79 kz1300 - handling issues

hello everyone, just signed up so new member.

i have a 79 kz1300 - stock standard.

last time i rode it 3 months ago....perfect.
next time i ride it yesterday, felt like as if it wantws to fall over into a corner especially at low speeds, with handling virtually unridable.

its that bad that i first thought it was a flat tyre.
i checked pressures...all good.
both tyre treads front and back 80% good.
not the wheel bearings - not the steering head bearings.
front forks semm ok, rear shocks good....

what could be the problem or has someone had a similar thing happen?

Swing-Arm Bearings ?

Hi,

As its an early KZ1300 it will have Air Front Forks, but they are not linked, so the pressure can differ in each leg.
This would cause the handling issues you have if they have different pressures.
If you have not put air in them before, then please be very careful and refer to the workshop manual for pressures etc, as its very easy to blow the fork oil seals if too much pressure is put into them.

Pete F
UK

i havent yet checked the iar to the forks, but that makes sense.....
the manual says mx 35psi...
whats the norm in air pressure to these?

air fork pressure is something i havent checked....makes sense.
i have read the manual and it says 35psi max...whats the norm?

I would start at just getting equal pressures in both forks, which is a real "art" in itself and the reason the went on to fit balanced forks on later models !

I use a Mountain Bike Fork Inflator which is much more sensative and better for lower pressures and does not loose pressure when you release the valve fitting from the valve itself.

Start at 20 to 25 psi to begin with and see if that helps the handling and go from there ?

Pete F
UK