Installed clip-ons, now less confident??

[Bizzarrini]

Hi Guys!

I just installed a set of LSL clip-ons (~1 inch rise, mounted under the triple), and after the first couple of rides, I seem to keep runnin' wide in turns. I also don't have a lot of confidence in the front end anymore. Also, sometimes the bike seems to fall into the turns a bit.  Is this normal, and do I just have to get adjusted to the new seating position? The rear was raised a bit more than an inch a while ago, could the combo with the clip-ons be too much weight on the front?

Thanks for your help!

[Raux]

i'm not an expert on suspension set up.

but you drastically changed the suspension/weight distribution with those two changes.

maybe go back to the original ride height in the back and check it from there.
maybe you will come back up 1/2in or not at all after seeing the difference with the clips ons.

[Bizzarrini]

Yeah, I was thinkin' the same... Only thing is, that also changes the geometry. By decreasing the angle of the front fork, I'd expect the turn-in to be slower, so I'd be runnin' even wider, right? Perhaps it just takes some getting used to? Any before and after experiences?

[ducpainter]

I have the same bike basically.

I don't think it's possible to put too much weight on the front.

I think your problem is you now have less leverage because the bars are shorter and lower.

Just turn the thing.

[corey]

i agree with dp. i think it's going to be a matter of getting used to your new leverages, re-learning a bit of body positioning, and just making that bike do what you want it to do.

[Raux]

basically it's like he has a new bike with a more SBK-style setup?

[jdubbs32584]

+1 to what dp said.

I went from riding my S2R 800 which is almost stock to riding Mother's 620 with cyclecat clipons and rearsets. The difference was pretty big for me and it took some figuring out. I had to figure out what kind of input to put on the clipons to get it to turn and for me, it definitely took some more leverage.

So keep working on it and try changing your leverage on the clipons. 

[Jetbrett]

Same here.  I had a chance to take a buddy's CBR1000 for a spin and was amazed at how hard it was to turn.  He flicks it around like it is nothing so I'm guessing the problem has more to do with technique (getting used to it) than anything.

[Bizzarrini]

Hi Guys!

Thanks for all your tips! I'll keep the bike the way it is for the moment, and see how I'll adjust to it. I was just a little surprised by the handling, because I was under the impression that adding clip-ons would improve handling, not make steering more difficult. But I guess I'll get used to it 

Cheers!

[Statler]

make sure that with the new bars you are not riding with your arms locked straight.    You may be pushing the inside bar a bit but at the same time your outside locked arm may be pushing back....effectively blocking your own countersteering and making it feel like it doesn't want to turn.    bend those elbows and relax the arms and let us know.

[BastrdHK]

/\ +1 The more aggressive the geometry the more you will have to use your core and legs to ride.  Relax, get your chest closer to the bars, and work on building your core fitness.  Once you get used to the position you will feel much more in tune with the bike, and you will never go back

[Paradux]

I'd agree on the technique comments. It still takes me a bit when I go between my multi and sbk to remember how to effectively use my body. You were probably cranking on your old bars using much more upper body. The clipons ride much more like a sbk which is much more core/lower body. Keep fiddling with your body positioning/peg weighting and you'll get comfortable soon.

[topspin_flyer]

Hi Guys!

Thanks for all your tips! I'll keep the bike the way it is for the moment, and see how I'll adjust to it. I was just a little surprised by the handling, because I was under the impression that adding clip-ons would improve handling, not make steering more difficult. But I guess I'll get used to it 

Cheers!

Maybe it takes some getting used to your new setup, but I think that it is worth it and that will be the fun of it too.  Enjoy it.

[topangster]

I put Tomasselli clip-ons on my s2r 1K a couple of months ago, and I would never go back.  Took a little getting used to, but the handling was completely transformed once I got the hang of it.  Just keep riding, and let the bars help you get into a more effective riding position.  Take a look at Twist of the Wrist 2 and Lee Parks' TOTAL CONTROL, especially the photos on where your body should be - the clip ons make it much easier.

When you get it, the bike will feel iike it's on rails...

[superjohn]

I notice the same thing when I switch from the Monster with stock bars to the SS with clip-ons. I think DP is right on the money. The reduced leverage does make it a bit harder to get it turned. I also notice that being leaned over more like that, I tended to put more weight on the bars and use my arms more for support. Having the arms stiff like that makes it a lot harder to turn, so I've started making certain that I'm supporting my body weight with my abdomen and not my arms. Basically, when I start riding, I'll mentally work through a basic checklist that includes making sure my elbows are loose and I can flick the bike around a little bit.