Z1000A1 = Death Handling :D

[JohnC]

OK. OK. So don't flame me, but it's been a while since I've had the Z on the road, and to me it's now handling worse than I can ever remember.

I ran a Buell 1125R for a year or so and perhaps that's skewed my views on how the old Z handled before.

I was in a nice smooth long sweeper at about 90 - 110 (futoomshes per hour) and the bike started really snaking all over the shop, much worse than I remembered it ever handled before. Thank fek for the steering damper turned up to near max.

The bke is standard apart from, JMC deep brace swinging arm, progressive front springs (15 weight oil), Konis at second from max and 3 on damping, OEM front guard (which I'm assuming is as good as a fork brace), no frame bracing.

Did I have mass rose tinted glebs on all these years ago

John

[Mark Tiller]

Tyres? sizes and pressures all OK?

[Pigford]

MAN UP lad

[mikey]

Ride my triumph speed triple round for a while then get on me Z
and it scares the crap out of me way it dont stop and wobbles round corners
but wouldnt change it for the world

[harri183]

My Z1000 goes round corners like its on rails but then it is a 2012 z1000. Joking aside my Z1 feels like a death trap after riding on something new nearly went into a field the other day cause I did not allow enough time to brake but would not change it for the world, its a mans bike.

[Z1parR]

It's just character John , plus fear factor increases each year

[andyb1962]

It's just character John , plus fear factor increases each year

They all do it!

[chrisu]

OK. OK. So don't flame me, but it's been a while since I've had the Z on the road, and to me it's now handling worse than I can ever remember.

I ran a Buell 1125R for a year or so and perhaps that's skewed my views on how the old Z handled before.

I was in a nice smooth long sweeper at about 90 - 110 (futoomshes per hour) and the bike started really snaking all over the shop, much worse than I remembered it ever handled before. Thank fek for the steering damper turned up to near max.

The bke is standard apart from, JMC deep brace swinging arm, progressive front springs (15 weight oil), Konis at second from max and 3 on damping, OEM front guard (which I'm assuming is as good as a fork brace), no frame bracing.

Did I have mass rose tinted glebs on all these years ago

John

modern tyres need a LOT more pressure than the old ones. If you use the standard settings they will be low.

if you're running BT45s or similar try 32/36.

[Garn 1]

JohnC, check bolts that secure OEM front guard are tight.
Check for play steering head... I don't think the Z1000-A1 had taper roller head-stock bearings, worth checking and fitting. Lastly, although you have a great JMC swing-arm they have bearings that need to be checked for play.
You scared me just reading the post.
RegardZ

[popsA1]

Back in the 80s I ran Pirelli Phantoms and Metzeler Perfects. They were great to start with but after about 1000 miles they would setup a wobble at 100+ that I didn’t have the balls to ride through. Today I’m on Avon Roadrider’s and the same thing is happening. Some non Z riders have suggested getting down on the tank to increase the weight on the front wheel, but I say bollocks to that, this is the first king of super bikes and I’ll ride like the majesty it deserves.
I’m of the opinion that the wider tyres and wider rims that I run are upsetting things as the contact patch at the back gets bigger. May be there is something in the tyre pressure remarks.

[jimmock]

Are your stabilisers set to the right height??

I ran a H***** CBR1000F for 3 years.
Went on the XS650 Special for the first time in 3 years to take it for MOT after I sold the H*****.

The XS felt really scary and inadequate until I got used to 70's shite again!!!

[JohnC]

Haha!! Stabilisers, new I was missing something

I guess I just need to man up

Thanks for the tips, I'll check everything and then try the same bend at 120 futoomshes

[kwaka]

I've had a similar problem on mine. At about 100 mph in a straight line it starts to sway slightly. A suspension expert told me it's most likely the rear wheel isn't in alignment and to check it with the front wheel by setting up some straight edges clamped to the rear wheel and running to the front wheel.

[andyb1962]

Thanks for the tips, I'll check everything and then try the same bend at 120 futoomshes

Steady on John we all know what happenened to a lot of bikers in the 70's!
I like to keep mine below the ton nowadays (less of a weave) and self preservation kicks in at my age. I only open it up on the straightest of roads with plenty of time for braking. My racing days are over more of a cruiser nowadays

[ADRIAN H]

The weather does not help. It seems to be a lot windier out there than it was even 10 years ago.

Check tyre pressures, shocks, and lastly bearings forvwheel, swing arm and steering head.