REVERSE

Am I the only one that has trouble backing up. As long as I back stright up no problem but if you turn the bars at all it is like you have the brake on. A freind said it might be because the axle is leading the forks(doesn't go the center of the forks). I have seen this axle configeration on dirt bikes but never on street bikes. new front axle berrings 6 months ago no help. I check the front caliper after a short ride and on heat so I don't think the brake is sticking.

 

Strange problem, is it the same going forward with the wheel turned? Any difference if turned right or left?

 

thats a new one, never had anything like that

 

get the wheels off the ground & do some checks, if something is binding, you need to sort it.

 

Might check those front wheel bearings...

 

Makes no differance right or left. Replaced front wheel berrings because of this problem and made no differance. Put on center stand wheel spins freely. And no problem going foward. It is a real pain to back out of the shed. I have gotten used to it now it has been this way since I bought the bike.

 

Like Wiz said. Put it on the center stand, the rear wheel should rotate freely. If not, then rear wheel bearings or rear brake binding. Don't know what bike you have but could be the chain binding if you have one.

Are you in neutral when you back out of the shed or do you pull in the clutch while the bike is in gear? Might be the clutch dragging a bit.

I think I would vote for brake dragging.

 

This wouldn’t by any chance be an early 80’s 750 Seca?

Just thinking… cable operated master cylinder… backing up… turning bars… might = brake applied when bike is not squatted with rider seated.

If this makes sense you might try pushing forward, turn the bars and don’t set on the seat.

albran

 

I have a front tire that randomly looses air pressure. When I forget to check it before leaving the garage, I am reminded by the fact that it is hard to turn while backing up.

Could just be low pressure (not a flat)

 

Hey Grim, take it by Greybeards for a second opinion.
Awesome collection of bikes there anyway.

And there would be no relative motion in the brake cable, as it moves with the fork.

 

AH HA that's why I was just thinking.
Can't go check mine for movement, it's in a box somewhere.
luv my bar mounted MC!!!

albran

 

If it's routed correctly. But I thought I saw a Maxim in his gallery.

 

Putting an 82 XJ 750 back together that had the same symptom. One problem was there was a bolt broken off in the triple. Replaced that and rebuilt the calipers and replaced the pads. Problem solved.

 

i had that problem on my bike when i bought it, it was the calipers dragging.

 

Both of my 550s developed that disease shortly after I got them; in both cases it was a sticky caliper.

Caliper seals really need to be replaced right away on any bike that's been sitting for any length of time, or if they're originals.

 

i had a problem with my clutch disengaging when i turned the forks hard right. wrong cable. too short. could be the break cable. could be routed funny.