[Help - Neutral Steering]

I later found out that fuel weight and tire pressure will all affect the "neutral" handling, so I guess there is no "neutral handling" bike at all....

 

I also found from a book: "Most riders prefer slight understeering setup."

 

So I decided to install preload adjusters so I can quickly change setting for different road conditions. :-P

[Help - Neutral Steering]

Hi guys,

 

I attended the school, level 1-3, several years ago. I tried to ask the question during the class but I was unable to phrase the question well enough to get an answer. Allow me to try asking it here.

 

When setting up suspension, I tend to "slightly" adjust front or rear preload within the safe range in order to get the best balance. As a result, I am able to adjust the bike to a perfectly neutral steering, slightly over-steering, or slightly under-steering.

 

When I said "slightly," I mean something like 10-15 degrees on the front preload. Yes, 10-15 degrees, not 10-15mm. WIth only 10-15 degrees changes from dead neutral, the change in turning characteristics is noticeable (especially in very tight, slow turns.)

 

My trouble is, I found dead neutral gives me the least confidence. The bike steers the most easily and I don't have to wait for front or real wheel before cracking the throttle open. However, if I enter a turn too quickly I don't have a good way to adjust its line.

 

By instinct, slightly over-steering seems to be safer. If I enter too fast, I can accelerate harder to spin the rear wheel out, or just wait a bit for the front to crush into the corner.

 

Nevertheless, slightly under-steering actually gives me the most confidence. Though I have to constantly put some force on the bars, I feel it's easier to put body weight on the rear wheel. It's also much easier to lean/stand the bike with counter-steering, giving me more freedom during corner entry.

 

Is it OK to adjust the bike so it's slightly under-steering? Or it will lead to disaster?

 

BTW, I haven't been on the track for quite some time. I only do fast canyon riding lately so I couldn't test the different steering tendency on the track.