Low speed steering on 1125R

[poodle]

Just picked up an '08 1125R and rode it home this evening. My previous bike was an SV650S so it's quite a change.

One thing I'm finding tricky is low speed steering. It either seems very twitchy or very heavy. I'm fairly sure it's all technique and not the bike - especially coming from the SV which has quite a shallower rake (25 degrees).

I was looking for some advice on how to deal with it? What should I be doing differently?

Thanks

 

[mirkvid]

I just moved to a bike where you sit more forward as well and had to re-learn my low speed steering. It just takes a few sessions to get used to it.

just don't be afraid to set your feet down. I'm amazed by how often people drop their bikes at low speeds, when they could have just put a foot down.

Welcome to the forum!![up]

 

[poodle]

Thanks mirkvid. Looking at the tyres they're a touch squared off, not sure how bad they are. I'm sure practice is the most important thing.

I'd better get some miles down as I'm riding this bike from London to Russia on the 28th of May!

 

[mirkvid]

Dude, that ride sounds bad-ass! you need to take some pictures for us!

 

[poodle]

The ride takes me up through Sweden where I get a ferry to Helsinki. Then onto St Petersburg and down to Moscow for a wedding. Coming back to London via Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. I'll be sure to get some scenic pics of the bike!

 

[poodle]

So the tyres were shagged. Just had new ones put on (Angel STs - need something that will last the distance) and it feels like it's on rails. No more dipping in slow turns or stiff steering.

 

[RT Performance]

Wow that's going to be an awsome ride. I am 1/2 Latvian my dad and his family I'm rated her toward the end of WWII I am jealous. Please take pics and share.