Does the 748R Steer Faster Than the Other 748/9** Bikes?
 

As the title says.

With all my previous 748/9** series bikes, I've had to change the steering head angle to "race" in order to get them to steer a bit quicker. However, even with the head angle set to "road/normal" the 748R feels a lot quicker steering than an unaltered 748BP or 996S (although probably not as "pointy" as they did when the head angle was set to "race").

Perhaps it's the lighter wheels or even the Ohlins forks? Or perhaps my bike has been set-up by its previous owner with a bit more ride-height?

Have any other 748R owners noticed this, or is it just my imagination?

Check the rear ride height, have raised mine a couple of turns, this helps a lot. Also change the front tyre from 60 to 70 profile. Would recommend at least +3 on the rear sprocket, this requires longer chain but is worth it, im on +4 now.

It's definitely a 70 profile tyre.

I can't check the ride-height at the moment because the bike is away having the alarm replaced under warranty.

Does the +3 rear sprocket also raise the ride-height (something to do with the eccentric hub perhaps?), or are you just greedy for acceleration? :

Yes it does adjust rear ride height, have see 170 on the clock with +3 !!!

You naughty boy. :cool:

I was behind you !!! :eek: but closing in very quickly :D

If you jack the rear up they do turn much faster.
They will also turn faster if the front is soft and you are large ;)

Yes, but I'm wondering if it's been set up to steer quicker (eg: by raising the rear), or whether "R"s are just a bit more nimble due to their lighter wheels and different suspenders.

If anything, I actually thought the front felt a bit stiff, but then again, I was riding on some exceptionally cracked and potholed roads today.

And you can still touch the ground!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.................supprising!

KPH ?

I've known of well sorted R's hitting that and it being verified. This is on std gearing mind.

No, its not your imagination, my 2002 R as standard felt much quicker in direction changes with easier turn in than a BiP but never felt quite as 'planted' with the 60 profile front tyre.

I put it down to the lighter wheels, discs and tyre profile, brilliant bike all round though:) :)

Amnesia, Alzheimers, or senility...... ???

:D

Mine's up a couple of turns...... and staying there because it's seized......


And no, I can't touch the ground........ :(

I've been on TD's with an ex-racer mate who has a 748R, with me running my 600SS DD bike, and he has on more than one occasion noted how much faster my DD bike turns in than his R does.
Lighter wheels will not make as much difference as jacking the rear up an inch and dropping the front an inch.
I remember trying my 748 with the rear jacked to the max before it felt too much.