Slappers

[brig]

Has any one had the problem with slappers.That is when fully loaded with Givi paniers and the missus on the back.It only happens when I take my hands off the bars.Also the front end is very twitchy any suggestions on solving this apart from possibly using a tank bag to balance the weight out a bit.
Any bright ideas anyone?

 

[andy102]

Mines exactly the same brig, is fine when all the rack is off, as soon as I put the top box/panniers on or the missus gets on the back I can't let go of the bars cause if I do it goes into a massive slapper (at any speed) , adjusted the suspension, checked tyre pressures nothing seems to work, I'm begining to wonder if it's the tyres( continentals fitted), off to Mugello next week so they'll be swapped for a set Azuros when I get back. See if that makes a difference

 

[Bob Pinder]

Simple physics really - lots of weight hanging off the back/over the side will cause the front end to go light.

Things will improve with weight reduction - tyres have very little, if any, influence in this scenario.

 

[andy102]

Maybe true Bob but as with brig mine goes VERY light on the front when pushed hard, now I realize that it will go lighter but with its wheelbase it should'nt feel less stable at speed than my cbr600 (which has perfect manners fully loaded, though very cramped, or going quick) it just doesnt feel safe

 

[shropslad]

firmly planted

Have had our B/bird fully loaded with luggage & Lorna on the back,, can cruise at 120mph & it feels great,, front end only light under hard excelleration ( which you expect)

never ever had an issue with slappers,,,,, mind you I always keep my hand/hands on the handle bars( a bit silly not to IMHO)

It makes a huge difference if the pillion sits far back on the seat ,, keep your pillion close.

 

[RHINO]

Too much weight in the top box!!

I know this to be FACT as i had exact same symptoms last year in Spain, we re-loaded the boxes and put the weight lower down in the side boxes and there was no more hassle.

Nowt to do with tyres, BOB was indeed correct.

 

[Quiney]

Agree with Bob & Rhino
Keep the topbox for the lighter stuff (waterproofs etc)
Front-end is light, but like Shrops said, don't take your hands off.

 

[Lebowski]

As others have said, get the weight forward.

I always pack heavy stuff as far forward as poss, or as low as poss.

Guess having the spacer on the shock would help matters too.

With my blade last year fully loaded and on my way to the Tunnel I nearly turned round and came home the front was so light. Quick sorting of the luggage, a full tank of fuel and all was just about back to normal.

 

[Black Knight]

You need a B&P weight adjuster. Fairly easy to get hold of and will bring the centre of gravity forwards ond over the tank.




















Beer & Pies!

 

[andy102]

Well I think Black Nights answer is perfect; roll on the pies (and beer)smilie_koc

Seriously the info about the topbox is right, off to Italy next week and as it's only me going (missus has to work; damn shame) it'll just be the panniers on the bike I think (really don't fancy a wobbly front end going over the Alps)

 

[brig]

Cheers guys the solution would appear to be in the weight distribution .So if Ive got this right its pies in the top box and the beer in the panniers.I shall give it a go in a fortnight iwe are off to the mag bash in Lee Bay Devon.

Another question has anyone seen the summer? if so point it in my direction

 

[brig]

Another thought on the slapper,Just been reading some stuff on suspention setup and a lot of people would seem to suggest that fitting a 6mm spacer to the rear shock would lift the rear of the bike up slightly and therefor transfer some of the weight forward

 

[the all new REEFER]

so where are all these slappers anyone got a number for emp0pc0rn41

 

[Canadian Bird]

Why would one take their hand off the bars, fully loaded with their wife on the back, or any time for that matter? Yes, I tour fully loaded and agree with the packing. keep the rain gear and light stuff in the top box, the heavy down low in the side boxes. Use a tank bag for stuff you readily need. My 2 cents worth.

 

[Wolfie]

Why would one take their hand off the bars, fully loaded with their wife on the back, or any time for that matter?

cause we can, and how else are i supposed to roll up a fag and smoke then???

 

[Rob Morris]

Only use Givi top bax, but found if you take hands off bars at 50 and watch if slow to 40 you gat a nice slapper.............!

Only other slapper has been when cresting small bumps along favorite twisty bit of road starts with front being airbourne then moves onto small slapper on landing......ALWAYS sorts her self out with no need to back off...........!

Latest Tri Sprint and Daytona were worse........sorry Sprint was crap and kept hitting rev limit......daytona was adictive and reminded me of 350LC times............... but I'm getting too old

Perhaps not !

Anyway, compared to most bikes Birds are very user friendly (PS I use 020 and intebd to try Avons next so I may be back to change my opinion?)

 

[Duck n Dive]

Never had any slappers on the bike.......


However, I have experienced some "wibble wobble" at around 35 mph when the front tyre was worn.

Went to the bash loaded with panniers/top baox tent etc complete with "wibble wobble"..... returned from the bash with new tyres (020's) and same load (but less well packed!!) - no wibble wobble & full stability at up to 130.

When riding solo with the top box or panniers it is possible to get a bit of weave when rolling off the throttle on long sweepers - the answer to which is..... don't roll off.... keep it steady. :dunno:


Never tried the spacer thingy but do understand that it does possibly surrender some high speed stability for the quicker turn in.

On any bike I've always started with tyre pressures, tyre wear when concerned about stability. IMHO on the bird if these are OK then it's pretty good for stability.

 

[Rob Morris]

agree.....tyre pressures are critical.........drop 2psi from the 42 spec and you will feel the difference..handles like a pig!!!!!

 

[Para045]

Never had any slappers on the bike.......


However, I have experienced some "wibble wobble" at around 35 mph when the front tyre was worn.

Went to the bash loaded with panniers/top baox tent etc complete with "wibble wobble"..... returned from the bash with new tyres (020's) and same load (but less well packed!!) - no wibble wobble & full stability at up to 130.


On any bike I've always started with tyre pressures, tyre wear when concerned about stability. IMHO on the bird if these are OK then it's pretty good for stability.

I have noticed much the same that when coasting back from around 110 kmh to around 90 kmh without hands on bars I get a slight wobble but nothing worse but then my D 208 is badly worn and cupped so I am not suprised. I have had my NonFango topbox quiet heavily loaded, me riding ( Aprox 130kg ) and with the missus on the back ( aprox 80kg ) and the front does get a little lighter but it is no real problem up to 200kmh except for slower handling and less ground clearance on large bumps, ( actually is better on small sharp bumps - less kick in the back ) :dunno:

 

[Burgessz]

Hi everyone:yo:
Must say had the same problem in Spain last summer, fitted a 6mm spacer on the rear shock and put a little less luggage in the panniers the other week in France, no more problems even at very very silly speeds.

Oh just a quick warning to anybody going through France this summer especially on the 71 & 75 autoroutes the French plod are using bino`s linked to radar and locking onto you about 2-3 kms away, the first thing you know about it is a couple of blue BMW bikes tagg onto the back of you. One poor brit fell foul on his way home 162kms (100)mph = 90 euro fine.

Also everywhere takes visa and it is all chip and pin.

Bye for now!!!!!

Burgessz
Graham.man8um