Yamaha TRX850 Enthusiasts Forum

Now, when i got my TRX, my Father test rode it and noted that it didnt seem to steer all that well. Unusual considering everything i have read clearly states they handle quite well...so story goes the fella dropped it at a roundabout and some small scratches here and there and no real other damage. I guess i just rode it so much since then that i never really noticed it, except recently when i had been riding with some friends on much newer sports bikes and starting giving the TRX a bit of a hard time through the pass and it did come to my attention.
I also recently purchased a 98 R1, and after riding that around for a month or two, then jumping back on the TRX, yep, the old man was right and i could hardly turn through a corner down the road!
I have looked at the alignment of the wheels using a string line, and checked the chain adjustment markers, the level of the forks through the triples are exaclty the same, are pressures fine in the tyres and i cant think of too much else that it could be.....perhaps the forks are twisted, or frame twisted???
Any suggestions???
Also something to note, i had a ABM comfort kit on the bike for a while too with flat bars and steering was never an issue...
It really makes me wonder!

its very unlikely to be the frame
normally forks or bent bottom yoke

to check the forks, remove the front wheel and take them out the yokes
lay them stantion to station (top & tail) and slowly rotate 1 at a time, any gap appearing in the middle or at 1 end and they are bent
it doesnt take much to bend these forks

if they are bent you may find the wheels line up when static, but put some rider weight on them and then its all outta shape

check the steering head bearings for wear, that can cause a wobble
as can a worn tyre, espcially if its been ridden by a roundabout lover (always turning 1 way )

had the tyres and wheels balanced?
checked the wheel bearings?

Is it a 'wobble' like in your title, or is it difficult to turn i.e stiff?

I'd check the head bearings first. Check the collars not been over-tightened on them first cos you can do that without stripping the front end out, then strip the front end out and check the bearings themselves, and while you're there, check the forks and wheel bearings etc for allignment/wear, like Tony sez.

When you're sliding out the forks, you'll probably be able to check the bottom yoke too how it lines up with the top one.

Regrease everything before re-assembly obviously

Could also be the collar on the bearings is too loose, so the steerign stem isnt in the middle of the frame hole, giving the bike a bit of a 'chopper' type geometry.

Are the forks through the top yoke anout 20mm plus? If for instance they are flush with the top yoke, this would give the same 'chopper' type geometry and slow down the steeting.

The amount of extra leverage you'd get from streetfighter bars compared to clip-ons is considerable, plus your weight is further back off the front end.

Still got the std progressive springs??? after riding something with sports suspension as such as std and I remember before I replaced the std progressive trx springs when I began to push it it really didn't want to turn, and found those wobbles would give me the SHITS too

Ok, thanks for the info guys....i do have a bit to look at then.
The tyres are relatively new and were balanced when fitted (Bridgestone BT020's) and i have had the forks out but didnt inspect them in the manner you mentioned, i will definately try that.
I'll check the bottom yoke too, cos havin gthe streetfigher bars on resulted in alot of one wheel work and i guess it did come down a ittle hard on occasion.
Thanks again i'll check that stuff out over the next week and let you know what happens!

for round $200 it well worth the money investing in a set of decent front springs ,you'll notice the difference straight away..