Front PR3 tire kind of squirly

[bhodge10]

Hello, last year around October I had my rear and front tires replaced. They used to be Shinkos (don't know model #) and now I've got PR3's. They seem to be really good, however I've noticed my front moves around quite a bit especially at highway speeds 60-80mph. It's a slow movement and if I let go of the handle bars, they do not vibrate. The Shinkos came with the bike when I bought it used 1 1/2 years ago. I seem to be able to roll into corners much easier than before, its just when going straight that it becomes a little, I wouldn't say nerve racking, but it's noticeable. I haven't lost confidence in the tire especially in turns, but I wanted to see if this is a normal behavior for the tire.

Thanks,

[stevewfl]

Hello, last year around October I had my rear and front tires replaced. They used to be Shinkos (don't know model #) and now I've got PR3's. They seem to be really good, however I've noticed my front moves around quite a bit especially at highway speeds 60-80mph. It's a slow movement and if I let go of the handle bars, they do not vibrate. The Shinkos came with the bike when I bought it used 1 1/2 years ago. I seem to be able to roll into corners much easier than before, its just when going straight that it becomes a little, I wouldn't say nerve racking, but it's noticeable. I haven't lost confidence in the tire especially in turns, but I wanted to see if this is a normal behavior for the tire.

Thanks,

Front suspension was set to the Shinko's

edit:  I bet the rear is too.

[jayke]

Just upgraded to PR3's from PR2's on my '08. No wobbles from mine.

Is something loose in your front end?  Maybe loose bearings in the steering head? 

You also might want to add rear preload.  The rear end controls how the front feels too.   Adding rear preload cured my FJR of a modest front end wobble under heavy braking going into a turn.

[tonedeaf]

I am running PR3s and it is the most planted front tire I have ever had on a sport tourer.

[feelergaugephil]

Hello, last year around October I had my rear and front tires replaced. They used to be Shinkos (don't know model #) and now I've got PR3's. They seem to be really good, however I've noticed my front moves around quite a bit especially at highway speeds 60-80mph. It's a slow movement and if I let go of the handle bars, they do not vibrate. The Shinkos came with the bike when I bought it used 1 1/2 years ago. I seem to be able to roll into corners much easier than before, its just when going straight that it becomes a little, I wouldn't say nerve racking, but it's noticeable. I haven't lost confidence in the tire especially in turns, but I wanted to see if this is a normal behavior for the tire.

Thanks,

Get the front wheel off the ground, easiest way is to get it on main stand and get someone to sit on the back seat.
Once off the ground check your headstock for any play, wheelbearings and spin your tire to see if its exactly perfect (ie, might be a defect mold)
How many miles on your Connie and how many miles on your tire?

[Rhino]

I am running PR3s and it is the most planted front tire I have ever had on a sport tourer.

Me too. What everyone else said, check the front end.

[JamminJere]

Gee this may be a stretch....  But before you go changing suspension settings, no one or you mentioned what air pressure you are running???   42psi cold?
If not, try that.

JJ

[bhodge10]

yes, I have been running 42psi cold. I will check the tire and movement itself then check the suspension.

[stevewfl]

If it went from stable to immediately squirrely after the tire change  I doubt its anything bad (although it could be).  When I change types of tires on a race bike the suspension immediately screams for attention.

I had assumed air pressure had been scrubbed by the installer and the rider.... always check behind the shops for proper inflation  =)

[bhodge10]

I will definitely check the suspension, although I am really clueless how to (time to read the manual). When I bought the bike in October 2010 it had the Shinko's. I never adjusted the suspension when I bought the bike. I'm not a small guy 6'0 285lbs and the previous owner was about 5'9 170. It always felt fine to me up until the tire change.

[jqram35]

I think many people feel that squirreliness when they first switch to PR2 or 3s. Especially when they replace a flat wore out tire. Tires wear so gradually we forget what tires are supposed to feel like and it is a big change with a new tire. My first PR2 felt that way...

[feelergaugephil]

yes, I have been running 42psi cold. I will check the tire and movement itself then check the suspension.

Not trying to step on anyones shoes, but I run mine at 35F and 36R, much better feel of the road.

[Fretka]

Most folks wear a flat spot on their tires from driving in a straight line. Then when you go to a new tire the upright contact patch is smaller and the bike now turns with much lighter input. This is a very good thing unless you like your bike to steer like a truck.
This feeling of nervousness is you just getting used to a new tire. Enjoy the lighter steering you have because soon you'll flat spot the tire again and back to the old sluggish steering. 42 pounds is for carrying the max load that your bike is rated at. This is way too much pressure for normal riding, try 36 lbs at the front.

Fretka

[tbanzer]

I noticed the same thing when I switched from pr2s to 3s. Not squirly just a little twitchy feeling in the bars when cruising about 45 in a straight line. After about 3k its still there but it doesent bother me anymore. Not sure yet if I will go back to the 2s or stay with the 3s

[bhodge10]

Well i took the bike out for a ride today after making some changes to the suspension.  The difference is night and day. It feels firmly planted now. Thanks for all the suggestions.