SpaceMan Posted September 11, 2009 #1 Posted September 11, 2009 I have always felt that my 2007 RSV points to the right when it is running in a straight line, on any type of surface. (so did my 2006 RSV I had for a short time). My dealer has checked things and said it is normal. However, I still have the impression it points to the right. I have run into a few others that have said the same thing, but not many. Well, I finally did some measurements and have confirmed, in my opinion, that it DOES point to the right. I used a 10 inch magnetic level with the rotatable angle indicator. Here is a summary of the testing: - with bike on side stand, attach the magnetic level to the rear brake rotor. Use another level to make sure that the magnetic level is perfectly vertical when viewd from the side of the bike. - adjust the level "angle bubble" on the level until it is centered in the window. This will be the reference angle of the rear wheel. Be careful not to bump or change the angle indication. - attach the same level to the front right brake rotor, again using another level to make sure it is vertical. - move the bike handlebars until the angle bubble on the level is exactly centered as it was on the rear rotor. When this position is found, this is the normal running position of the front and rear wheels at speed. (that is with one wheel trying to be exactly behind the other and at the same angle) - use a piece of string, and/or a metal measuring tape or other means to take several measurements from the handlebar and fork to fixed points on the main frame. The following points were measured: - left and right handlebar tips to rear passenger foot rest mounting bolts on left and right. (about a 1/2 to 3/4 of inch difference was found) - front axle left center to lower front left leg cowling fastener. Same on right side. (aobut a 1/8th inch difference found here) - bolt at left side rear of lower triple tree clamp to gas tank front mounting bolt. Same on right side. (about a 1/8th to 1/4 inch difference here) - lower left and right rear front brake caliper mounting bolt to leg cowling bolts, both left and right sides. (almost a 1/4 inch difference here) In all cases, the measurements from the right side of the fork and handlebar to the frame were smaller than on the left. This tells me that the whole fork, handlebar, etc, is pointing to the right, when both wheels are running vertically as they will at speed. I have now presented this info to my dealer to see what they have to say. I'll post any news.
SilvrT Posted September 11, 2009 #2 Posted September 11, 2009 Have you had this bike since new? If not, has it been in a collision that might have caused the forks to be bent? (just a thought)
LilBeaver Posted September 11, 2009 #3 Posted September 11, 2009 Good question Rick... I'd be interested to see what the shop has to say about it and what if anything they can/will be willing to do to make it right (no pun intended).
SpaceMan Posted September 11, 2009 Author #4 Posted September 11, 2009 I have had the bike since new, it has never been in an accident, was purchased from the same dealer that has done every service by the book. They now advise that they are looking into it, and a couple of other things they've tried to fix before, and will get back in a couple of days.
SilvrT Posted September 11, 2009 #5 Posted September 11, 2009 I know this has no bearing on what you're describing (maybe it might) but... for a long time I thought my bike was pulling to the left. I could feel it in the handlebars and when I took my hands off, it would veer to the left. Dealer said nothing wrong.... another member suggested I was sitting off-centre and my weight was causing it.... well at first I chuckled at that but then I tried adjusting my position... like no more than an inch and voila` ... no more pull to the left. I was amazed that this would make so much of a difference....it's probably due to the way the bike's centre of gravity and top heaviness is...I'd never experienced that on other bikes.
Terry Richardson Posted September 11, 2009 #7 Posted September 11, 2009 Your bike only points to the right, you are a Republican, if you are a Democrat it points to the left. If you are a major liberal, it only runs in left hand circles. If you are a socialist it will backfire once and demand the rest of the bikes fall in line with it. If you are a non voter... it will never crank to begin with.
SpaceMan Posted September 11, 2009 Author #8 Posted September 11, 2009 My bike doesn't pull to the left or the right. It runs straight when I take my hands off the bars. The problem is just that when it is running straight, the whole front end if pointing noticeably off to the right. Like everything is pointing to the right hand edge of my lane.
SilvrT Posted September 11, 2009 #9 Posted September 11, 2009 My bike doesn't pull to the left or the right. It runs straight when I take my hands off the bars. The problem is just that when it is running straight, the whole front end if pointing noticeably off to the right. Like everything is pointing to the right hand edge of my lane. Really sounds to me like the forks are twisted somehow. Without re-reading all your info, is the top triple on the right further off than the bottom on the right (or left). Thinking it thru if the top is off less than the bottom (right side) then the forks are twisted (not necessarilly bent)and that would explain everything you see (bars, fairing, etc) to appear to point to the right (I think...)
Venturous Randy Posted September 11, 2009 #10 Posted September 11, 2009 Really sounds to me like the forks are twisted somehow. Without re-reading all your info, is the top triple on the right further off than the bottom on the right (or left). Thinking it thru if the top is off less than the bottom (right side) then the forks are twisted (not necessarilly bent)and that would explain everything you see (bars, fairing, etc) to appear to point to the right (I think...) Try loosening the clamps on your forks and see if it will twist some. Does your bike have a fork brace? If so, you will need to loosen the bolts on it also. RandyA
Terry Richardson Posted September 11, 2009 #11 Posted September 11, 2009 My 84 Venture always pulled to the right but my 87 Venture Royale is straight as an arrow. The reason my 84 pulled to the right was it was slightly twisted and didnt have the new fork brace. That may be your answer
SpaceMan Posted September 11, 2009 Author #12 Posted September 11, 2009 The dealer has responded after consulting the Yamaha TSM. The pointing to the right is common and is just the way the bike is. Some people notice it and others don't. In my opinion, that may be true, and it is likely due to the approximate 5/8 inch offset between front and rear wheel centerline alignments. This I have measured on my own before.
SilvrT Posted September 11, 2009 #13 Posted September 11, 2009 The dealer has responded after consulting the Yamaha TSM. The pointing to the right is common and is just the way the bike is. Some people notice it and others don't. In my opinion, that may be true, and it is likely due to the approximate 5/8 inch offset between front and rear wheel centerline alignments. This I have measured on my own before. Crap!!!... now I'LL be looking to see if mine points to the right!
footsie Posted September 12, 2009 #14 Posted September 12, 2009 I think this is and optical illusion, the red 2000 I had was damaged at one time and it looked to me to point right, but it would go left if you let go of the handle bars, the 2004 I have has never been dropped or damaged in any way, it appears right like you said, but it will track straight when handlebars are released. Riding behind it, it looking like its running perfectly straight, just the way the bike was designed i guess. Gregg
bongobobny Posted September 12, 2009 #15 Posted September 12, 2009 I may have confirmed this as well by accident. Just for S&G's I put a bubble level on my fairing and monitored as I rode. Driving straight ahead indicates a slightly unlevel condition, and leveling the bike makes it drift slightly to the right. I've tried repositioning my body left and right with only a slight difference. The bike feels fine and natural but I was just curious and decided to do an experiment...
davecb Posted September 12, 2009 #16 Posted September 12, 2009 Methinks you have to much time on your hands,, If it goes down the roas straight, what do you have to worry about??? Twist your head to the left..... :rotf:
SpaceMan Posted September 12, 2009 Author #17 Posted September 12, 2009 yes, it may seem like a trivial issue, but I have owned many bikes over the years and none ever pointed to the right, or left when running straight down the road. So, when the most expensive bike I have owned, bought from new, points to the right... I was concerned, and dissapointed. Still am dissappointed, but there appears to be no recourse. I can live with it. I just hope when I go to trade or sell, it does not become an issue.
footsie Posted September 12, 2009 #18 Posted September 12, 2009 I don't think it will be a issue selling, I know its there and I bought another one, but I really like these bikes, think its the most comfortable bike I've ever rode. As far the slightly off level while ridding that due to lean of the road, the drop from center line to the shoulder which can as much as 10 inches. The bike is actually leaning left the entire your ridding to compensate. unless you are in a country where ride on the left, then you lean right. Which why the frount tire wears on the left side. Besides look very closely at a harley running down the road, especially a roadking. Gregg
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