Motorcycle that guides when you let go of your hands, what to do?

The motorcycle is a machine that tends to go wrong, especially when it presents mechanical problems. In these cases, it is very likely that the two-wheeled machine will lose its balance at the level of the handlebars. If your motorbike puts you in such an embarrassment, it is necessary to quickly find a solution. It is particularly dangerous to ride a motorcycle that guides. The risk of accidents is very high. So does your motorcycle start to steer when you let go of your hands? Are you wondering where this problem comes from and especially how to solve it? Find, in this complete guide, all the useful information ... 

Guiding: what is it?  

The handlebars are often confused by motorcycle users by a darting or a shimmy. However, even if there are very close links between these three abnormal behaviors of two-wheeled vehicles, there are major differences to underline. In this regard, note that the guiding often intervenes in a situation of acceleration. This disturbance of the motorcycle is at the same time sudden, brutal and dangerous. It manifests itself in back and forth movements of the steering of the motorcycle and of the fork reacting from lock to lock. The rider may very well find himself thrown from the motorcycle when steering. On the other hand, swaying is less risky but a little inconvenient for the pilot. In this case, the handlebars will tend to oscillate sideways, even when you are at low speed. Finally, the shimmy is also a kind of guidance occurring in the deceleration phase. This disturbance of the motorcycle can also be violent for the driver. The elements involved are usually a worn tire or a capricious or blunt steering. 

Motorcycle that guides when you let go of your hands: for what reasons?  

When your motorcycle engages in the handlebars when you decide to rest your hands a little, note that the reasons can be many and varied. Slight vibrations from the motorcycle are not really an alarming situation. As a general rule, it is sufficient to put your hands back on the handlebars for the motorcycle to regain its balance. On the other hand, recurring steering, especially when you accelerate a little, can be fatal. It is necessary to quickly identify the causes, and by extension, to find solutions. It should be remembered that the causes of guidance when you are in free hands are probably related to the following problems:  

  • Too worn tires 
  • Tires without the right air pressure 
  • A faulty adjustment of your suspensions
  • Use of a slightly overloaded top case 
  • Too stiff a fork 
  • Lack of oil on the fork 
  • Use of poor quality oil 
  • Balance weights that wobble or jump 

All of these factors can explain the steering of your motorcycle when you decide to let go of your hands. It should be noted that some two-wheeled vehicles are more subject to this kind of disorder than others. Indeed, sports models with high engine torque, a rigid frame and a wheelbase that is too short, are more inclined to steer than other motorcycles. 

The motorcycle guides when you let go of your hands: what solutions should be recommended?

Need it be remembered, a motorcycle that guides quite often can be particularly dangerous for the rider. Indeed, it is important to find the appropriate solutions to be able to enjoy your machine while being safe. To do this, several tricks can be experimented with. The first goes without saying. It simply consists of putting your hands back on the handlebars of the motorcycle. Truth be told, management is not meant to be let go. The ideal would then be to hold it well when you are driving the motorcycle in particular at high speed. 

A second solution is to check the condition of your tires and their pressure. It is essential to change all tires experienced by the wear of asphalt. 

Third, you are advised to take a look at the stiffness of the steering and fork. To do this, all you need to do is change the oil in the fork. It is best to choose an oil recommended for your motorcycle model. Still for the handlebars, remember that by using a steering damper, you can allow the bike to regain balance and stability. However, this will have consequences on the agility of the machine. 

So, it is clear that by having small notions in mechanics, you can quickly forget the concern of steering your motorcycle. Otherwise, you are advised to call in mechanical experts who will be able to detect faults in the machine and quickly repair the abnormal behavior of the motorcycle. A regular visit to your garage will allow you to prevent any disturbances of your motorcycle. So, don't hesitate to do it periodically!