Motorcycle Repair: Steering 2005 Yamaha R1, dot tires, nut torque

Question
Hello, I have a 2005 yamaha R1 with 2k on the odometer. My issue is that when I steer it in either direction at low speed I can tuely wear myself out as the steering seems so hard, if im at a stop and check the steering its not so bad and was assuming it was maybe the steering head first then maybe the damper but neither that I can see... they seem pretty free but if you take off and make enough low to mid speed dips in the coners , to pull the bike back up into a normal position is like a constant fight almost as if once the wheels pointed left or right its seriously fighting me to come back to a straight line, I even went to cwaping out my fork oil to a higher viscosity just to keep the forks from dipping but still a pain to steer. Any ideas? Maybe my steering head is messed up? Im out of idea, iv e adjusted my preload and every other adjustment to max just to keep the bike from moving and it still does it... ? Thanks I appreciate any help

Answer
Hi,

Several things come to mind about your problem.

Are you running triangle slicks or worn DOT tires?

Running OEM rear shock or custom?

Has the steering geometry been changed or front end been serviced other than the suspension fluids?

With the front end raised, soes the steering smoothly track from lock to lock almost effortlessly as if falling from center, to lock once in motion? If not, check stem nut torque. Adjust accordingly. Check stem bearings and races for evidence of wear.

What is your riding position while cornering? Are you shifting your weight (hanging off) during cornering?

When cornering speeds are low, countersteering may seem sluggish and more difficult to perform. The gyroscopic effect will naturally cause fatigue to overcome the weight/force differences at lower speeds.

Check out Keith Code's publications:

A Twist of the Wrist i and II (The Soft Science of Roadracing). The books may help you with tuning and ridng. The R1 is a great handling MC.

Hard to troubleshoot these kinds of problems without being there and experiencing it.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively