I have a question for those of you who live in the Bay Area.
I went on the highway for the first time yesterday.
(Got my license in June) I'm on a 95 GS500E. I was on 85N and noticed that I felt incredibly uncomfortable on the road because of the heavy grating of the lanes. In my car I feel it as well. Is this something that you get used to? It felt as though the bike wanted to come out from under me, the faster I went the worse it felt. Any thoughts, suggestions, or advice is much welcomed. Thank you!!
Purplenurse :)
you kinda get used to it. the farther south you get the worse the roads are. keeping the tires at the right pressure 32 f 36 r is the easiest thing to fix, and usually you notice the grooves more when the tires get low. then if it's still a issue I'd replace the fork juice and go to 15 wt. if your over 150 lbs then put progressives in. and you shouldn't have as much of a problem.
I notice it a lot as well on 880 N out of San Jose. Watch out for the ruts that look about the width of a tire. They are really annoying and the bike can go right into them and make handling a little tough....
When you're driving over grating or rutted roads, it is very important to be relaxed - which is often the opposite of what your body wants to do. It'll tense, and that will make the tramlining worse. Hold the bars very gently, without putting any of your body weight on them. Let the bike wander a little, and correct if you're drifting too far with a very mild and gentle steer.
The GS's skinny tires don't help, but it'll still drive over ruts and grating just fine.
what do you know you gs seller. :nana:
I bet I have more GS grating miles than you. 8)
beamers don't count.
ohh I like hwy 85. It's just about the best freeway in this area unless you're between 280 and 101 ;)
You get used to the rain grooves. Make sure your tire pressure is up to spec. Work into the freeway when you're new to it and you'll gain comfort
What kind of tires do you have?
Some tend to be more sensitive to the grooves than others.
I'm not sure what brand tires they are. I'd go look but the bike is stored at my brother-in-laws 10 minutes away. They do have a groove in the center and the horizontal waves on either side of of the center groove. My husband said he didn't really notice it on his bike. He has a 01 SV650. His tires don't have that center groove. As for the forks, I just had new springs put in a couple of weeks ago. They used 15W oil. I had it done by rob at Evolution Suspension in San Jose. The stock ones bottomed out to easily. The ride is much nicer now.
Purplenurse
I hate grooved pavement.. it scares me.. all I can think is.. man.. thats going to tear through my gear like a cheese grater... and then Im next :o
Another reason to wear gear.
What everybody else said. Grip the tank with your knees so you have leverage to flex your back to keep your weight off the bars (or to prevent any pressure on the bars). Just palm the bars gently(this also helps when going downhill in the twisties) with an open hand (fingers covering brake and clutch). And don't look down. Go with the flow.
atleast there is no steel plates half way through, like some of the off ramps around here.