New Guy - Is it the bike or is it me?

[groundrush]

I’m not new to motorcycling, but I am new to Aprilia. I just got a beautiful 2001 Mille-R. When I test rode the bike before buying it, I noticed the steering had a side to side motion between 25 - 45 mph. The owner (2nd owner of the bike) said he felt the same thing when he first got the bike, but does not notice it anymore. I have ridden the bike more, and I still feel this motion, perhaps less, but it’s still there. Tire pressures are good. Checked the steering damper - a bit odd in that it does not seem to make much difference in the steering. I set it to the middle of it’s range. Is this something you just get used to, or could there be something wrong with the bike? Perhaps I need to change my riding technique? Thanks.

[planter87]

steering head bearings? does the damper go rock hard when you turn it all the way up? if not it could do with a rebuild and be modified, my oem ohlins damper didnt nearly lock out until it was refreshed and reworked. there is a massive difference with or without one, well i thought so anyway.

[Judge Dredd]

Steering should not rock. As said previously check the head bearings for tightness.

[Tuonington]

Disconnect the damper, then go for a spin, see if it's any better.

If no difference, then as suggested check the head bearings, could be notchy or tight.

Tyre pressures, you said are fine, but what shape are the tyres in? New, worn, etc.

[soofle616]

All good suggestions so far. Bearings could be loose or worn, tires could be cupped, damper I wouldn't suspect would cause that but it could be masking a bigger problem so definitely try riding without it. Also check that the wheel isn't bent. Put the bike up on stands and give the wheel a spin and look for any wobbles in the rim.

[Brucetafer]

no way, it should go straight perfectly... check for frame damage as well... has it been crashed???

[IBA270]

no way, it should go straight perfectly... check for frame damage as well... has it been crashed???

Agreed. And try this: support the motor, remove the front wheel, and loosen all of the triple clamp bolts. See if the forks don't "snap" back straight. You bike may have had a slight shunt twisting the forks in the triples. Certainly not unheard of.

[sburns2421]

With the bike stationary, does the steering have a notchy feel near dead straight? You don't always have to have the front elevated to feel this, although it helps. Diconnect the steering damper and see if it feels notchy. If it does then it is bearings.

[Motech]

Don't overlook possible brake caliper binding or warped disc(s).

[marcodarq]

what brand and model tire??? i have a guy's futura in the shop and it rides like crap on his michelin pilot road 3's....midn you i'm a BIG Mich fan but i dont like these new tires(the road 3's) i'll take my pilot powers any day of the week!!! also don't overlook tire pressure, sometimes it really is jusst the simple stuff!!
marco

[groundrush]

Thanks for all the suggestions. It turned out to be the steering damper. It was almost completely seized up. And to complicate replacement, the main bolt connecting it to the bike was completely seized with what looked like loctite. Anyway, with the new damper she handles properly. I can't believe the previous owner thought this was normal!

[IBA270]

Nice!

Thanks for all the suggestions. It turned out to be the steering damper. It was almost completely seized up. And to complicate replacement, the main bolt connecting it to the bike was completely seized with what looked like loctite. Anyway, with the new damper she handles properly. I can't believe the previous owner thought this was normal!

[velowood]

That bolt is supposed to have a set screw to keep it from loosening. Maybe the loctite was an alternative to the setscrew.