Forward Centrifugal Balance

Jfcroni

Jim
Joined
Mar 13, 2006
Messages
81
Location
Chicago Illinois
Ride
2005 Rocket III
OK... I don't know it that's what it's called... but has anyone figured out the reason the R3 leans/bias’ to the left when you try riding without your hands on the bars? On a recent 2300 mile trip, my friends with Harley's often rested their hands/arm by releasing the bars and hanging their arms for a few second/minutes (as I used to on my BMW, Honda, Kaw, and earlier Triumphs). Is there an R3 out there that can do that? I can do it, but it requires major weight distribution to the right. It just doesn’t feel right…
 
I do the arm stretching at least once an hour on long rides and have never noticed any discernable pull in either direction. do you have unbalanced bags or some other aftermarket item causing the pulling? I do recall on a previous bike that i would load the right bag with chaps, jacket, gloves etc... and would get a significant pull to that direction. The pull was minor until the tires had some miles on them and then the pull would increase as the tire would wear slightly uneven.
 
You might not be in middle of the seat. Just a thought. The asymmetry of the bear claw could be causing you to sit a little off centre. Just double check where your arse is (use both hands if you need to ) and legs before you go into too much technical diagnosis.
 
It's funny, I noticed the exact same thing. I tried moving to the right more on the seat and it didn't seem to change at all. I was thinking it had to do with my sitting posture, my right hip is up higher then my left when I am on a chair, which if done on the bike could cause the issue. Once I start hitting the gym and building my back up it will have better alignment and left tendency might go away..
 
On our ST1300's we found it to be the shaft drive. The shaft drive on the ST1300 is on the right and the bike will pull right if you take your hands off the bars. On the R3 the shaft drive is on the left and yes, I feel it also. Now why it does it, I don't know.

On the ST forums there was a big debate on why the bikes pulled to the right. Some thought it was the front tire being installed wrong. That was proven wrong. So who knows why the bikes pull to the left. But they do.
 
I have had the same problem recently. Today, when I went to get groceries I put all the goods in the right saddlebag. Problem solved.

Speaking of saddlebags, let me put a plug in here for Leatherlyke. I ordered new locks on August 4th and received them today, August 8th. Dang, that was fast, especially since they advise on the website to wait 3 weeks before shipping. The leatherlykes don't look nearly as good as the corbin's, but they are functional and you can drop the bike on them without damage, I should know, I have done it three times.
 
Mine never pulls unless the crown of the road tilts that direction, since the darkside move it follows ruts in the road at low speed more but still stays straight on the highway.
 
Some Captains have reported this issue after having the front dresser (crash) bars installed. Somehow the frame gets out of alignment if you are not careful.

Perhaps you should loosen the front motor mount, turn the handlebars one way and re-tighten the motor mount to the correct torque specs. If it gets better then you're done. If it gets worse, try again but turn the bars the other direction.
 
Try shifting "Dad and the boys" over to the right side...works for me.
 
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