Handlebars

[Kev A]

Hi Everyone,
I've just bought a 52 plate K2 which the previous owner has fitted with Renthall bars.
I don't know if I'm being a bit of a fanny or just not used to it yet but I find that the front wheel reacts to even the slightest movement of the steering and is a real pain when coming to a stop, especially with the Mrs on the back as the bike weaves. I'm thinking of seeing if it's worth changing the bars back to the original ones because I don't think they're a wide. What do you more experienced 1400 riders think?

[daveh]

Hey Fanny, sounds more like suspension to me, bars are bars, won't make that much difference.

[saggy0000]

tire pressures??or knackered suspension me thinks

[gsxbarmy]

Could depend on the type of bars you have fitted. What number is on the actual Renthal bars (you'll find it in the centre section of the bar). Normal ones for 14 owners to fit are the Ultra Low 758's, although some do prefer the straight bars, which would give a more direct feel to the steering.

But if the bike is weaving coming to a stop, then could be tyre pressures, could also be that your fork oil needs changing (when was that last done) or you need to get your suspension setup for you (perhaps stiffen up the front end). Could also be your rear shocks not setup, check that both have the same settings at least, personally I've found a number of 14's over the years where the rear settings on both shocks have been different

These links may help:
Change fork oil: http://gsx1400owners.org/forum_test/index.php?topic=188.0

MCN Suspension settings: http://gsx1400owners.org/forum_test/index.php?topic=213.0

(I'm assuming in all the above that your tyres are good and you've done normal checks like wheel bearings and rear wheel alignment)

[Tony Nitrous]

I've ran several different bars on several different bikes, I currently have 4 with Renthals and one with higher / wider bars. They all alter the feel a little but not negatively. My 14 came with almost straight drag bars, and now has 789 Renthal Streetfighter bars. Both very different, but neither upset the handling or stability.

[Tony Nitrous]

If its a new (to you) bike there's no harm in giving it the once over.

Tyre sizes? Wear? Pressure? Jack up kit? Stock shocks or longer? Fork sag / damping / settings ?

I do agree with you about getting used to new bikes, I like to put some miles in on a bike before I get too critical of the comfort / handling etc, but the 14 has pretty tame geometry and should feel quite planted and stable.

[Kev A]

Hi All,
Thanks very much for the replies, I'll check out everything you've mentioned.
Cheers

[KiwiCol]

Gidday Kev, welcome to the forum.   

[Steve]

And just to add a little extra into the mix. Honestly the stock bars are not so great. The excesive sweep they have means many ppl find the have sore wrists after a decent ride..

[Kev A]

Thanks again for all the input guys. I've also spoken to a Suzuki specialist and he said in the first instance he would change the fork oil and maybe looking at upgrading the fork springs as this would help when riding two up and with luggage.

[KiwiCol]

Thanks again for all the input guys. I've also spoken to a Suzuki specialist and he said in the first instance he would change the fork oil and maybe looking at upgrading the fork springs as this would help when riding two up and with luggage.

Sounds like something Barmy would say, he's a Suzuki specialist too.