Why is your motorcycle steering when decelerating?

The handlebars are a devastating disorder of the motorcycle which generally catches the driver off guard. Two-wheeled vehicles steer particularly when they are in a phase of sharp acceleration. But, it can also happen that your motorcycle guides when decelerating. In any case, it is preferable to quickly find the elements in question and to repair them. Since then, has your motorcycle started to guide when decelerating? Are you wondering why your machine behaves like this? Are you a little lost? Don't panic, in the following lines you will find all the useful answers ... 

Guiding, shimmy, darting: terms too often confused 

Motorcycle riders very often misuse the meaning of the term handlebar. It can happen that the steering they complain about is nothing more than a shimmy or even a darting. It is also possible that you are only confronted with simple vibrations of the motorcycle. What you can quickly forget by putting your hands on the steering. You should know that of these three motorcycle malfunctions, the handlebars are by far the most brutal. Its violence can throw off the driver due to its unpredictability. It occurs most of the time in the acceleration phase, in particular when the rear tire receives a shock affecting the steering of the motorcycle. Darting, on the other hand, corresponds to lateral movements of the steering of your motorcycle. Note that steering can also occur when your motorcycle is decelerating. This is the shimmy. It is a sudden movement of the machine that occurs when the motorcycle returns to its gravity balance. To learn more about the differences between steering, darting and shimmy, please follow this link.  

My motorcycle guides when decelerating: the possible reasons

A motorbike can experience a disturbance materialized by a handlebar for very heterogeneous reasons. Whether you are accelerating or decelerating, the steering of your machine may start to wobble. It is worth enumerating a few of them.

The state of the road   

The first explanatory element of such a situation relates to the quality of the surface of the road on which you are driving. Indeed, the state of the road will have repercussions on the direction of the motorcycle. 

Tire condition 

A second explanatory element is to be found on the condition of the wheels of the motorcycle. In truth, motorcycles with worn or poorly inflated tires, suffering from wheel balancing, poorly tightened spokes, are very prone to handlebar deceleration. It is therefore essential that all the components of the wheels of the motorcycle are in perfect condition. 

Suspensions in delicacy 

A third explanatory element is found in the suspensions of the motorcycle. Indeed, when the suspensions are badly adjusted or deficient, this can have an impact on your handling. This will inevitably lead your motorcycle to steer.

Defective forks and overloaded top case 

In addition, the structure of the fork may explain the handlebars of the motorcycle when you decide to lift your foot a little. It will especially be necessary to be particularly attentive to the quality of the oil but also to the level of air in the tubes.

You should also know that the loads contained in the rear of the motorcycle (Top-case for example) can have a strong impact on its handlebars. 

Finally, it should be noted that some motorcycles have more predispositions than others to indulge in handlebars. Indeed, sportswomen have a greater tendency to guide than other two-wheeled vehicles. It is therefore recommended that you take extra care when riding a sports motorcycle. Find, here, a detailed inventory of all the causes of a motorcycle's steering when decelerating. 

My motorcycle guides when decelerating: possible solutions 

A problem with the handling of the motorcycle, whether it occurs during acceleration or deceleration, must be repaired quickly. Indeed, it would be putting oneself in danger to adapt to a motorcycle that guides regularly. The tips to take into account to solve the problem of guidance are diverse and varied. Moreover, with small predispositions to DIY, you yourself can solve the problem of steering your two-wheeled machine. Having said that, one of the first tips you will get is to check the appearance of your tires. In addition, it is necessary to inspect the condition of your suspensions. It is also imperative to use a high quality oil and especially recommended for your motorcycle. It should also be noted that the steering damper would be a great way to prevent steering. However, this solution does not completely solve all your mechanical concerns. To make matters worse, the steering damper will negatively affect the agility of the bike. Therefore, the ideal is to take your motorcycle to the garage at the first signs of handlebars. Who knows, it might save your life!