AP1
Member
I want to see if my perception is normal for the steering feel of the NC700X, especially at slower speeds. Keep in mind my perspective is based on switching from a Honda XR250L. It's possible my perception is simply related to riding a street bike rather than a dual sport bike.
The perception --
In short, I was surprised by the how strongly the handlebar turns in toward the direction of the turn at low speeds. If I'm turning left, the handlebar wants to turn hard to the left. I need to push the handlebar the opposite direction with some force to keep it from just turning all the way in. I noticed this very quickly when I made my first 90-degree turn going just 5-10 MPH. I even notice it turning out of my driveway. I didn't feel any of that on my dual sport bike. And I don't feel as much of it on the NC at higher speeds (above 30 MPH).
My assumption is that this is the normal behavior of street bikes. The more I ride the NC, the more I notice I need to -actively- steer -- push with my hand in one direction or the other to compensate for the strong force of the handlebar turning in the direction of the corner. I can't just lean in to a corner the go through it with a neutral handlebar feel -- it definitely wants to turn in.
I'm totally familiar with leaning in the direction of a corner and even "countersteering" to change direction of a motorcycle. I did that on my XR for years. It's this new handlebar turning behavior that I'm not used to.
So, is this just normal street bike behavior?
Any tips for how to get more used to that behavior, assuming it is normal?
Thanks!
The perception --
In short, I was surprised by the how strongly the handlebar turns in toward the direction of the turn at low speeds. If I'm turning left, the handlebar wants to turn hard to the left. I need to push the handlebar the opposite direction with some force to keep it from just turning all the way in. I noticed this very quickly when I made my first 90-degree turn going just 5-10 MPH. I even notice it turning out of my driveway. I didn't feel any of that on my dual sport bike. And I don't feel as much of it on the NC at higher speeds (above 30 MPH).
My assumption is that this is the normal behavior of street bikes. The more I ride the NC, the more I notice I need to -actively- steer -- push with my hand in one direction or the other to compensate for the strong force of the handlebar turning in the direction of the corner. I can't just lean in to a corner the go through it with a neutral handlebar feel -- it definitely wants to turn in.
I'm totally familiar with leaning in the direction of a corner and even "countersteering" to change direction of a motorcycle. I did that on my XR for years. It's this new handlebar turning behavior that I'm not used to.
So, is this just normal street bike behavior?
Any tips for how to get more used to that behavior, assuming it is normal?
Thanks!