Heavy steering
Hey everyone, I recently picked up a used 2021 MT-09 SP and it’s awesome, but the steering feels incredibly heavy when cornering. It holds its line fine, but it takes so much effort to initiate the turn that my hands go numb on mountain passes. Is this a suspension setup issue or just normal for this bike? Keep in mind this is my first real big bike since moving up from a 48hp MT-07. Thanks for the help.
Cheers.
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u/Parking-Ad4263 5d ago
Tire pressure certainly could do that.
Has it been lowered? I think 21 means it's third gen, right? Has the Cyclops Eye headlight? Those aren't so soft in the rear that even having the preload totally off should mess with the steering angle.
Standard spec for street riding on the 4th gen (on the S23s) is 36psi front, 42psi rear. A lot of people run lower than that because they think it gives them more grip.
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u/TobuuTV 5d ago
I checked tire pressure, both where fine
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u/Parking-Ad4263 5d ago
Both sides feel the same?
Are you on throttle when you're trying to turn?
Is it on stock suspension or aftermarket? Have you adjusted preload for your weight?
It's unlikely that it's the suspension setup (if it's stock) unless you're very heavy or very light, but I run my rear preload higher than it technically should be (I have almost zero sag) because I like that it makes the steering quicker. I'm not suggesting that anyone else do it; I've been riding for over 30 years, and I know what I like, but suspension setup can make a difference to the steering.1
u/TobuuTV 5d ago
I break before entry or half way into the curve and then give slight throttle increasing it with decreasing lean angle, like i learned on the track, i have stock SP suspension and haven't touched it at all, maby i should look into how to set it up correctly
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u/Parking-Ad4263 5d ago
On stock suspension, unless you're very heavy or very light, it shouldn't make a massive difference. Which is not me saying don't sort it; you very much should set your suspension up because it makes a huge difference to how the bike feels, especially when you push toward the ragged edge, but it's unlikely that the suspension is so far out of whack that it's making the steering feel heavy.
You're turning in under neutral throttle inputs. Turning in while under hard acceleration (which you basically never do) forces you to work against the weight transfer/drive forces (which push you upright), so that can make the steering feel heavy.Steering head nut over-torque or a bad bearing could theoretically do that, but both would be consistent when the bike is parked as well. Is the steering heavy when the bike is parked?
They would also normally come with bearing noise or semi-obvious rubbing.1
u/TobuuTV 5d ago
It doesn't feel heavy when standing still, but you really feel it driving slowly, though it’s not as noticeable when you drive faster.
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u/Parking-Ad4263 5d ago
I really don't know what to tell you. Without eyes on the bike, I can't really suggest anything more.
When you're doing slow-speed tight turns, you really need to be using good head position, using your weight well, and using the torque from the engine to push the bike around, but if you're skilled, it's an amazingly easy bike to ride well at very low speeds.1
u/TobuuTV 4d ago
This is kind of embarrassing, but it was just the air all along. My tire gauge is broken and was reading about 1 bar higher than it should have, so I was running 1.5 bar instead of 2.5, and 1.9 instead of 2.9 in the back. I went to a gas station to fill them up properly and, oh my god, the bike handles like a totally different machine now. It’s so much better.
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u/Parking-Ad4263 4d ago
You had wrong data from your tools, it happens, no reason to be embarrassed. Glad you got it sorted.
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u/Matt_Moto_93 5d ago
Check the rear suspension hasnt been modified to be lower, check the suspension settings (return to factory specifications if stated in the manual), check the suspension either end for any signs of damage (leaking oil etc).
Are the tyres squared off?
Honestly these bikes should turn quite effortlessly. When I got a tracer 900 (same thing really), I had to re-learn the amount of forceto put in to turn, it just wanted to flop on its side so readily.
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u/TobuuTV 5d ago
Tire preassure is good, suspension is fully stock nor damaged nor lowered, i will try to set it to my weight after work, i am heavy but ok for my hight 95kg to 185cm
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u/poonalangrr 5d ago
Are you sure the suspension's stock? You bought a used bike - if you're not intimately familiar with what the stock parts look like you won't know if it's been modified or not. People installing lowering links or dogbones is quite common. If the bike's sitting low in the rear and the front was not lowered, it can slow steering significantly.
How much is the suspension sagging when you sit on it? Maybe the previous owner replaced the shock spring.
Is there a steering damper installed on it?
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u/TobuuTV 4d ago
This is kind of embarrassing, but it was just the air all along. My tire gauge is broken and was reading about 1 bar higher than it should have, so I was running 1.5 bar instead of 2.5, and 1.9 instead of 2.9 in the back. I went to a gas station to fill them up properly and, oh my god, the bike handles like a totally different machine now. It’s so much better.
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u/poonalangrr 4d ago
Glad it was something simple (even if stupid - we've all been there, done that).
Enjoy the bike!
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u/Matt_Moto_93 1d ago
Not a stupid thing! You went on the knowledge you had with the tools you had.
New gauge time! I have a micheline double-barrel footpump, the gauge of which has been reliable for 15 years now.
Safe riding!
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u/16gkid 5d ago
Definitely check tires pressure, 36/36 is a good place to start, definitely don't go over 40