XJ650 Handling Issues

Hi All,
I have an 82 XJ650. I had some handling issues in the turns and corners. I replaced the steering head bearings and thought I had it fixed. At least mostly it was fixed. The front forks seemed a bit rough so I paid the local shop to change out the fluid and look them over. Since getting it back it has gotten really bad in the turns. I'm going to attempt to describe it........

Slow speed turns (under 45Mph) I can nearly drag the pegs and she feels ok. High speed turns, (anything over 45) if I begin to put any lean into it she starts to fishtail and porpoise. It's kind of a swirling motion that if I stayed in I would surely loose control. It doesn't even need to be an overly aggressive lean just higher speeds. The more aggressive the lean the more intense the swirling motion.

I have done all the obvious....checked the tires, tire pressure, steering bearing, etc. Any ideas???

 

Check the frame for cracks, look real good at the area around the side kick stand (known problem area on these bikes) I have an 82 with a busted frame in that area tube rusted from inside out so it looked fine until it just leaned over on the side stand one day at first thought someone had knocked the bike over, look at the whole frame pull the seat, gas tank, side covers and use a bright light and a rag to wipe off places encrusted with dirt, check motor mount bolts, check axles and their pinch bolts front and rear, wheel bearings, swing arm bearings, shocks, feel the tires for cupping dont just look at them feel them, check wheels for missing wheel weights and check the wheel balance. What tires are you running how old are they? Check out the kois problem I know its not the same bike as yours but just goes to show you shit happens http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=3 ... frame.html

 

Sounds to me like your rear shocks are gone. That, and/or the swingarm bushings may need to be checked, but what you're describing is a classic symptom of completely dead rear shocks.

 

Thanks Guys.
I suspected the rear shocks. That's kind of what it feels like. I did adjust them tighter....and it seemed to make it worse. That was why I ruled out the shocks. Thoughts?

I'll also check the frame as you suggest Waldo. I have given the bike a real good cleaning ALL OVER. I didn't check the frame for cracks but as thorough as my cleaning job was I would guess I would have seen it.

 

When you "adjusted them tighter" all you did was increase the preload on the springs.

It's highly likely they have no damping action left; that is what causes the symptoms you describe.

Remove one and remove its spring. "Work" the shock by hand and I'll bet you'll discover the rod just flops back and forth with little or no resistance.

The original KYB shocks on these bikes rarely lasted more than 6000~8000 miles; how many miles on your bike?

 

I'll check it out..........6-8K.. hah! Mine has 30,000 on it. Probably shot.