FZ6 Light Steering

eidolon

eidolon

eidolon

Soldato
Joined
31 Oct 2002
Posts
13,892
Location
Newcastle upon Tyne
Now it might be just me but my FZ6 seems to have overly light steering. It's definitely much lighter than any other bike I've ever rode.

For example, if I'm riding at say 20mph and turn the bars a bit, they seem to want to turn right to lock by themselves and I almost have to stop them over rotating.

Is it just the geometry of the bike which is different to others I've rode or could something be amiss?
 
Tyre pressure is fine (brand new tyres about 300 miles ago too)

Head bearings aren't notchy, how could I check for any other issues with them?
 
Just a thought, but have you ridden on brand new tyres before?

Thinking if you've come from older squared off tyres to nice new ones you might just be noticing it drop in to turns easier :)
 
Yeah, Had plenty of new tyres before so it's not that.
Not sure what adjustment I have on the suspension, it's pretty budget stuff.
 
It's maybe a little lighter since the new tyres which is what I'd expect as the old ones were squared off but it's always been very quick to steer, I really noticed it when I first bought it and rode it home but I guess I've got used to it. Just not sure if it's just how the FZ is or whether something isn't quite right.
 
Are the forks in the correct location within the yokes? (usually tops of forks level with tops of the yokes).

Is this the first bike you've had with tall bars rather than clip-ons? Bikes with upright riding positions naturally tend to have lighter steering due to less rider weight over the front, and often wider bars.
 
The forks are level with the top yoke so that all seems ok.

I've had a few commuter bikes so far (ER5, GS500) which had regular bars and they weren't like this. It's like when I turn to steer a slight amount the bars want to continue turning and I have to use some resistance to stop it.
 
Have you asked on any dedicated FZ6 forums? The knowledge there will be better bike specific than in here unless you get lucky and someone else has experienced this.
 
Sounds like other people have experienced the same thing
Just test rode an FZ6...
Fz6 handling advice??

If the steering head bearings are ok then perhaps it's particularly tyre sensitive? It may be worth checking rear sag as well (i.e. suspension preload); too little will decrease the effective rake angle and speed up steering/reduce stability, though the effects aren't normally that pronounced.
 
Just been reading on a few forums and it sounds like Yamaha really scrimped on the head bearings so I might just replace them and see if that helps.
 
Update.

I've had new head bearings fitted and new fork oil. Also double checked the tyre pressures and they're fine.

Still feels weird though. As I came into my street tonight I started to turn a bit and relaxed my grip on the bars and they continued to turn to full lock by themselves.

Any ideas?
 
i have exactly the same problem on my fzs600!!

it didnt use to be like that but past few weeks it seems to have become a lot lighter to turn.

My stepdad rode it the other day though and said it rid perfectly fine to him and there was no problem.

makes me wonder if i changed my riding style within a week!?!?
 
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