2011 f650 pulls to the left

Discussion in 'Parallel Universe' started by glitterpants, Aug 13, 2012.

  1. glitterpants

    glitterpants n00b

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2012
    Oddometer:
    1
    Hello,

    Has anybody else noticed if you remove your hands form the handle bars (regardless of how fast you are going) the bike pulls to the left? I have tried changing seating positions and I have to put quite a bit more weight on the right side to true the bike up. Bike has never been dropped, tire pressure is in spec. I took it to the dealer and was told this is normal. Is it??

    Thanks
    #1
  2. markymcd

    markymcd Been here awhile

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2008
    Oddometer:
    927
    Location:
    Vancouver, BC, Canada
    mine's always pulled a bit to the left. even after I replace the 200 lb. stock exhaust.
    #2
  3. GH41

    GH41 Been here awhile

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2011
    Oddometer:
    822
    Is your left nut bigger than the right?? All jokes aside- Let go of the bars and look to the right. I'll bet ot pulls to the right. GH
    #3
  4. Mollygrubber

    Mollygrubber Eschew obfuscation

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2010
    Oddometer:
    1,677
    Location:
    Vancouver, BC
    Make sure the rear wheel is aligned properly - the hash marks for the axle adjusters may not be exactly right.
    #4
  5. dvfisher

    dvfisher Adventurer

    Joined:
    May 7, 2012
    Oddometer:
    55
    Location:
    Valcartier,QC, Canada
    My bike also pulls to the left when I let go of the handlebars. I don't find it a big deal though, I just keep my hand on the bars. :nod
    #5
  6. Krakatoa

    Krakatoa Waiting...

    Joined:
    May 5, 2012
    Oddometer:
    80
    Location:
    Phoenix, AZ, USA
    Yes, my '12 F650GS pulls to the left. With two hands it is not that noticeable, but with just the throttle hand it is very noticeable. I have to keep a constant forward pressure in order to stay straight, otherwise the bike will veer to the left. I think it is dangerous as I can see the bike crossing to the left and hitting on coming traffic. I checked the rear wheel alignment and it is fine. I was thinking of taking it to the dealer, but think they will do nothing to fix it.

    If you find a solution please let me know.
    #6
  7. OCDKen

    OCDKen Adventurer

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2011
    Oddometer:
    28
    Location:
    1 hr WNW of Los Angeles, CA
    I had the same problem with my 2009 F650GS <label for="rb_iconid_29">[​IMG]</label>. Pulled left like mad when I took hands off bars [​IMG]. Eventually figured out that <label for="rb_iconid_24">[​IMG]</label> Mollygrubber is right! <label for="rb_iconid_24">[​IMG]</label> The chain alignment blocks on the axle are not aligned with each other [​IMG]. When adjusting to these marks, the rear wheel is not necessarily pointed straight at the front tire [​IMG]. How do I know? I got a http://www.solomotoparts.com/Motion-Pro-Chain-Alignment-Tool/ . This gizmo clamps onto the rear sprocket and gives you a visual alignment of where the sprocket is pointing in relation to where the chain is going (a bar extending from the clamp in the direction of the chain). <label for="rb_iconid_24">[​IMG]</label> When you get the bar parallel to the chain, you can take your hands off the bars much easier [​IMG]. You will also notice that the alignment blocks now tell you that your alignment is wrong [​IMG]... Note that you are aligning the rear sprocket to the chain, not the rear wheel to the front wheel (which is the correct way to align the tires, duh [​IMG]). Good Luck.
    #7