87 balance

[Charles S Otwell]

I posted this question on listserve but I'm not sure I made my self clear. I'm buying a 1987 Magna ,when I went to try it out I noticed that the front end seemed heavier. Let me try to explain without sounding dumb, notice I said try. When I'm setting still or barely moving on the 82 the complete turning radius is the same. When on the 87 as soon as I turn the front wheel past center it becomes heavy feeling or hard to turn .The bike runs out great, I love the way it looks and I'll ride it this way if its normal. I just can't imagine there being that much difference. Can anyone shed some light on the subject?



Charles

[Greg Cothern]

I am not totally understanding what you are saying, but I think what you are saying is that when it starts to lean it the turn in gets faster or increases.  
This could be caused by improper tire inflation, too narrow tires, front fork springs wornout and flat (meaning they have settled and it is lower in the front than the rear).  Of course a top heavy bike will do this also, but I dont consider the Super Magna a top heavy bike especially compared to the vintage Magna.  
Tires make a huge difference, old hard compound tires do not feel good at all when compared to nice quality tires.
If you want Charles you can ride my Super to get a feel for how they ride to see if there is something strange with the acquisition?  Oh by the way I am extremely jealous, LoL.

[Curtis_Valk]

I have no experience with either of your model bikes, but it could be something as innocuous as differences in rake and trail or it could be something serious like steering head bearings.............or it could be something in between (I'm not helping much am I? LOL).

Curtis

[roboto65]

I hate to say it but have checked the cables to make sure they are run properly

[Charles S Otwell]

Thanks to all for your help. I think Curtis (not helping much,, with no experience)    may have hit the nail on the head. The bike did feel heavier and now that I think of it , it felt like I was riding a chopper with extended forks. I would like to persue this possibility does antone have the, factory specs, net weight , rake and trail of the 87? I would like to compare it to the actual bike specs. I've looked at the web page with specs and the only one they give is the third gen.  Thanks again.



Charles
#279

[Greg Cothern]

Charles on the MOOT main page you can click on the PIC of the Supers and will take you to the specs page.  
Hope this helps.

[roboto65]

well a goodway to check the bearings is to roll it to a wall or have a friend sit on it and move the wheel front to back if she moves alot time for new bearings anyhow bunch of good guys on here will surely figure it out!!!!