Can't M1100 seem more eager to lean?

[CGG]

Maybe it's being more used to heavier bikes, etc., but I wish my M1100 leaned more naturally. It seems to stay straight up unless really deliberately forced to lean and carve out a medium sweeper. Seems you have hunch down over the front and really push with coutersteering. I wish it had more natural ability to start the lean and stay in it with normal countersteering effort and body inputs (almost automatic on every other bike I've owned).

Bike is brand new and supposedly factory default setup. Maybe the front spring rate settings are too high?

Any input from anyone who might have advice on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[MadDuck]

It's possible that it's sprung too tight for you. Damping settings might be too stiff in the rear also. Monsters will not turn like superbikes and modifying them to do so is a wonderful dark hole. Tires? Putting Pilot Powers on mine helped a whole bunch.

[Spidey]

What kind of bike are you coming from?  I thought that M1100 handled really well, but I'm used to riding monsters.

[ducaticop]

I noticed this at first also. I think it has to do with the revamped ergonomics. it changes the way you need to steer the bike. Its kind of like going from surfing to snowboarding. weight distribution and steering are completely different. Im sure that after a while of playing around with the suspension and how you ride the bike youll soon discover how it behaves

[Cider]

There are a lot of factors that affect the feeling of tipping into a corner, but personally I don't find Monsters to be the quickest steering bikes around.  They do have a nice feeling of stability in a corner, though.  I agree about feeling like it needs more weight on the front.

[Speeddog]

How much do you weigh?

[CGG]

Thanks for all the responses. I weight 160 lbs. I'm tending to back off the front spring settings if I can't adjust to the bike as it is (only 1000 miles on it now).

[Speeddog]

Try setting the sag/preload, perhaps it's got too much in the front and not enough on the rear.

[Spidey]

I'm about the same weight.  The stock suspension on the 1100 was fine.  Again, what were you riding before?  

Ducatis are known for being stable and staying on line, not turn-in.  The 1100 feels like it has more front end-bias than the prior monsters, but you still have to get your head forward to really get it through a turn.  If you're coming from any sort of a race-replica, the standard riding position is going to feel weird.  

[Scottish]

You can try lowering the triple a little further on the forks too.

[CGG]

Hi Spidey,

Most recent rides are GL1800 (current), SV650 (traded, wish I still had - really decent bike esp. for $6K), old GL1100 quasi-rat, BMW R90S). Getting your head/upper torso forward and in to it; amen on that. You're totally on about it holding its line. That is excellent.

[Cider]

I have an SV650 as well, and I think it tips into a corner much easier than a Monster.  Not better, just different.

[Statler]

possible you are blocking your countersteering with your other arm...as in pushing with your left and subconsciously pushing with your right as well due to bar positioning?   Easy to accidentally ride with straight arms on most monsters and the locked arms do effect feeling of responsiveness..

Just a thought.

[Snips]

I'm no expert, but I've noticed that I need to be more conscious of counter-steering / put more effort into turning. I like this set-up, the stabilty is great, and it feels more 'grown up'. It's also why I chopped in my 696.

[yotogi]

I am surprised that no one mentioned tire pressure. Have you checked it? Incorrect pressure can really muck with the handling.