'82 Seca 650 handles ''funny''

Hey, took the bike out today for the first time since Sept.
It wanted to be a little contrary but I finally got the choke in the sweet spot and it started up.

Around 35mph it starts to handle weird. It feels a little loose and shaky. It does straighten out around 50mph or so. I didn't go any faster than that today, so I don't know how it handles at high speeds.

This is my first bike and I am by no means a mechanic so explain it to me in very small words what this might be.

 

Might be a bad wheel bearing or steering head bearing. put the bike on the center stand and have some on hold the back tire down, so the front is off the ground. Then 'wiggle' the tire - see if there is any play on the axel - if so your wheel bearings may be bad.

hope it helps

 

This may sound like a dumb idea, but did you check the air pressure in the tires. I have a slow leak in my front tire, the bike just feels wrong when it gets low. This is if I forget to check it before I leave for work

 

Yeah I always check the pressure in the tires. The rear tire has a leak and I have to make sure to fill it up every few days. So Tire pressure is good. Tomorrow I'll jiggle the wheel and see if maybe it's the bearings.

 

I had my uncle help with the the 'wiggle'. He and I both checked, everything seems to be tight. I rechecked the tire pressure, all is good there.

My uncle said the forks aren't leaking and seem to be ok. He rode it around the block and back and said he didn't feel anything.

Maybe it's my imagination?

 

Might have just been grooves on the road you were on? I know we have shoddy roads around my place and sometimes they make the bike feel rather strange.

 

With 20K miles if you have the original rear shocks they are most likely all used up. Riding a bike with completely gone rear shocks will give you an "uncertain" feeling at highway speed. You may not notice any other ill effects other than a harsh ride that you won't KNOW was harsh until you put the new shocks on.

To check them:

Set your rear shock springs to their lowest preload setting; take the bike off the stand and BOUNCE on the seat. See if there is ANY damping left, either compression or rebound. Betcha there isn't.

 

I rode an XS1100 that "wandered". It was unnerving. Seemed like I could make make it ride straight.

 

I don't know if the shocks were ever replaced. I bought the bike off my brother, so I'll give him a ring to find out.

As far as bad roads go, we have our fair share here, but for the most part they are in good shape. In fact when I go out of state I b*tch about how bad the other places roads are.

I'll have to wait until the weekend to investigate any further. The way my work schedule is I leave when it's dark and I get home when it's dark

 

Remember with suspension, that you and your friends weigh different ammounts. Different throttle input, different suspension movement... different line on the road... lots of external variables.

How new is the rubber btw?

Never hurts to check the front end for notchy steering bushings either... amazing what a difference new ones make. They slowly get stiffer and notchier, and you don't really notice... until the day you replace them and suddenly the bike feels new again.

Another common suspension problem is the pivot point of the swing arm... if that gets chunky the rear suspension won't work properly - old or not.

What did it feel like - did it feel like it was hunting for a line? bouncy?

 

LOL The difference between the three people that have rode this bike... my brother is a short guy weighing next to nothing, my uncle is average, and well... I'm a big girl. That may be why both of them think there is nothing wrong.

The tires are new. MAYBE 200 miles on them. I do want to replace the rear one. It has been remounted 3 times now and still has a leak.

And it felt bouncy! That is exactly what it felt like.

 

Bouncy would be worn shocks. Did you try the test I outlined?

 

Combine that with an overinflated tire, and you're really hopping around.

 

It be the shocks. I got off work in time today and did the ''test''.
I got a bonus on this paycheck tomorrow. Guess where it will be going.

 

Ok so shocks improved the situation, it handled better, but still not quite how I remember it handling last summer.

I talked to the PO (finally) and he said when he bought it the steering head bearing was a little lose.

Time to start the next project.

 

What shocks did you buy?

Steering bearings can do a few things - hunting - etc.

Put the bike on the center stand - have someone hold the rear tire down so the front is off the ground. Turn the bars - if you feel notches the bearings need replacing (most noticeable on center).

You can also tighten them up - specs I can't remember - sorry.

 

Progressive 14 series. from JCW

 

Very nice - did they come with instructions on how to set the pre-load? Do they also have a dampening adjustment?

 

They did come with instructions. I didn't do the work, a gear head I work with did it.

Geeze I'm a girl, like I work on my own bike (I am learning though!)

I picked those shocks out because it did have more of a "vintage" look to them. I want to try and keep it as original as possible.

 

It doesn't feel "notchy" at all...

Maybe I'm again imagining things!

 

At least you're in tune with your vehicle. Too many people (not necessarily women) simply don't pay attention to all the feelings and noises their vehicles make and wonder why they're walking along the side of the road.

 

I have been stuck on the side of the road too many times.

I'm the grand daughter and daughter of mechanics. I was taught to always take care of a vehicle and it will take care of you.

Once I marry a mechanic, no more changing my own oil, I'll play stupid so he will do it

 

He'll just be grateful if you don't ignore the "oil" light or the "check engine" light and roast the engine.