trailing throttle

[dan miller]

I've been riding for many years, but just on the freeways.  This twisty stuff is new to me.  And a bunch of fun.  Except, I'm scared.  lol

I recently purchased a 2000 M900ie, and am having a REALLY good time.

My bike's throttle is such that trailing throttle is very difficult.  If I roll off just the slightest amount, the power falls off very rapidly.  Is this typical?

The throttle feels linear in "asking" for power, but the "bottom just drops out" when even slightly reducing the throttle.

Thanks, Danny

[WarrenJ]

I am sure that any number of technical Monster people could deliver a concise answer as to why this happens.  My 2000 M750 performs exactly the same way - I think it is just inherent in the design and performance of some monsters.  Once you are used to it, that feature becomes like an extra set of brakes.

[ducpainter]

I am sure that any number of technical Monster people could deliver a concise answer as to why this happens.  My 2000 M750 performs exactly the same way - I think it is just inherent in the design and performance of some monsters.  Once you are used to it, that feature becomes like an extra set of brakes.

Exactly....

It's called engine braking and is one of the best features of an L-Twin.

If I'm not mistaken you're trying to back off the throttle mid corner and it's upsetting the bike and you.

More experience on it will teach you throttle control to master the beast.

[dan miller]

Not trying to back off throttle as much as trying to modulate it.

I find that as I apply throttle exiting a corner, I sometimes apply too much, and then when trying to diminish it just a tiny bit, the "bottom falls out".  Or, if the next turn requires a little less speed (blind turn, off camber, etc.), I'm having the same issue - trying to diminish the throttle just a tiny bit.

I'm finding that I'm learning more/faster by going slower and trying to really understand what's happening. 

Thanks for the input.  Danny

[ducpainter]

Not trying to back off throttle as much as trying to modulate it.

I find that as I apply throttle exiting a corner, I sometimes apply too much, and then when trying to diminish it just a tiny bit, the "bottom falls out".  Or, if the next turn requires a little less speed (blind turn, off camber, etc.), I'm having the same issue - trying to diminish the throttle just a tiny bit.

I'm finding that I'm learning more/faster by going slower and trying to really understand what's happening. 

Thanks for the input.  Danny

Improper suspension settings exacerbate the sensation.

If your bike has stock suspension and you weigh more than 150ish pounds...

you need to post up in Tech or Mods about suggestions for suspension upgrades...

or you could do a search and find everything you need to know about what's been done before.

And you need to go slow before you can go fast.

[rideserotta]

Ducpainter is right. When I first got my monster I had the same problem. It seemed like the slightest reduction in throttle cut fuel completely. After a couple of weeks I mastered it. Now I can reduce/increase throttle with incredible precision. So be patient and keep practicing. It'll come.

[psycledelic]

Improper suspension settings exacerbate the sensation.

Exactly, I didn't realize how much of an issue squishy was until after I corrected mine. 

[Raux]

another thing you could do is get a throttle tamer which changes the way the throttle comes on

[stopintime]

+1 to all of the above. Another thing that helped me was to tighten the throttle cable

[dan miller]

Thanks guys

Weight might be an issue, as I weigh 225 or so in my riding gear.  I haven't looked into suspension adjustments (2000 M900 ie), but the bike feels very stiff.

Also, the tires are original (4500 miles on the 11 year old bike).  I have a new set of Pirelli Angels that I'll be mounting up.

Danny

[ducpainter]

Thanks guys

Weight might be an issue, as I weigh 225 or so in my riding gear.  I haven't looked into suspension adjustments (2000 M900 ie), but the bike feels very stiff.

Also, the tires are original (4500 miles on the 11 year old bike).  I have a new set of Pirelli Angels that I'll be mounting up.

Danny

At 225 in gear you need different springs at a minimum.

There isn't enough adjustment in the stock suspension to compensate for your weight.

The damping characteristics of the stock suspension are undersprung/overdamped which is why it feels stiff.

New tires aren't going to hurt, but they won't solve your real issue.

[dan miller]

The sad fact is that there are two issues.  Both me.  Weight and skill. 

Life just isn't fair.  I should be skinny and skilled.  lol  And, rich wouldn't hurt either.

Danny

[ducpainter]

I should be younger.

[dansamp]

that was a concern I had with my 98 M900
I always felt it was possibly the gearing in the trans
because I never had that problem with my 95 900 SS

one thing I did notice , for what ever reason
the problem was greatly reduced after I adjusted my chain 

[xcaptainxbloodx]

Also, the tires are original (4500 miles on the 11 year old bike).  I have a new set of Pirelli Angels that I'll be mounting up.

Danny

woaahhhhh there, 11 year old tires? mount.tires.NOW.