V Max Speedo

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ARCHIVE_Carol

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New to the 85 900

Hi everyone, just bought my 900 and found this site. I've had alot of laughs reading messages (you guys are a hoot!). With only a couple of rides on this bike so far, I've noticed some issues and have a couple of questions. I would really love to hear some responses: Keep in mind, I'm not into racing, building motors, and dare I say it, a girl (ho hum) .

At higher speeds my front wheel is hopping, and rear wheel seems to be slipping from under me on corners. I'm used to really taking the corners hard and fast and I'm concerned with this freaky feeling and kinda sad to think I can't do that type of riding anymore. Did I pick the wrong bike or what.?
Carol
 
welcome

Carol, You'll get an answer soon about your problem. Welcome to the board.

All the best,
 
Carol,
First, welcome to KERA! Second, you did not pick the wrong bike!
What kind of tires do you have on the bike and how old are they?
What kind of bike are you used to riding?
How long has it been since your Forks have been serviced?
What do you consider higher speeds? I have the ZL1000, my front is nice and stable up to 135mph, it sticks great in the corners. The rear however, will break loose coming out of a corner around town when I want it to. ( I usually want it to!)
Oh yea, are you running air in your forks?
Sorry, more questions here than answers.
 
Thanks for the welcome

The tires are Dunlonp Elite SP, Rear 160/80/15, Front 110/90/18 tubeless. Don't know the age of each, front looks good, I intend to change out the rear come spring.
Last bike I rode: 85 Honda 1100 Sabre (too tall - wanted something as powerful, with lower seat). Can't tell you when the bike forks were serviced, only that I intend to get a complete change-out of all fluids in the spring.
The front tire starts hopping at low speed - 50 mph and on. I had no air in front or back, put 15 in front, 26 in back. Back seems better, front is hopping worse. I feel no slippage up front in corners, only the hopping.
The first time I felt the back slip I was only going about 30 and dropped into the corner quickly onto a side road and she slipped out, I had to straighten her up a bit to grab the road again. What bothers me most is when I'm just cruising a nice back road with speed limit 50 and can't even hit 65 without feeling that slip on the corners. At 30 not a big deal to correct, at 65+ I don't want to have to straighten out of the corner! I'm wondering if I just need to get used to that slipping feel, or is it really going to come out from under me like at the low speed corner? I used to have a Kawi KZ650 that had a "V" profile on back and loved how that dropped into the corners, but it was definately a feel to get used to. Is it that I'm not used to the fat tire on back and need to trust it more?
High speeds for me are 100mph+ (stop laughing!)
I love this bike - after many years of riding, I'm really excited with this one - but need to feel I can trust it.
Thanks for listening to all of this whining-
Carol
 
Hard Over

Hey Carol;

Great to have you with us.
I was looking at your profile and noticed you didn't mention your Country, State or Town. It would be great if you could be a bit more specific, as with over 250 registered members, we are able to share parts and knowledge with folks in close proximity to each other. Only offer info. that your comfortable with though. :)

Wuputt is asking all the right questions. First of all, run out and check the sizes and models of the tires that are on it now. If you don't have a manual, there should be a sticker on the left swing arm with the OEM spec.s that are recommended by Kawasaki. You can use slight variations of those sizes, but, (there's always a but) moderately.

These bikes were critisized for their handling in the twisties, when they were realeased in 1985. But, with a couple of accessories like a fork brace, steering dampener and current tire technology, dragging a knee once in a while is expected. 8O

Lets see if we can sort this thing out for you.
 
Tired of tires

Carol;

Having read your last post, there is no doubt in my mind that your tires are old and have lost there suptleness.
I experienced exactly the same symptems this past spring, when I brought my bike out of storage since 1996. The back end wouldn't stick and the front end had a flat spot from sitting in one place for so long.
I stuck on a new pair of Bridgestone Battleaxe tires, went on size wider on both ends and Tah Dah!. She handles like a sportbike.

New tires will be the best money you spend. There's nothing as un-nerving as having the bike trying to climb out from underneath of you in the Zigs.
 
Carol,

Welcome, The only other thing that could possibly be wrong is a bent rim, I had a bent back rim and the symptoms you are describing are very similar to what was happening to me, anyway, I would at least check it. Bbond is right, especially since you probably don't know the history of the bike, I would change the tires. They are fairly inexpensive and it may take care of the problem. Good luck!
 
Thanks to everyone for the information... definately will put new rubber on front & rear, and get the rims checked out. Printed info on the fork braces as well. Can't wait to get this feeling right!! I updated my information, I live in Maine.
Carol
 
Carol,
I agree that the tires are probably the culprit. There are lots of posts on which tires we all like. I run my ZL1000 with no air in the forks and aftermarket shocks in back. (no air) I can drag pegs at pretty much any speed with confidence. Do you have info on rmaker fork brace? I have one on mine and you will love the look and feel. Good luck!
 
Hello Carol and welcome!

I also have a 900, and would highly recommend no air in the front forks first and foremost. You can't put much air in the front without blowing the seals and any air tends to make the front end kind of "springy".

At 50 mph these bikes are generally rock solid, bent rim, not enough fluid in the shocks would make it bounce like you describe.

I personally run the Avon VenomX as they seem to be the stickiest tires available for our bike. Mileage suffers but I'd rather stick and replace my tires more often! I've done a respectable job of keeping up with crotch rockets in the corners with these tires...

Ethan
 
I noticed that the shocks have four settings, they are set at #2 now. Is that where I want them? I will check the fluid in the front end also. And get rid of the air at both ends.
Thanks for the tire info - Ethan, what size Avon's did you put on? I did copy the list of tires that were surveyed and will check out the info on them as well. Where's a good site to get information on the rmaker fork brace?

Another issue this bike has is the tach & speedometer. The tach is totally messed up - it bounces all over the place. Can I use the same test mentioned for speedo (use drill on end to see if cable is messed up) or what? Know of any brands that fit - I think I read that the Vulcan (500?) was a match for the speedometer, same for tach? My speedo seems to work fine except at high speed - I noticed cruising on the highway the first day bringing it home that the speedo was bouncing between 85 - 95 (don't know how fast I was really going - husband said his was reading 95). The odometer was way off also - said I went 246 miles (NOT!). It was more like 60 mi. But ever since I think it's working ok - :?
 
Hey Carol, Welcome to the "NUTHOUSE" Front Bouncing is an Out of Balance Wheel 8O .If you go with new Tires make sure you have them Balanced Correctly :D The Rear Shocks are Pretty Well Worn on a 20 Year old Bike, You can get Replacements from Progressive, I would go with the 440's[ I have the 412's on my 1000 and they "DONT CUT THE CHEESE :cry: ] I also dropped mine 2" in the Front and Rear which is Fine for one up Riding But will Bottom out with a Passanger. Tires Venom X 170 or Metz ME880, Venom has the Grip but the Metz will do about 3 Times the Miles, Later Rocky41
 
Tires for Carol

AVON's !!!!!!!!!! The are like Crazy Glue !!! 8O
They are a little expensive but your choices are limited with the 15" wheel. I went with the 170 Venom X, it just looks plain nuts :P . Buddy of mine said the ass of my bike was like a ... well I just can't say as I am afraid I may offend someone. But to give a hint, it was sexual in nature :wink:
Go with the bigger tire, you won't go wrong. Just remember to deflate it before you remount the wheel and reinflate after everything is done.

Later,
Geoff
 
Hey Carol, The Tach is Electronic, Dont know any way of testing it. There is a Tach on Ebay at the Moment for a 1000 I'm Pretty sure there the Same, Look under Kawasaki Eliminator, Also a Speedo there Too, Later Rocky :twisted:
 
Carol,
You are getting a lot of good advice here! I can't disagree with anyone. I don't think that Rick has a web site for the fork brace but take my word for it, you will love it! I know that several others on the site have them also, anybody have any complaints?
You can contact Rick at, [email protected]
He may have some pics that he can send you, I know that I have seen them sell on ebay for more than he charges for them. He makes a few other custom parts for our bikes too. I plan to have him make me some handlebar clamps and sidecover brackets this winter.
later
wuputt
 
Tach & Speedo drive

Thanks Rocky - put them both into 'watch item'. I'll call Kawasaki and see if they can tell me if it will fit - Again, thanks all for the comments: LOVE THIS SITE, it's great!
Carol
 
no luck w/tach info.

Well Kawasaki is giving two different part no.s for the 85 900 vs. 87 1000 tachometers. They say they can't tell me what the difference is but they don't feel they are interchangeable.

I've tried to e-mail Rick @[email protected] but mail was returned (RE: fork brace info). If anyone knows another way to contact him, I'd appreciate it.

Boy, it's getting cold with the knees in the breeze, I think my baby might go into the garage for good this weekend! :(
Carol
 
R

Geez Carol;
I just Emailed him yesterday regarding the same issue.
NO problems getting through.

I've always been able to reach him this way.

[email protected]

Keep tryin'.

I was out last Sunday afternoon. It was 69 degrees here in the Valley.
Today though it was like 28 and frosty. I hope to get out once or twice before Halloween. Then thats it. She's goin' in the nice warm heated garage I have waiting for her. Then I'm going to remove her tank and front fender for painting, new decals, and clear coat.

She'll be already for fresh Spring air and Flowers.
 
Rick's mail: I think I had an extract "dot" in there - used your address enclosed on the reply and sent him another note. I found a tach so far for $185 - I'm waiting for more responses.

Carol
 
Carol,

As with everyone else, welcome!

As far as the hopping in the front end: Get rid of the 15 or so PSI in the front forks. If I am not mistaken, these front ends are only made to handle a max of 8 PSI or so. Any more will blow the seals. As said before, try balancing the front tire first (cheapest), then go for the tire. If those dont work, then you are looking at digging into the forks.

I just rebuilt my front end on my 900. Found that the fluid was original, and smelled ungodly!! Had to run a can of cleaner on each fork tube!! My old down tubes were slightly scored, so I replaced them. This was a little costly, but well worth it! Also replaced all fork seals and dust caps, and went with a new set of stem bearings by "All Balls". My original bearings lower dust cap was shot, and must have let in contaminants. My original problem was that the front end would "steer" itself!! Almost felt like I was riding my sled on the road!! After all of the above, it is like a new Beast! Now it is more enjoyable to ride!

I also have problems with the rear tire kicking out in turns, but mainly slower city driving, and then trying to get on the gas, and WHOOPS! Running an older Metz now, but will replace this winter. Avon is good for stickyness, just don't go too big. Avon is a nylon ply tire, and expands under higher speeds! Hate to see the tire rubbing away on the swingarm!

I have the speedo problem too. Replaced the cable, but no good. Have a new speedo and drive gear to try in the next few weeks, if Mother Nature will let me.

Rick was having a problem with his e-mail the past week or so. If you need a pic of the fork brace, or additional e-mail info for Rick, let me know.

Hope this helps, and Good Luck!
 
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