2003 1000SIE: SBK conversion questions

[DavieDarkoR1]

Are the 749 SBK forks better then the adjustable ones off my SIE? I have an extra set of 749 forks but I dont want to respring them if my current set up is already better. Ive done some google searches but it seems most people who convert initially had unadjustable showas.

The front end of my monster is so damn twitchy once turned in that I dont even want to ride it in the canyons at all. I threw some woodcraft clip ons thinking this would help but it made it worse. Im starting to wonder if my lower triple is bent now...I don't suspect any damage however.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Raux]

How are your tires?
Wearing evenly
bumps
Are they tearing on the edges of treads front or rear edge?

Reason i ask my st has bad bumps on the front indicating spring issues which made the front feel like it pushes

my 696 had low tire pressure which led to very loose handling as well as one steering stem nut needed ghtening which led to squirrel feeling

guess what i saying there could be tons of reasons leading to you issue
maybe check all of them before writing off your forks

[caperix]

Check out the Showa fork blues thread for info on the monster adjustable forks.  The 749 showas may be a little better but will require more parts to install.  As you have adjustable forks changing the springs and valving will prob be a better buy.  I switched from the non adjustable forks on my monster to 998 adjustable showas, I can say the difference there was huge.

[Howie]

If the bike is handling that badly you have a problem that needs to be rectified.  Start with tire pressure and condition.  Work your way up from there.  When was the last time your forks and shock serviced?  Do your forks even have oil in them?  Is there any damping going on?  Is the bike set up for you?  Corrects sag, spring rates, etc?  How are the wheel and head bearings?  Swing arm bushings?

Also, describe the symptoms as well as you can.

[DavieDarkoR1]

I bought the bike with 3500 miles on it 6 months ago. Ive only put about 80 miles since then. I doubt the bike has had any fork service on done or a belt change for that matter. I was planning to have the valve adjustment and belt change the moment I bought it but I'm pretty broke from having that service done to my 749 so it'll have to wait. I heard the 2 valve motors are really easy so I'm pondering on doing it myself. Back to the main topic....

Basically when I'm counter steering through a turn the bike will lean normal and all of a sudden just dive lower uncontrollably like i'm going to drop the bike. This causes me to turn the bars back to straighten out. Terrifying. Going straight however the bike is solid.

Anyways I bought a digital tire pressure gauge today and found the front tire to be at 17.5 psi and the rear at 24.0psi. I had to run to work so I didn't have time fill them up with air but I hope this resolves the issue. I plan to fill them up to 32/32 which I've read in the past to be proper pressure.

The tires don't seem to be bad but I have no idea how old they are so having them replaced will be the natural course of action once I acquire enough funds. The rear looks pretty squared off anyways and I personally don't really like the michelin tires much.





Im no suspension guru but the forks look to be dampening fine as well. Perhaps one of you guys can give me your educated opinion. I plan to have the suspension tuned as well as I've had awesome results from that on my previous bikes. Is there a way to check the swing arm bushings without lifting the bike? I only have paddock stands so lifting bike entirely isn't an option at the moment.

[Raux]

Bet all you problems solved byadressing ypur tire issues

[Howie]

Bet all you problems solved byadressing ypur tire issues

Took my bike out this winter for an emergency run without checking tire pressure.  Sure enough, it tried to throw me on the ground first turn.  Cheap and easy first!

The DOT number on your tire will tell you it's age.  DOT XXXX XXXX week year, for example, 3508 would be the thirty fifth week of 2008.  Less than five years and otherwise good you are OK.

[xsephirot]

Those tires look like absolute crap. And it's flat spotting. I would get some new tires just in case. And you should be checking your tire pressures weekly. I can notice a pretty big difference in just a 2 psi drop.

[DavieDarkoR1]

woohoo bike handles normal again. Thanks guys!!!  now to figure out why my taillight is always on....