Street Twin Steering

Extract from the MCN review of the Street Twin:

The Triumph has an 18” front wheel for retro looks, which takes a bit of getting used to after 17-inchers, so the front end needs more muscle to get into a corner, but once you’re in and powering through, the Street Twin is completely stable.

Link to the review:

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/triumph/street-twin/2016/

 

When entering moderate or fast corners, do you counter-steer or body-steer? More counter-steering is probably needed with that 18" wheel than needed on a 17"

 

You said your body stays in-line with the bike. I think that's ok.

How about leading with your head? While still on a straight line, you can move your head towards the direction of the turn, and line it up so it's on the same vertical plane as the side mirror. Keep it there until you begin to exit the turn. I think this can help naturally counter-steer the bike. The initial negative side-effect is that the bike turns earlier than intended. But it gets better with practice.

 

Far be it from me as a Newbie to this forum to start to interject but this sounds like a counter-steering issue. Try consciously counter-steering and see if that helps.

 

I know it's only done 2500 miles, but have the tyres been squared off?

I bought a gixxer with a set of part worn bt23 Bridgestone tyres, didn't look that worn or squared but bike wouldn't turn in and then got to a point where it dropped so quick, it scared me!!!

I swapped tyres and handling changed completely.

OE tyres are never the best, might be worth a change for some new rubber.

Have you checked head bearings? Could also cause similar symptoms. Make sure everything is moving as it should be.

 

I have a new Street Twin and find it very easy to ride (and turn). I used to have a heavy cruiser and the lighter Twin did take a bit of getting used to. perfectly normal. But within 500 miles or so of riding it became very easy. I practiced slow tight turns, lean angle capability at speed, etc, all to 'learn' the new bike.

Be patient. It just sounds like you need to give it time as it is a new bike to you.

 

Tony
I had exactly the same with my sprint and about the same miles. I changed all the suspension but it still rode wide. I ended up binning it over on the Isle of man when my son said Dad you got a flat spot on the front tyre. I took it to a dealer over there had it repaired and new Avon's fitted it totally changed the bike and it just loved corners I hadn't even noticed the flat spot and didn't think it was enough to worry about but it was.
Ride Safe.
Joe.

 

Tony.
Not sure on your bike but I changed to Avon's but not sure now but I thought my sprint had a 19 front but as I say not to sure now. There is a company called back to black who supply a lot of the race tyres and they are real friendly people worth finding their number and having a chat with them. Plus I believe Avon have a department for advice.
Ride Sae.
Joe.

 

Customer advice at Avon is seconds to none. Really helpful and the guy knows his stuff.

 

MrOrange
My Sprint had about 3000 on the clock. and the tyres were just squared in the centre just enough to let the bike drift in corners. As someone said earlier Triumph release a model choose a tyre supplier and then get well inferior quality. Also if the bike has been used mostly for motorways then they square of quite quickly. But like the earlier advice talk to Avon won't hurt and you don't have to take their advice just listen.
Ride Safe.
Joe.

 

The Michelin Pilot Activ front tyre in 100/90 18 will provide a much sharper steering input. I have the equivalent size on my T100 and it has a noticeably more triangular profile than the Metzeler it replaced with sharper steering and more accurate tracking over road imperfections. I have also been very happy with its rear equivalent (with a more roll around profile) for both wet grip and longevity.

The counter steer stuff is immaterial. That is about moving your headstock inside your turn radius to initiate a turn and, once achieved, has no bearing on the arc of turn you then describe.

 

Yeah, if the front tire is worn in the middle, then that should be addressed. We rely on our front tire so much when turning. It's also good to monitor that tire pressure is within the manufacturer's suggested psi range.

Good luck, Tony. Let us know what tire you switch to.

 

IMO defo sounds like a tyre issue. Renew them & start smiling when riding again. There is little point in riding if your confidence is compromised when cornering, eventually you will end up hurting yourself.

 

Tony, perhaps you can post photos of the tire?

 

Tony.
Take your bike to one of the race boys get them to look it over ans set it up for the type of riding you want to do. Better than hurting or dissapointing youself.
Have a good holiday
Joe.

 

Cheaper to chuck a couple of tyres at it (keep the old ones)
If that doesn't work, then move to next level