Feeling light in the front end

[The Bearded Duc]

I went out for a ride today and I felt a little light in the front end. There was a strong headwind, which was my first thought. But then I thought maybe it was my riding position so I tried a couple of different things.

1. Sat a little closer to the tank, more upright.
2. Sat further back on the seat and leaned on the tank a bit.
3. Returned to my neutral position.

None of these helped make the front end feel more "planted".
Has anyone experienced this before? Is it just the strong headwind combined with forward acceleration?

[Spidey]

A little more info will help.  When did it feel light?  In turns?  The beginning of/entry to the turn?  The apex?  The exit?  What was going on at the time?  Braking?  Coasting?  Neutral throttle?  Light acceleration?  Hard acceleration?  Also, you're a relatively new rider, right?  

As a general rule if you weight the front end more, you'll get more feel from it.  If you scoot forward--as in #1--and then lean forward--as in #2--that will help a lot.  Also, a strong wind can often make the bike feel weird (in different ways), but I have no idea if that was contributing to the "light" feeling you've described.
 

[Drunken Monkey]

Hmmm. My advice is to check your front tire pressure. A (relatively) sudden vague feeling from the front end can be caused by insufficient tire pressure.

[The Bearded Duc]

Hmmm. My advice is to check your front tire pressure. A (relatively) sudden vague feeling from the front end can be caused by insufficient tire pressure.

Checked it before I wen't out, as I do before every ride...

[Chucko9-696]

What was the tempature ? when its cold the front will feel light untill the tires warm up a bit

[The Bearded Duc]

It was chilly, for Los Angeles anyway. Probably somewhere in the low 60's.

[OHIOCAFERACER]

Kind of feels like the front tire needs balanced....or a vibration at the bars?

[EvilSteve]

I'm with Spidey, we need more information. A lot of times the feeling on the front can be caused by issues with the back.

[KnightofNi]

were you pulling a wheelie? 

[Kirk Allen]

I think i know what your talking about, ive had the same thing.  Its un nerving, like mild head shake?  Waiting for it to progress into a full on tank slapper.  I ride an s2r800 i thought it had something to do with the budget forks that came with it.  Strong head wind?  maybe? No idea...

[The Bacon Junkie]

Hey Sean, depends on when you're feeling it..

We've pretty much got the same bike.

I found that when I lowered the front end (pushed the forks up in the triples) and raised the rear ride height, the bike felt more solid.

  Then I upgraded my forks to Showas off of a '97 M900. (New springs and Racetech Gold valves)

  Also I put Suburban Machinery bars on it and it felt even better.  Miles (duc_poultry) has my SM bars now and I have clip-ons and the bike feels great!

  All the things I've done have served to get more weight over the front end. Like some have said, it will increase the feel and feed back from the front tire.

I have a Michelin Pilot Power on the rear, and a stickier Power Pure on the front.  I usually run the front at 32psi for the street.  On the track it's 29psi.

Also, on a quick 1-2 upshift the front will get a little light on the 750.

Hope this helps a bit.... Now get your a$$ up here and let's hit the 33!!!   [moto]

[The Bearded Duc]

Hope this helps a bit.... Now get your a$$ up here and let's hit the 33!!!   [moto]

Thanks for the responses guys, I think it was just a lack of feeling for the Monster. Haven't felt "light" since.

Ryan, let me know when you're going. I would love to do that ride again!!!