Is it me or that s2r is really unstable in turns?

[vinny]

The only bike I had before my monster was a Kawasaki Zx6r. That motorcycle was so precise and stable in turns I never realized it  until i rode my s2r 800. Every small movement I make or bump I take make me wobble in turns like crazy. I have clip on handle bar, maybe that doesnt help... Are there some other riders experiencing this "over sensibility"?

[The ModFather]

Have you validated Tire Pressure, Suspension and Fork Alignment? Might be time to look into a Steering Damper.

[vinny]

No, I took it out the dealer 2 months ago... so i guess they have checked tire pressure! maybe it's a bit too high. However i love that manoeuvrability and feel of lightness! I think suspension might be the weakness of this bike. Fork aligment? how do you do that? steering damper I would love to try one but its too expensive!

[vinny]

my monster is a 2005

[Mr Bread]

the zx6r was practically made for the track, while the monster.. not so much.

Adjust your suspension and it your s2r will ride like its on rails.

[Howie]

Start with checking ride height, sag, head bearings and play at the swing arm pivot.  Doh!  Air pressure and tire condition first.  Don't assume the dealer did it.  You don't want a to add a steering damper until the bike is sorted out.  I believe in dampers, but using one to correct  cover up a problem is an invitation to disaster.

[ducatiz]

i have the same bike, more or less.. a 2005 s2r.. i swapped the forks for adjustable showas and sprung and valved them for me.  no damper...  very smooth and stable in turns

tires?
wheels balanced?
forks dialed in for you?

bear in mind the factory forks on the s2r800 are so-so.  if you are over 150 lbs as well, they are undersprung.

[stopintime]

My bike is a lot happier if I do things correctly.
Not too much weight on the bars, weigh down on the foot pegs, thighs gripping the tank ........

Until you sort out the suspension it's not going to match your previous bike, but what you describe sounds worse than normal.
+1 on the things mentioned - they are important things to have covered.

It's going to be a much better bike after you have done the basics,
so stay positive!

[crude]

Hi,
   I'm no help here since I'm getting the same feeling in turns. Scary. Been riding a 97 monster fer 3 mths now. I gotta sort out the sus soon. Good luck with yours. Pls post if you find a solution. Thanks

[venomousr1993]

If you are unfamiliar with setting up your suspension, taking it to have it set up for you is money well spent.  My 06 S4R went from unpredictable to perfect when MSP Cycles set mine up.  We changed the rear spring for my 200lb a#$ and adjusted everything for my weight and riding style.  Night and day difference...total spent was around 180.00 including the new rear spring.

[the_Journeyman]

I have been told by another excellent rider and previous Monster owner that riding a Monster hard in the twisties is "Organized Chaos."  She was referring to her late 90's M900.  I'm sure some of the models with the really nice suspension this doesn't apply to, but I'm thinking it mostly applies to the older Monsters.

My M750 is a bit "wallow-y" then thrown hard into a corner.

JM

[caperix]

Like others have said the non adjustable forks used on the base model monsters are under sprung for anyone over about 150 Lbs.  Mine would always chatter the front tire when pushed hard.  I swapped to SBK spec Showa parts front & rear sprung to my weight.  The difference in handling is huge, I still do not have a steering dampner on the bike.  Clip ons are prob only making things worse as are are putting more weight on the front end.  You can respring the bike front & rear for your weight  that will make a big difference or swap parts for ones with better  adjustable dampening.

[vinny]

Thank you all for your inputs. I guess this gives the monster more character! I love to ride this bike even more than my ninja despite some performance disavantages. I am not familiar with suspension tuning, but I also think forks may be the problem. I haven't did anything yet to correct the situation, but I might invest in better forks next season. I will bring back this post to life and tell you about it if i do!

Thanks

[OT]

Most good basic riding and/or tech books provide a discussion on suspension and how to set/adjust it.  Check Lee Parks's Total Control (basic setup) and Kevin Cameron's Sportsbike Performance Handbook (more theory and a good read if you're technically inclined).

[Ducatiloo]

I was never happy with my S2R in the corners until I Did the superbike swap.  999 rear shock with a hyperpro spring, and 749 front forks with stock oil weight.  Now I'm able to adjust the front and back to my weight of 200 lbs and not a 150 lb person.