SRX600 handling problems

[jackinoz]

My SRX600 has a twitchy front end, with a tendency to tank slap when there's two bumps in a quick corner. I've done the obvious things; head bearings, tyres, fork brace. I've heard the Aussie model has lighter forks than the American or British. Anyone had similar problems. Is there a steering damper that will fit an SRX?

[Steve H]

Ive found mine to be twitchy when powering out of a bumpy corner on the crest of a slight incline, which made the front end light. The Dutch guys seem to favour steering dampers, I dont know of a kit, but you should be able to use one of the general purpose fork clamps with a damper. Have you checked/changed the fork oil ?. What tyres are your using , and are they standard sizes ?

[peterj]

Never noticed any misbehaviour from mine, certainly not tank slapping, but it is a bit sensitive to tyre pressures. I find 30f 35r works well with Bridgestone BT25's. This is a fair bit harder than recommended by Yam, but less than a couple of tyre guys have suggested.

I can't say I noticed any external difference between the forks of the 0 km Aus Spec one I saw for sale in Bendigo a couple of years ago and my Jap spec.

Have you checked all the frame bolts are tight? I left the top downtube bolts loose after a rebuild once, and the first test ride was pretty interesting.

[J Hop]

A steering damper might cure the effects of a tank slapper, but wont help the cause of them. I'm sure if you play around with tyres,pressures,fork height in the yokes etc, you might be able to improve things so a damper isn't needed. Although some people like to fit them for the looks and that is fine. Enjoy the fact that your bike is asking you for input as to how it behaves, and you are not just a passenger.

[guest7]

It has to be said that despite thrashing Steve D's lovely SRX600 around the Dales roads (all bumps, crests and inclines) I found it to be very sure-footed. But then I've always thought that the odd shake of the head is a price worth paying for a good steering motorcycle.

Conventional motorcycle steering geometry is always a compromise at best and I'd be surprised if a light bike like the SRX didn't occasionally have a twitch. However, if you're worried about then it might be more than 'standard'. Don't forget to check the a*** end of the bike, things like worn swingarm bearings can make the tail wag the dog.

Cheers
GC

[themoudie]

Aye jackinoz,

Sally a '86 SRX600 with tyre sizes 110/80-17 F and 120/80-18 R. The wheels are from a '88 SRX400 fitted by a previous owner. Progressive fork springs, 10w oil and no air pressure, can be twitchy behind other vehicles including cars and weaves quite a bit in HGV ruts, cats eyes or white lines.

I have run as low as 26psi F and 29psi R to 32psi F and 36psi rear on BT45's, Metzler Lasertecs and the older ME33 and ME99 combination.

On the other hand Gert a '85 SRX600 with 'standard' wheels fitted with 100/80-18 F and 120/80-18 R BT45's, Hagon fork springs and 10w oil with no air pressure and at 26psi F and 29psi R was as steady as a rock.

I suspect the reduction to a 17" wheel maybe part of the problem but the 110 is too wide and the bike tends to roll on the tyre. Next front tyre will definitely be a 100 section. I'm 195lbs as well, if that makes any odds! ;-)

Regards, Bill