I have a GSXR 600 1999 SRAD which until recently has been performing really well. I have had two rear punctures in the last 2/3 months and the steering has been jolting, twitching worse with higher speeds and the front end feels very light. The steering feels dodgy at half the speed it used to cruise at easily and feel very sturdy at. The bike has recently had a new back tyre and the front is fairly worn - not sure, but could this have a link to the problem? Also could the pressure of the tyres be causing it? Thanks
A couple of things... are the tyres matched? You said you have changed the rear and the front is worn - this will definitely have an effect on handling, as will tyre pressures. The correct sizes for your tyres are: Front 120/70 ZR-17, Rear 180/55 ZR-17
You should ALWAYS use matched tyres - even differences between models in the same brand will be different and you shouldn't mix and match unless you are an expert - and I mean a real expert - pro racer or similar.
Tyre pressures for your bike are : 36psi front and rear. Unless your tyre manufacturer says different, use that figure. Unless all those things are right, you can't begin to diagnose handling issues.
Good luck!
This can be tyre problems, but check the bearrings of the steering stem. lift up the bike and see if the steering tries to lock in straight direction. good luck
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Thanks for the help mate - havent checked that will do now! If you think of anything else it could be in case that doesnt show any problems then please let me know. Cheers.
Have you checked the steering head bearings? Put the front end in the air and turn the bars back and forth. If you can feel a notch as the wheel passes through the straight ahead position your bearings need to be replaced. There is an upper and a lower bearing. Not exceptionally hard to change but rather time consuming. If you have time and a fair amount of tools you can probably do the job. The hardest part will be driving the new races into position without damaging anything.
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