KLR weaves with TKC's

[bikerdrummer]

Just put a set of TKC 80's on my 2008 KLR 650, and the bike weaves at 125km/h on up. Tire pressures set according to Conti (26/32), rear wheel aligned, suspension set up properly. Bike didn't exhibit this behaviour with stock tires (rear nearly worn out) that I did 2400KM with a couple of weeks ago. Suggestions? I have about 300KM on the tires already, and it doesn't seem as bad as it was...thanks!

[Mickey D]

This is typical behavior with the TKC's in my experience. I've had them on two bikes. When new, they tend to weave around a bit. The good news is ... it doesn't seem to go into a full blown tank slapper if you go faster. As they wear down the weave subsides, but may never go away completely.

Tips:
hold bars gently ... don't death grip them. Relax.

I agree with your tire pressures. Start tipping them into corners a bit and get used to them. They are remarkably good on pavement ... but will take you a while to believe this. So relax and try to break them in a bit more in the corners. They should settle down.

(do you have corners in Canada? I didn't see many!) Our old California roads built in the Great Depression are nothing BUT corners!

Good luck, have fun.

[bikerdrummer]

Originally Posted by Mickey D

This is typical behavior with the TKC's in my experience. I've had them on two bikes. When new, they tend to weave around a bit. The good news is ... it doesn't seem to go into a full blown tank slapper if you go faster. As they wear down the weave subsides, but may never go away completely.

Tips:
hold bars gently ... don't death grip them. Relax.

I agree with your tire pressures. Start tipping them into corners a bit and get used to them. They are remarkably good on pavement ... but will take you a while to believe this. So relax and try to break them in a bit more in the corners. They should settle down.

(do you have corners in Canada? I didn't see many!) Our old California roads built in the Great Depression are nothing BUT corners!

Good luck, have fun.

Thanks Mickey - had TKC's on my VStrom, too - I'm guessing it's the 21" wheel that makes the bike wander a bit. Lots of corners in Canada - some great roads in SE British Columbia. But I've heard lots about CA - have to come down and see for myself, I guess!