confidence or glitch?

[EftanD]

Hi
I am having problems when entering roads from junctions, or going into roundabouts from dead stop. Bike does not feel it wants to go into the turn as willingly as when I am doing this from a "run up"
I find I am paddling around junctions or into similar situations. Is this my confidence in very slow manoeuvering or have others experienced this?
(I have been riding for around 50 years on things as large as 1250 rts and never had this feeling before)

[Tynedale]

If it could be a mechanical issue I would suggest checking tyre pressures. If you’re new to riding a 950 with the cable clutch(ie pre 2019)it may just be due to it being incredibly snatchy and you might be concentrating more on that than the turn. Mine is summer use only and after the winter lay off it takes me a while to get used to it.
Confidence issues can be addressed by doing the Enhanced Rider Scheme through DSA or contacting your local IAM or RoSPA RoADAR group who might give you an assessment at minimal cost.

[EftanD]

Thankyou for your thoughts. I do happen to have done IAM so not sure if they will help more. I did take myslef to a fairly empty car park last evening and practiced slow circles and figures of 8 helped a bit (a lot). Realised the back brake makes an awful groaning noise when using it for slow manoeuvres.  Thats next on the agenda.

[YoungF]

Originally Posted by EftanD

Hi
I am having problems when entering roads from junctions, or going into roundabouts from dead stop. Bike does not feel it wants to go into the turn as willingly as when I am doing this from a "run up"
I find I am paddling around junctions or into similar situations. Is this my confidence in very slow manoeuvering or have others experienced this?
(I have been riding for around 50 years on things as large as 1250 rts and never had this feeling before)

You are not alone EftanD

Assuming your tyres are ok and properly inflated then these fixed it for me:

1. increase rear preload
2. reduce front preload
3. fit throttle spacers especially if you have ducati heated grips
4. adjustable levers to put clutch bite point in right place

Hope this helps

YoungF

[EftanD]

thankyou for that  will have a look .... what did you set your preloads to?

[YoungF]

Originally Posted by EftanD

thankyou for that  will have a look .... what did you set your preloads to?

For 1 up I use 14 on the rear but you will need to play around to find best for you (dead easy on the S).

[EftanD]

Interstingly  had tyrre checked, it was profiled (quite badly and a little under pressure recommendation. New tyre right pressures feels like new bike, thanks to all who commented.

[Paul_Smith]

Originally Posted by EftanD

... have been riding for around 50 years ...

It is not the bike.

No matter what I say, it is going to sound a bit rude and I apologize for that because I want to be helpful, and by seeming rude you are more likely to reject my help then accept it. I suspect that after so much experience you have fallen into habits which are not doing you any favors. Being surprised by your tyre's profiles means you are not doing regular pre-ride checks. They were critical on old triumphs even if only to check if the damn thing still had any oil in it and on modern bikes, they often seem unnecessary. And yet when you looked, you were surprised.

I suspect that because of your experience, you have been riding around problems instead of addressing them. In this case, probably bad suspension settings. Its a problem you have been able to deal with in the short term but the cumulative effect has finally caught up with you. Time to remember one of the more boring IAM lessons; check your bike before you ride :)

[Conman]

Could be head bearings. They're not a common fault on the MTS but it's not unknown.

[EftanD]

@Conman, no offence taken, you are probably very right, and yes my pre ride is limited in scope....
Will take thas ton board and probably have a check ride in the near future. Wise words. By the way Head bearings are fine dealer checked 'em