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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: m_melen on January 29, 2013, 03:38:07 AM

Title: How to compensate for bad rear traction?
Post by: m_melen on January 29, 2013, 03:38:07 AM
So I noticed that since I went with clubman bars, my body weight rest much more to the front and the rear end of my '96 kicks out on sharp turns.
What's a good mod to keep the rear end planted?
Title: Re: How to compensate for bad rear traction?
Post by: Big Rich on January 29, 2013, 04:16:30 AM
New tires, and ease up on the throttle?
Title: Re: How to compensate for bad rear traction?
Post by: Suzuki Stevo on January 29, 2013, 06:32:59 AM
Put less air in the rear tire.
Title: Re: How to compensate for bad rear traction?
Post by: gsJack on January 29, 2013, 07:54:45 AM
Quote from: m_melen on January 29, 2013, 03:38:07 AM
So I noticed that since I went with clubman bars, my body weight rest much more to the front and the rear end of my '96 kicks out on sharp turns.
What's a good mod to keep the rear end planted?

Change riding style or tires.  What tires do you have?  I remember about 12 years ago early on with my first GS500 I put on a K491 rear touring tire like I had used on 4 previous Hondas for long life and the GS rear was breaking loose all the time.  GS wanted to go around corners faster than that tire did.  Have only used sport touring tires on my GSs both radial and bias since then.  A good modern supersport type tire would be overkill with the primitive GS stock suspension.
Title: Re: How to compensate for bad rear traction?
Post by: Paulcet on January 29, 2013, 11:13:08 AM
What Jack said.  And ease up on the wrists.  You should be supporting almost all of your weight on the pegs, seat, and knees on the tank.
Title: Re: How to compensate for bad rear traction?
Post by: burning1 on January 29, 2013, 11:20:10 AM
If your rear tire is kicking out that easily, there's something wrong with you or the bike. Check your suspension for proper damping and pre-load. Check your tire condition and tire manufacturing date. Analyze your riding for anything that might cause that kind of over-steer.

I've had absolutely 0 problems with the rear end kicking out with clip-ons.
Title: Re: How to compensate for bad rear traction?
Post by: BockinBboy on January 29, 2013, 11:24:45 AM
Your centerstand isn't touching down is it? ... You'd probably hear a scrape at the least if that were happening, but it can cause the rear to lose traction.

- Bboy
Title: Re: How to compensate for bad rear traction?
Post by: adidasguy on January 29, 2013, 11:26:33 AM
The bars you put on force you very far forward unless you are a tall person. That will move your center of gravity forward awau from the rear tires.

I haven't seen a posting of you changing the front fork springs. If you're still running stock, you are diving in when you do sharp turns and braking. Change the front springs asap to keep the front end up.

and like they said - probably your rear tire is old. Amount of tread is immaterial. It is how old and hard the rubber is. If more than a few years old, it is hard and dry. Get new tires.