Turning radius

[adv rider]

I have an issue that has bothered me since I bought my bike. It doesn't have a good turn radius, Riding single track w/ switchbacks is difficult. I have to take the far outside edge, and barely make it without going off the trail.
How much are you guys dropping the forks in the clamps? or what is your sag setting? I dealt with it, but after riding a new 300 xc-w- which turns amazing! I need to get it to turn like the pumpkin.

Admittedly , the gasser is more stabil at speed. But I mainly ride single track. The 11' 250 I had turned well, whats up with these? The forks hit the radiators, so I am not sure what else to do. Any advice appreciated.


12' xc300

 

[hamilton]

I feel your pain, you will never match the turn radius of the ktm.
I modified the steering stop bolts until the forks all but touch the frame.
The forks should clear the radiators unless your guards are in the way.

 

[VxZeroKnots]

I learned pivot turns.

 

[adv rider]

Turning

I modified the steering stop bolts until the forks all but touch the frame.
The forks should clear the radiators unless your guards are in the way.[/QUOTE]
I removed the washers on the stops, forks now hit guards. I am hoping I can pull them back a bit somehow. And maybe lower the forks another couple mm.

 

[adv rider]

turning

I learned pivot turns.

That would be good if I wasn't 5'5" and my feet are 6" from the ground.

 

[swazi_matt]

That would be good if I wasn't 5'5" and my feet are 6" from the ground.

No excuse, I've seen this guy called graham do them with his feet on the pegs ;-)

 

[Jakobi]

I'm short and ride tight singles all the time. Depending on the particular fork, I've dropped them through the triples with as much as 9mm above the top clamp.

At the moment I'm running some KYBs with reduced offset. I don't think it particularly helps as they also feel a bit heavier (take more effort to instigate a turn).

Apart from lowering the front, you could try raising the rear. 2012+ chasis responds well to approx. 98mm sag.

I simply set up for the corners. Use brakes or power or both to position the bike where you want. Rear brake sets the back end nicely. A good handful of front brake can make it dive a little to tighten up. Lean it over and slip the clutch and she'll scoot across. To be honest, I probably encounter more issues with the bar ends contacting tight trees (being wide across) than I do due to the bike not turning where I need it to.

 

[adv rider]

Turning

I'm short and ride tight singles all the time. Depending on the particular fork, I've dropped them through the triples with as much as 9mm above the top clamp.

At the moment I'm running some KYBs with reduced offset. I don't think it particularly helps as they also feel a bit heavier (take more effort to instigate a turn).

Apart from lowering the front, you could try raising the rear. 2012+ chasis responds well to approx. 98mm sag.

I ride tight singles mainly, the only time I think about the turning is on 180d turns. I am going to tighten up the sag, and see how it feels. The bike is fine everywhere else, but I would really like it to turn tighter also.

 

[Jakobi]

You may find pulling a link from the chain and moving the axle forward in the blocks helps as well.

 

[adv rider]

turning

You may find pulling a link from the chain and moving the axle forward in the blocks helps as well.

I also noticed that my chain/sprockets were needing replacement, and that the wheel was adjusted way back. So I now have new chain/sprockets,and will set it up forward in the swingarm. Wont be riding until next week, to find out how it turns.

 

[adv rider]

Turning radious

Replaced my chain/sprockets, new Pirelli trials tire. wheell is as far forward as possible- the trials tire shredded my shock mud guard. I also added a few turns of preload to the shock- didn't measure the sag yet.

The bike felt great for my first time back on it, after riding a new 300 xc-w for 4 mths. The suspension felt good, engine great, Handelled the moto section great. I only missed the electric start. I think the taller trials tire also helped the turning. I plan to measure the sag before the next event.