Handling

[newventure]

Well I've had my 02 midnight almost a year now and just rolled over 10 k. today, had almost 7 k on it when I bought last year. I really like the bike, but with 2 up I'm still very intimidated by the weight and the awkwardness of the bike during low speeds when going through towns and making turns at intersections. I rode a friends ultra the other day and I must say I like the way it handled at low speeds in town. I know the venture is top heavy, but I just can't get comfortable and become one with the bike. Two weeks from now my wife and I are heading to Ocean City Md. for the bike week, actually going for the whole week for our vacation this year. I have considerd taking my 1500 classic instead as it's easy to handle around town, but will not be as comfortable as the venture will be. That's why I have the venture for longer trips. So my question, is there any suggestions on how to get the venture to handle any better? I've read that tire replacement helps,but I don't want to replace the originals just yet, maybe by next riding season. My wife's afraid at times I may drop up us,so far that hasn't happened,but it's in the back of my mind all the time:whistling:. Any help would be great, thanks..

[Tom]

If you are still running original tires it is definitely time to change..regardless of mileage..2002 model,thats8 years old and date on tire is more than likely 2 years older= 10 years on tires. Handling will be so much better with Avons or E3S (Dunlop). other than that get in a parking lot and practice practice practice..Practice friction zone braking,if not sure what it is get the ride like a pro video and practice according to his instructions.

[Wanderer]

[1BigDog]

What tires are on the bike now? What air pressure are you running in them? Maybe the steering bearings need to be tightened. Could be a number of factors. Are you tall or short? The more info we get the more we can answer......just leave your credit card # behind and dont check your statements for a month....

[eazyduzzit]

What everyone else said.

I will add that if they offer rider safety courses in your area, they are a good investment. They make you realize that you can handle a heavy bike in tight situations.

 

With that said, changing to Dunlop E3s really made a difference in high speed handling on my bike.

[Nemo]

You know, I feel the same way about this Venture of mine, but I know how to really get it to handle best at these slow speeds and corners. I'm planning on adding a Hannigan Trike Kit (If I can somehow sneek the price past the better half)! Owen.

[newventure]

Info,I'm 5'10 170 lbs. Tire pressues always at recommend pressures, I check every week before riding. Have about 38 lbs. in rear shock and will add more when loading up for the trip. Front shocks at 4 psi. I agree about the age of tires, tread wear is still good as I'm a Pa. state inspection mechanic and no damage or abnormal wear on the tires. I realize that 10 k is getting close to tire replacement, I figure next riding season for sure. I could tell some stories about some riders wanting inspections with well used tires that would make your head spin. I may take the advise on the tire age in consideration before the trip, sure don't want any issues. Looked into risers in a mail order book that states, it makes the bike feel several hundred pounds lighter,any truth to this?

[Tom]

Info,I'm 5'10 170 lbs. Tire pressues always at recommend pressures, I check every week before riding. Have about 38 lbs. in rear shock and will add more when loading up for the trip. Front shocks at 4 psi. I agree about the age of tires, tread wear is still good as I'm a Pa. state inspection mechanic and no damage or abnormal wear on the tires. I realize that 10 k is getting close to tire replacement, I figure next riding season for sure. I could tell some stories about some riders wanting inspections with well used tires that would make your head spin. I may take the advise on the tire age in consideration before the trip, sure don't want any issues. Looked into risers in a mail order book that states, it makes the bike feel several hundred pounds lighter,any truth to this?

 

Tires suggested will make a world of difference. If I were going to change or do handlebar mods Id go with the Flanders handlebars and yes,beind a little wider and taller bars does help..alot. Rick at Buckeye performance can fix you up on the handlebars,you will need 2 inch longet clutch and throttle cables but he will advise you on this..It is expensive but worth it if the funds are readily available. Risers in cases I know of will hit the Ignition key cover in a hard turn..Some say they dont but I KNOW the flanders are GREAT!

[Sylvester]

Info,I'm 5'10 170 lbs. Tire pressues always at recommend pressures, I check every week before riding. Have about 38 lbs. in rear shock and will add more when loading up for the trip. Front shocks at 4 psi. I agree about the age of tires, tread wear is still good as I'm a Pa. state inspection mechanic and no damage or abnormal wear on the tires. I realize that 10 k is getting close to tire replacement, I figure next riding season for sure. I could tell some stories about some riders wanting inspections with well used tires that would make your head spin. I may take the advise on the tire age in consideration before the trip, sure don't want any issues. Looked into risers in a mail order book that states, it makes the bike feel several hundred pounds lighter,any truth to this?

 

Your tires are old and brittle, wear indicaters and visual inspection mean nothing. Get rid of the tires now. Buy new tires (not Bridgestone or Metzler), enroll in ERSC (experienced rider safety course) and they will teach you to handle your bike. You can turn a Venture in a twelve to thirteen foot area if you know how.

 

[loehring]

I'm 5'10" (on a good day) and 200lbs. I have not made any handling modifications on my '07 RSMV other than Avon Venoms. The tires make a huge difference but the real issues is you being comfortable with the bike. I know you've probably seen or at least heard of low speed techniques either on a video or through this site. I think you just need to go to a parking lot and practice. I can handle mine at lower speeds and tighter turns than anyone I ride with on an Ultra. It's just a matter of getting comfortable. You can get used to any bike if you take some time and make it happen.

 

If you haven't seen these videos you should really take the time and have a look.

 

http://www.ridelikeapro.com/

[RandyR]

A number of owners have said that a smaller width (130) front tire helps the low speed handling a lot.

[newventure]

The factory tires d404's I take it are bias ply where as the dunlop e 3's are radials ? If so I could see the difference in handling all together. I did do a search and it appears that the avons have some issues in the past, but the e'3's seem to have positive opinions. I guess when I get the tires replaced should I get the rear splines lubed as well? I figure I will get this taken care of now before the trip, safety first.

[Tom]

The factory tires d404's I take it are bias ply where as the dunlop e 3's are radials ? If so I could see the difference in handling all together. I did do a search and it appears that the avons have some issues in the past, but the e'3's seem to have positive opinions. I guess when I get the tires replaced should I get the rear splines lubed as well? I figure I will get this taken care of now before the trip, safety first.

The E3S or Avons are not radial in the Venture size BUT the difference is the way the tread is,runs side to side. I have run the Avons with NO problems but YES some have had problems.My last set I had 15370 miles on them and plenty of tread on the front but 2/10s on the rear. I went for E3S this time and the handling is just as good with either tire.The Avon has a higher load rating on the REAR tire than the E3 but not that much. IF and ONLY if I have a complaint(for lack of better word) is the E3 is a little noisier on a rough surface road. NOW before anyone gets upset,I was TRYING to find something different,probably no one else may notice this but Ive run 2 sets of Avons and this set of E3S now. The advantage of the E3 is its alot cheaper than the Avon and I guess till Avon finds the problem on sidewall cracking I will use the E3S.

[hig4s]

Your tires are old and brittle, wear indicaters and visual inspection mean nothing. Get rid of the tires now. Buy new tires (not Bridgestone or Metzler), enroll in ERSC (experienced rider safety course) and they will teach you to handle your bike. You can turn a Venture in a twelve to thirteen foot area if you know how.

 

 

+1

 

Any tire manufactured more than 6 years ago is a blowout waiting to happen, that goes for cars, trucks, motorcycles, anything. If you buy a tire from a dealer that appears to be brand new, and the manufacture date is more than 6 years ago, it is dangerous.

[newventure]

I bought this bike used last year so I don't know if these 404's are the originals or if they were replaced by the first owner. The first owner had traded the bike on a new harley and the second owner had it 2 weeks as his wife didn't want to ride with him. The second owner the guy I purchased it from bought it right when it was traded on the harly. He was at the dealer the day it was traded. The title was in the transfer stage when I bought it, so the second owner never really put any miles on it. So I figure these tires may as well be original as the bike appeared to have low miles for an 02. Well you guys have convinced me on tire replacement will make the call tomorrow and get this taken care of for peace of mind and handling.

[M61A1MECH]

I did not see anyone recomend installing the leveling links. They do a lot for the low speed handling characteristics of the Venture. I must say it is a bit of time in the saddle syndrome also, the more time you spend riding the bike the more comfortable you will be. I typically get about 10,000 miles per year on my bike, if I lay off riding ro a couple of weeks I notice that I am not as sharp or comfortable with the bike as I am when I ride daily or weekly.

 

Trailing the rear brake during slow speed manuveres helps a lot, one thing that will definnatly get you in trouble with thses bikes is using the front brakes as slow speeds during a turn. By trailing the rear brake and using the clutch to help maintain or control or speed you can improve your low speed handeling.

 

Link to Ddiamond R accessories for leveling links

http://www.diamondraccessories.com/indexpage.php

[newventure]

When riding solo I'm fine but when my wife is along that's where I notice the slow speed handling issues. When I decide to go for a ride she ask's which bike? If I say the classic then she will ride her bike ( honda shadow) if I say the venture she's right there with helmet in hand waiting for me to get ot out of the garage. It's funny when I first bought the classic she rode with me until she decide to learn to ride and purchased the honda, since we bought the venture last year thats the only bike she wants to ride now, go figure. I have talked about selling it but I would have a tough time convincing her to let me get something else as she really likes this bike,but knows the weight and handling intimidates me.

[RossKean]

+1 on the leveling links. Raises the back of the bike a little more than an inch but seems to have very little effect on the seat height. Changes the effective rake just enough to make the slow speed handling much better. I just installed them yesterday and tested them on a 200 mile ride today. Really worth it and they are an easy install.

 

I also agree on the tires. I have had Bridgestones (crap) and Metzelers (good but there seem to be some quality issues lately). I am currently running the Dunlop E3 and I really like them. Avons and Michelin Commanders are also supposed to be pretty good on the Venture. All of these will outlast the 404s and from what I have heard, they handle better. One more thing - some people have gone to a skinnier front tire which is supposed to help as well.

 

Ross

[newventure]

I figure I'll replace the tires first to see if that's an improvement,if so I may try the links later on, anything to help my dilemma.

[V-4 Vendetta]

Well I've had my 02 midnight almost a year now and just rolled over 10 k. today, had almost 7 k on it when I bought last year. I really like the bike, but with 2 up I'm still very intimidated by the weight and the awkwardness of the bike during low speeds when going through towns and making turns at intersections. I rode a friends ultra the other day and I must say I like the way it handled at low speeds in town. I know the venture is top heavy, but I just can't get comfortable and become one with the bike. Two weeks from now my wife and I are heading to Ocean City Md. for the bike week, actually going for the whole week for our vacation this year. I have considerd taking my 1500 classic instead as it's easy to handle around town, but will not be as comfortable as the venture will be. That's why I have the venture for longer trips. So my question, is there any suggestions on how to get the venture to handle any better? I've read that tire replacement helps,but I don't want to replace the originals just yet, maybe by next riding season. My wife's afraid at times I may drop up us,so far that hasn't happened,but it's in the back of my mind all the time:whistling:. Any help would be great, thanks..

 

Making the Venture handle better...My best advice is for you to take the MSF(Motorcycle Safety Foundation) Experienced Rider Course. It will teach you what you need to know to make any bike handle the way you want. Truth is, the Venture and Tour Deluxe and not top heavy like most claim. They handle wonderfully well once the rider's skill level is up to par. Take the course, Take it to heart, Practice, Practice, Practice, and Practice the techniques some more. The proper riding techniques will make your Venture handle like a dream. It's all in using the proper mechanics and knowing where your bike's balance points lie.

 

P.S. Make sure the wife takes the course with you. Riding two-up is a team effort and both partners need to know what to do.

 

I hope this advice helps. I make sure and retake the course every year and practice the techniques whenever I can.

[csogbk]

I'm new to the Ventures, I've only had mine for a week. For slow speed riding/manuvering I always add some rear brake, a technique taught in the police motorman's course I took. The same instructors teach civillian riders. The course is in Northern VA, not too far from you. It stresses survival and slow speed manuvering. I live fairly locally and could help you with finding lodging, or heck I have a guest room too. The course has Road Kings you can use so you dont risk your big bike. Heres the link below:

 

http://saddleupva.com/cart/index.php?main_page=index

[newventure]

I'm new to the Ventures, I've only had mine for a week. For slow speed riding/manuvering I always add some rear brake, a technique taught in the police motorman's course I took. The same instructors teach civillian riders. The course is in Northern VA, not too far from you. It stresses survival and slow speed manuvering. I live fairly locally and could help you with finding lodging, or heck I have a guest room too. The course has Road Kings you can use so you dont risk your big bike. Heres the link below:

 

http://saddleupva.com/cart/index.php?main_page=index

I checked localy here about two weeks ago and PA. has an advanced rider course, but they get booked up quickly and with the new rider courses schedule,they don't appear to have as many advanced courses. I'm sure any additional rider training would be a plus. I was raised up around bikes since 7 years old and have had some bike related tragedys in my life, not me but other's, but I still have the desire to ride. I have my wife riding now, my daughter and son in law. The other big bikes I've ridden all have a lower center of gravity and therefore they appear to handle differently at lower speeds. My wife and I both want to take the advanced course,hopefully we can get into one of the classes this year, if not may be next year.

[LilBeaver]

I am 5'8" (with my shoes on) but a 33" inseam have the stock sized tires (they are Avons, but stock size) and had similar feelings with the low speed handling the first few times I rode it (beyond my test ride that is). I will not restate anything that anyone has said here since good advice has been mentioned multiple times.

 

What I do have to offer is that now that I have put some hours in the saddle, I have no problems handling this bike at low speeds solo or with a passenger. It took some time, but just making sure I used the things I learned when I was trained to ride helped a lot.

 

One thing that stuck out was that you said you do okay when you are solo and have some difficulties when you are 2-up. You also mentioned that your wife DRIVES a bike sometimes. Something to try would be to talk with her and have her pay attention to what SHE does while you are driving and maneuvering. What may be happening (possibly without either one of you realizing it) is that since she has been driving, she may inadvertently be leaning or moving as SHE would when SHE is DRIVING while YOU are trying to do the maneuvering. This behavior may not have been so evident on your classic due to the size difference and especially the location of the center of gravity when loaded 2-up.

What any passenger should do at low speeds is sit perfectly still. Like a sack of potatoes or a hunk of concrete that is stuck to the back seat. Stay in perfect line with the bike, no movement at all (not even head turning when going slow enough).

 

Hope this helps give you some ideas at least.

 

Good luck!

[GeorgeS]

If those 404's are 10 years old,

 

Replace them !! Its as simple as that. E3, and consider the one size narrower front tire. Lots of folks claim that helps the low speed handling.

 

Also, your rear drive unit needs to be greesed !! and the drive shaft forward spline.

[footsie]

Guy's I really don't understand the handling issues. Both of the RSV's I have owned, handle great to me. Much better than the ultra I road. ( a ultra handles sluggish and awkward at slow speeds to me, honestly if I had to ride a dressed harley I would quit)

I have no low speed issues at all, I am have a 2004 RSV with kumho radial on back.

With the brickstones the ride was awful and changing the rear did make a little improvment in handling but not much, improved the ride 100%.

I am 6'1'' 240lbs, and know that the venture is a bike that you have learn.

I do know I guy in tifton that have a RSV and he could never get use to it, he dropped the first day he had it and was scared of it from then on, could not get comfortable with it, so he sold it.

The only advise I can give is don't ride two up until you toltally comfortable with the bike. Take the brickstones off and put radials on, and give yourself time with the venture

you don't have to become a master rider in a day that takes miles and experience. Sometimes an experienced rider changing bikes has to take time to adjust to the new machine.

 

Greg