Freeway riding - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

Anthony · 06-03-2006, 02:37 PM

Hello all, I am new to this group as well as to riding(as you will be able to tell with my question). I just went to the local bike shop and picked up a set of goggles the work great at keeping the wind out and allow me to see all around. I haven't taken my M50 on the freeway until today, because of my lack in eye protection and I just got back from my first ride on the freeway. When i got it up to about 70, I started getting a lot of wobbles and the bike just didn't feel stable. Keep in mine that I have never riden before and this was my first time going this fast on a bike. Now to the question--Are these "speed wobbles" normal on the freeway or at these speeds? Is the bike just following the lines/cracks in the road?

rtroiani · 06-03-2006, 05:03 PM

Hi Anthony,
I'm picking up my M50 this week, but have been riding for years, and currently have a GS500e, which is a much smaller bike. I'd say it's not normal unless there are a lot of drainage channels in the highway. My bike will feel less stable when being passed by another car (or truck) because it is about 160 to 170lbs lighter than an M50, but I would probably get it checked out if you are concerned, or see if you can get a mechanic, or seasoned rider to take it for a ride and give their opinion.
Hope that helps.

DLy · 06-03-2006, 06:49 PM

It definately depends on the road...but the M50 should be very stable at 70mph. Wind will cause "some" wobble...but nothing to make you feel unsafe.

**Clint** · 06-03-2006, 08:14 PM

Maybe have an experienced rider take it out and give you some feedback. In the meantime, there's a reason the DOT doesn't allow permit holders on the freeway. Keep it in town until you develop some skills.

v0lusia · 06-03-2006, 08:31 PM

Also be sure your tire pressure is correct (even dealers get it wrong) go by the sticker on the frame or driveshaft.

Anthony · 06-03-2006, 11:25 PM

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I just got back from lowering it about three inches. Hopefully it will feel more stable now. I had an experienced ride take it out right before we lowered it and he said it was the road. I live in cali where the roads suck.And I will definetly need some more road time before I get it up to those speeds again.

Petcop · 06-04-2006, 01:08 AM

What about a windshield? A friend of mine had the same reaction at highway speeds when she put a hellcat on the bike. I don't have a windshield, and the bike feels fine on the highway without it (also a new rider). I rode her bike (we both have M50s), and didn't like the way it felt with the shield, so I guess I'll stay shieldless for now. The wind on my chest I got used to quickly....the bike feeling like an untrained colt I didn't like! Would be nice to stay in town to develop skills, but the in town riding is more dangerous with traffic than the highway!

Danr · 06-04-2006, 06:25 AM

My guess is that as a new rider you are holding the grips too tight, this will intensify any feedback you are getting from the road. I am not saying that this is your entire problem, Check your air pressures also.

Jonger · 06-04-2006, 09:34 AM

This isnt normal. I cruise my M50 at 80-90 constantly and its pretty smooth. It runs at a high RPM for a cruiser, but the engine is made for it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anthony

Hello all, I am new to this group as well as to riding(as you will be able to tell with my question). I just went to the local bike shop and picked up a set of goggles the work great at keeping the wind out and allow me to see all around. I haven't taken my M50 on the freeway until today, because of my lack in eye protection and I just got back from my first ride on the freeway. When i got it up to about 70, I started getting a lot of wobbles and the bike just didn't feel stable. Keep in mine that I have never riden before and this was my first time going this fast on a bike. Now to the question--Are these "speed wobbles" normal on the freeway or at these speeds? Is the bike just following the lines/cracks in the road?

JD HHI · 06-04-2006, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anthony

Hello all, I am new to this group as well as to riding(as you will be able to tell with my question). I just went to the local bike shop and picked up a set of goggles the work great at keeping the wind out and allow me to see all around. I haven't taken my M50 on the freeway until today, because of my lack in eye protection and I just got back from my first ride on the freeway. When i got it up to about 70, I started getting a lot of wobbles and the bike just didn't feel stable. Keep in mine that I have never riden before and this was my first time going this fast on a bike. Now to the question--Are these "speed wobbles" normal on the freeway or at these speeds? Is the bike just following the lines/cracks in the road?

I just got to work and rode the bike in. I was at 70mph and was a smooth ride or else I wouldn't go that fast.

BlueMax · 06-06-2006, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by v0lusia

Also be sure your tire pressure is correct (even dealers get it wrong) go by the sticker on the frame or driveshaft.

+1. The dealer put 39# in the front and 40# in the rear. After setting the pressure to the manufactures recommend pressures my bike felt better at speed. I also pick up a 18% larger contact patch with the right pressures.

bat4255 · 06-06-2006, 05:54 PM

What they said, I might add

Check the rear shock settings (preload).

Too soft a setting could also help cause a shake or shimmy at higher speed.

BSF · 06-09-2006, 12:26 AM

I would suggest you check the rear shock setting as well. Set from the factory at 3. I increased to 6 and the bike is much more stable.

**intimid8er** · 06-09-2006, 09:23 AM

Anthony, some excellent suggestions were given.

First thing as everyone else has mentioned check the air pressures. Mine was delivered at something like 46 psi front and rear. Right at 52 mph, I didn't even have to check the speedometer, it would shake like a hound trying to crap a peach pit. I went down to 32 front 36 rear. Perfect.

Secondly, some mentioned adjusting the rear shock. By your pic, you appear to be a beefy guy, adjusting that rear won't hurt one bit.

Third. Being a new rider, I'm not sure about the wisdom of lowering the bike three inches before you get used to the handling characteristics of your bike. Have you ridden before? Unless you lowered the front too, you've given the bike a "nose high" attitude. Which also pushes the center of gravity to the rear. Usually, this causes a bike to "understeer" or "push" or swing wide in a corner, requiring more effort to hold your line. Myself, I weigh 240, I figure I'm crushin' the shock anyway

so I didn't bother with a lowering kit, I get the custom look when my carcass is sittin' on the seat!!

I cranked mine to setting 6. This may work for me and not for you. Do one setting at a time, ride it, see if you're comfortable with how it steers.

Good luck! Check the air pressure first, and then let us know how it goes!!

Anthony · 06-10-2006, 08:32 PM

Thanks for all the advise. I haven't gotten a chance to check the pressure of the tires, unfortunately. I think it was my first time being at those speeds, and having the rear shock so soft that made the bike feel unstable. I know that paticular portion of the freeway I was on has a lot of grooves in it that made my bike follow their path. After I lowered it, I set the shock the 4 and it rides so much better. I have since taken a ride out to the beach(45+miles each way) and I didn't have any problems.

Thanks again everyone and I will post when I check the tires in a couple of days.

"When the f*&$ did we get ice cream?" <--- HAHAHA

Fishpart · 06-11-2006, 10:31 AM

Good thread, always check tire pressure it makes all the difference!

**intimid8er** · 06-12-2006, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anthony

"When the f*&$ did we get ice cream?" <--- HAHAHA

06-03-2006, 02:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
Anthony Where Am I ? Joined: May 2006 Bike: Suzuki M50 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Posts: 46	Freeway riding Hello all, I am new to this group as well as to riding(as you will be able to tell with my question). I just went to the local bike shop and picked up a set of goggles the work great at keeping the wind out and allow me to see all around. I haven't taken my M50 on the freeway until today, because of my lack in eye protection and I just got back from my first ride on the freeway. When i got it up to about 70, I started getting a lot of wobbles and the bike just didn't feel stable. Keep in mine that I have never riden before and this was my first time going this fast on a bike. Now to the question--Are these "speed wobbles" normal on the freeway or at these speeds? Is the bike just following the lines/cracks in the road? __________________

06-03-2006, 05:03 PM	#2 (permalink)
rtroiani Seat Tester Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: Boulevard M50 (Gray) Location: Henryville, PA Posts: 58	Hi Anthony, I'm picking up my M50 this week, but have been riding for years, and currently have a GS500e, which is a much smaller bike. I'd say it's not normal unless there are a lot of drainage channels in the highway. My bike will feel less stable when being passed by another car (or truck) because it is about 160 to 170lbs lighter than an M50, but I would probably get it checked out if you are concerned, or see if you can get a mechanic, or seasoned rider to take it for a ride and give their opinion. Hope that helps. __________________ Ricky T. “The only man who makes no mistakes is the man who never does anything.” Theodore Roosevelt

06-03-2006, 06:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
DLy In Training Joined: May 2006 Bike: 2006 M50 Black Location: Conway, AR Posts: 122	It definately depends on the road...but the M50 should be very stable at 70mph. Wind will cause "some" wobble...but nothing to make you feel unsafe. __________________

06-03-2006, 11:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
Anthony Where Am I ? Joined: May 2006 Bike: Suzuki M50 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Posts: 46	Thanks for all the feedback guys. I just got back from lowering it about three inches. Hopefully it will feel more stable now. I had an experienced ride take it out right before we lowered it and he said it was the road. I live in cali where the roads suck.And I will definetly need some more road time before I get it up to those speeds again. __________________

06-09-2006, 09:23 AM	#14 (permalink)
intimid8er It's A Conspiracy Joined: May 2005 Bike: '06 XB12X Location: 30 41'47.99" N 83 11'26.54" W Hold My Beer Posts: 10,078	Anthony, some excellent suggestions were given. First thing as everyone else has mentioned check the air pressures. Mine was delivered at something like 46 psi front and rear. Right at 52 mph, I didn't even have to check the speedometer, it would shake like a hound trying to crap a peach pit. I went down to 32 front 36 rear. Perfect. Secondly, some mentioned adjusting the rear shock. By your pic, you appear to be a beefy guy, adjusting that rear won't hurt one bit. Third. Being a new rider, I'm not sure about the wisdom of lowering the bike three inches before you get used to the handling characteristics of your bike. Have you ridden before? Unless you lowered the front too, you've given the bike a "nose high" attitude. Which also pushes the center of gravity to the rear. Usually, this causes a bike to "understeer" or "push" or swing wide in a corner, requiring more effort to hold your line. Myself, I weigh 240, I figure I'm crushin' the shock anyway so I didn't bother with a lowering kit, I get the custom look when my carcass is sittin' on the seat!! I cranked mine to setting 6. This may work for me and not for you. Do one setting at a time, ride it, see if you're comfortable with how it steers. Good luck! Check the air pressure first, and then let us know how it goes!! __________________ Song Pick of the Week 11/26 The Boss - Johnny 99 I had no idea 20% ABV beer could get me drunk so fast!

06-03-2006, 08:31 PM	#5 (permalink)
v0lusia TurtleWax Taster Joined: Oct 2004 Location: Central MA Posts: 555	Also be sure your tire pressure is correct (even dealers get it wrong) go by the sticker on the frame or driveshaft.

06-04-2006, 01:08 AM	#7 (permalink)
Petcop Puddle Runner Joined: Feb 2006 Bike: 2005 Red M50 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 366	What about a windshield? A friend of mine had the same reaction at highway speeds when she put a hellcat on the bike. I don't have a windshield, and the bike feels fine on the highway without it (also a new rider). I rode her bike (we both have M50s), and didn't like the way it felt with the shield, so I guess I'll stay shieldless for now. The wind on my chest I got used to quickly....the bike feeling like an untrained colt I didn't like! Would be nice to stay in town to develop skills, but the in town riding is more dangerous with traffic than the highway!

06-04-2006, 06:25 AM	#8 (permalink)
Danr Sit speling cheker Joined: May 2005 Posts: 1,616	My guess is that as a new rider you are holding the grips too tight, this will intensify any feedback you are getting from the road. I am not saying that this is your entire problem, Check your air pressures also.

06-06-2006, 05:54 PM	#12 (permalink)
bat4255 Squirrel Target Joined: Dec 2003 Bike: Burgman 650 K3- 29,100 miles as of 10-20-08 Location: Dodge Co. Wisconsin Posts: 663	What they said, I might add Check the rear shock settings (preload). Too soft a setting could also help cause a shake or shimmy at higher speed.

06-09-2006, 12:26 AM	#13 (permalink)
BSF Where Am I ? Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: M50 Location: WPB, Florida Posts: 26	I would suggest you check the rear shock setting as well. Set from the factory at 3. I increased to 6 and the bike is much more stable.

06-10-2006, 08:32 PM	#15 (permalink)
Anthony Where Am I ? Joined: May 2006 Bike: Suzuki M50 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Posts: 46	Thanks for all the advise. I haven't gotten a chance to check the pressure of the tires, unfortunately. I think it was my first time being at those speeds, and having the rear shock so soft that made the bike feel unstable. I know that paticular portion of the freeway I was on has a lot of grooves in it that made my bike follow their path. After I lowered it, I set the shock the 4 and it rides so much better. I have since taken a ride out to the beach(45+miles each way) and I didn't have any problems. Thanks again everyone and I will post when I check the tires in a couple of days. "When the f*&$ did we get ice cream?" <--- HAHAHA __________________

06-11-2006, 10:31 AM	#16 (permalink)
Fishpart Fourth gear and illegal Joined: Apr 2005 Bike: 2007 Harley Davidson Electa Glide Location: York, Pa Posts: 783	Good thread, always check tire pressure it makes all the difference!

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