Strange and aggravating problem

Ironhead

Too supple for prison.
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Fort Worth, Texas
During the final couple of miles of the ride before last my bike developed a bizarre quirk: it acted like it really wanted to slide out from underneath me during low gear changes, corners, and especially when braking. I was close to home so I didn’t stop but when I got there I definitely expected to find the rear tire coated in oil, (which happened to me once before on another bike), but everything seemed perfect. Everything tight, brakes normal, healthy looking and clean tire tread, etc. I dismissed it as my imagination but on the very next ride, after about 25 minutes in 75F weather, the exact same thing happened - and quickly. The bike went from predictable and stable to suddenly squirming all over the damn road as I pulled to a stoplight. It no longer wanted to track properly. It was as if I was riding on ice. Really fekking unnerving. I limped it home and again I could find nothing obviously wrong.


Here’s what’s so:
• First thing I did after it cooled off from the first ride was to check the tire pressure - front and back. Dead on perfect but I let out a few pounds from each tire anyway, thinking it might help.
• I don’t think that at any time the rear tire actually spun on the pavement. More like it slid a little, or wanted to slide.
• Yes, the bike has been lowered. 1.5” front and rear but it’s been lowered for months without trouble, and again, this apparently only happens after it’s thoroughly warm.
• Tires are tubeless.
• I was riding alone both times so no one was able to follow and observe or ride it themselves.

I have asked a few other riders for their theories and at this point I’ve heard ONE that I think might have some merit. I will avoid mentioning that theory here, so as not to bias the community towards it.

Please… PLEASE gimme your thoughts.
 
Thanks Paul, but the brakes appear to be functioning perfectly and the tires seem to be in great shape. 8 out of 10 - at least. What makes this so frustrating is that everything passes visual inspection without any problem.
 
Swing arm bushing have play or rear wheel bearings are bad chain to tight or binding. Just a few things I would look at.
 
sounds like you have old tires. they should only last 5 years before they become brittle, regardless of tread. There should be a manufacturers date in the side wall somewhere.
 
Thanks all for your excellent insight. I hadn’t considered excessive play in the swingarm but I think I’m going to have to lay the blame on the tires. The tread is great and although they’re not particularly old, they’re not fresh either. (almost 4.5 yrs.) The theory that the most gifted mechanic I know immediately threw out was that I broke one of the belts inside the tire. (This shouldn’t surprise me with all the speed bumps and pot holes around here.) I like this theory because it explains why I can’t *see* anything wrong and why the issue doesn’t show up until the bike and tires are good and warm. The rubber heats up and expands so the gap in the broken belt increases and becomes noticeable, etc. I guess it’s time to do some tire shopping! Thanks again.
 
Thanks all for your excellent insight. I hadn’t considered excessive play in the swingarm but I think I’m going to have to lay the blame on the tires. The tread is great and although they’re not particularly old, they’re not fresh either. (almost 4.5 yrs.) The theory that the most gifted mechanic I know immediately threw out was that I broke one of the belts inside the tire. (This shouldn’t surprise me with all the speed bumps and pot holes around here.) I like this theory because it explains why I can’t *see* anything wrong and why the issue doesn’t show up until the bike and tires are good and warm. The rubber heats up and expands so the gap in the broken belt increases and becomes noticeable, etc. I guess it’s time to do some tire shopping! Thanks again.

I have alot of bumpy roads where I live at also.My tread on my tires is good but the front tire is on its way due to dry rot on the side.Im not going to worry about it for the moment I got 1 more day to get a ride in and its goes into storage for the winter.
 
Ironhead.... did you get new tires and did they help? I am having a similar issue.

Unfortunately, a major financial disaster hit me right about the time this issue came up so the bike has been in dry dock with the old tires still on. Fortunately, in three weeks I'll be over this hurdle and a set of new tires is high on my list. Sorry I have no report.
 
I take it the chain is fine? I have issues with my tire alignment do dad's (thing a ma jiggie) coming loose.

Good luck
 
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