likely the rings that are there to prevent you from slipping the triple clamps too low on the fork tubes.  All else being equal, and provided the wheels were balanced correctly, I'd say you're probably experiencing the effect that a tire with a different profile can have on the bike's behavior in corners. I've got M1s on my Firebolt, they behave differently than the D208s I had on it before (they have a much rounder profile)...I've never used the Scorpions. | ||
| Fzrider |
I am running 36psi rear and 34 front. Tried 32 and 30 and did not feel any difference in handling between psi. I thought it was tire profile but this is too much pronounced. I felt the tire profile change between original-crap 207s and Scorpions but this is really 30lbs sand bag. | ||
| Glitch |
I've used both. Right now I've got the Skorpions on. I felt the opposite of what you felt. Could be because I have the Cross Roads bars, or it may just be me. | ||
| Fzrider |
When I look at the fork tubes I don't see any rings that would prevent the forks to slide. Would the rings be located under the triple clamp? | ||
| Old_man |
Lower the forks in the triple clamp and you will see them. | ||
| Old_man |
I have the sportecs M1 on my xb9s. I didn't notice any heavy steering. I even lowered the fork a little to install a steering damper clamp. Mine steers easily. How is your fork spring preload, and rear preload. | ||
| Fzrider |
Stock setting for my weight 180lbs | ||
| Old_man |
If you want it to steer quicker, try less preload in front or more in the back. | ||
| Old_man |
I run 38psi rear, 36psi front. | ||
| M1combat |
I run 33F/35R but we may sit differently... Try adding a pound to the front. Also... Are they brand new or have you run a lot of highway miles and then noticed this once you finally got a chance to hit a canyon? How many miles? Have you checked your steering head torque? If you set your steering head torque by the manual maybe you set it to the higher end to be safe and it's too high for your preference? | ||
| Dcmortalcoil |
What you are experiencing (I believe) is the raised rear height (difference between rear and front height). M1 has a really tall rear profile. So it's like raising the rear, which can put more weight toward the front. M1 makes the steering a bit quicker. If you want neutral riding position, lower the fork, not raise it (what you were trying to do). (Message edited by dcmortalcoil on July 11, 2006) (Message edited by dcmortalcoil on July 11, 2006) | ||
| M1combat |
I do believe that while lowering the front you are giving the trail more mechanical advantage to act on the steering head... | ||
| Dcmortalcoil |
M1, I guess I got my lingo mixed up: Lowering the fork - I meant decreasing the distance measured between the top of the upper tree and the uppermost point of the fork - like pushing down the fork relative to the upper tree. In your description above, you mean increasing the distance, right? | ||
| Old_man |
Fzrider, I just replaced my Sportec M1 tires with Pirelli Scorpions. The Pirellis do steer easier. I can see what your saying now about the heavier feel with the Sportecs. I don't think changing the suspension will help too much. It seems it is something you may have to get used to. I was happy with the Sportecs but I do prefer the feel of the Scorpions now that I've tried them. |
