Handling question/Existential dilemna

Recently, as I was riding home from work one afternoon and in the process of going around a corner (left), I got the strangest sensation of oversteer - almost like a controlled powerslide without the slide. A sensation similar to when you roll off the side of knobby tires - a fall without the fall. I have no memory of such a sensation on the ride in to work that morning.
I am not sure if it was some quirk in the rearend, frontend gremlin, or just that my riding position changed for some reason. Regardless, it just felt "wrong". It has wedged a seed of uncertainty into the back of my brain..

I should add that I am a very heavy rider (~350lb, i guess) and the bike is an old ('83) XJ900 so, on top of it all, the bike is probably being pushed to its limits. I am a careful rider and dont push it too hard, but then it is already being pushed eh?

A friend who is very much lighter has taken it for a carpark spin and reckons he cant feel anything.

So, to come to the meat of it, I guess I am wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience or an insight as to what, if anything, might be going on. Am I just going insane, am i experiencing simple cause and effect of common mechanical failures, or is my bike folding up like a tinfoil tulip under my weight! 8O

 

We aren't qualified to judge whether you are going insane or not but I've had that feeling when the tire was low on air.

 

welcome an yes I have,,,never repeatable without a reason,,tar strips,,,being 1 that comes to mind ,,,,do some checks on all the bearings,,(forks,swingarm,wheels,,,,check fork bushings) to be sure 1's not loose,,,,need confidence in the machine for sure,,,,,,can't do the shortcuts on safety here,,,are you looking to push this bike hard,,,,Dan

 

check the rear shockers, had a similar sensation when one of the seals started leaking. New shockers new ride

 

I'll second the tar strips, those things can give you a jolt.

 

old tires from what I read on the net will do it ,,,,my front slids very easy it's old an the compond is just not there,,,it's also oversize so I'm not sure what to blame it on,,,,it's just worn out on the sides more than any other front I ever seen almost looks like a v,,,,,I haven't rode the bike with a good front tire yet so I have hope yet,,,,tires how old are they are they the right size,,,,,Dan

 

most likely something on the road, 18 wheelers can drop fist size blobs of grease, tranny fluid from unlucky cars, sand and gravel, horse manure, leaves, you name it sooner or later you'll find it
was this near a intersection ? thats where i seem to notice most junk

 

I've also experienced that feeling on a warm/sunny day riding over tar strips.

 

Had a similar thing happen to me today when flicking the bike into the next lane over, actually. 98% sure it was a dip in the road that upset the suspension.

 

you normally get that sensation just before you fall off. :?