Wheel Flop Slow Turn

Wheel Flop Slow Turn

by ChicagoShadowRider
(Chicago, IL)

Anyone else have a Honda Shadow VLX 600 notice how the front wheel feels like it flops during a slow tight turn? I am having the toughest time doing tight u-turns on the street which is really embarrassing when you realize you have to quickly change direction. Any advice?

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Wheel Flop Slow Turn

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Jul 21, 2010

Wheel flop... it's a matter of practicing really...
by: Jessica

Hi!

I have a VLX 600 Deluxe which is the same as yours mechanically. This is my first season really riding it, as I passed my course/got my endorsement in May. But...I've put a fair amt of miles on it since then, and can relate to what you're saying. It's a kind of "heavy" turn making you feel it's going to fold and go down, right? Spooked me to no end last season and the first few hrs on the bike in May. BUT...you do NOT need a smaller bike. You simply need more seat time. Seriously. Find a place where nobody is going to stare and make you nervous...& practice. But when you're riding for real - you really won't have to make too many very tight turns like that - just position your bike so it's at a better angle for turning (at least until you build confidence...as I write that, it's maybe not great advice but still...). I do understand what you're going through. I couldn't, for the life of me, get that if I gave it a bit more throttle (not twisting it hard but simply timing release of clutch w/more throttle) it did the trick AND you really must look where you're going/turning instead of down. Believe it! I promise you - you don't need a smaller bike!

You'll be fine.

Jul 21, 2010

Wheel flop?
by: cathy

I have an 07 Shadow vlx, what is wheel flop? I've never had any probs turning the bike, it's always been smooth and easy. Could it be your posture as you turn? Head up, looking thru the turn. Age 60 riding 3yrs, good luck.

Jul 20, 2010

Wheel Flop Slow Turn
by: Kathy

I have a Honda Shadow VLX 600 and I, also just got my endorsement. I'm having the hardest time with this bike. You described it perfectly- the turns are difficult. It does just flop- you really have to muscle it to keep it from flopping every time you turn it. I just keep getting more frustrated every time I ride it. :( I keep thinking maybe I need a different/smaller bike. Thoughts??

Thank you!

Jul 05, 2010

Wheel Flop Slow Turn
by: Rocco

I never did like the way the Honda shadow turned. I had one, didn't like it. Sold it. Husband had one. I talked him into another bike. His Suzuki Boulevard handles like a breeze. Just like my V-Star 1100. I suggest another bike.

Jul 04, 2010

Tighten it up?
by: Sandra

My brother commented that the steering on my Suzi was "loose and sloppy" and he suggested tightening that large bolt in the center of the handle bars. I've never driven any bikes before, and could not tell you what he's talking about, but it sounds like the same thing you are describing. Ask a more experienced biker if tightening that bolt would give her a stiffer handle so it does not throw itself into a turn so much?

Good luck!

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