Milled pavement

[jjz28]

I just started riding last year. Well, last year I rode over about a half mile of milled pavement and it sucked. I stayed pretty relaxed but I still didn't like it. We have a bridge here in Thurmond that is the metal grate and it felt the same. Well, now on my way to work there is about a 4-5 mile section of rode they have milled. Its a 4 lane highway and they have actually done the other side too. Anyone have any tips on this or what to watch out for. I haven't ridden to work yet cause I don't want to ride that far on the milled stuff, and it has rained every day. I am sure I would be alright, just would like to know what you guys think about it. I know to just relax and keep a good hold on the handlebars. It feels squirrely but I guess it should stay upright as long as I don't make any sudden movements and make the wheels slip, shouldn't it? Just thought maybe there were some tips out there.

[GLoweVA]

Yeah Jeff, I know EXACTLY what that's like. I hate the draw bridge and milled roads.
The XS11 is heavy enough and has enough stability to hang fine, but it still feels weird. Kinda of like it want to do what it wants to do regardless of where I want the bike to go.

You're right. just relax and let it ride thru it.

[jwhughes3]

Its our skinny front tires that tend to get squirrely on that grooved pavement.

If we had 120+ size tires its less an issue.

You have right idea. Just keep it relaxed. Airing down a few psi to increase contact patch size may help.

John

[DGXSER]

There is a bridge over the river here in Cincinnati that is metal grate, and there used to be another one like it not far from my house. A 750 is not any better on those bridges than the XS11. Two ideas I use, one relax grip, two hit the throttle so I get over it faster, less time to suck the seat up my crack!!

[jjz28]

^^^HAHA, yeah, that's a good one Don. I figured if we had bigger tires it would help.

[motoman]

Its our skinny front tires that tend to get squirrely on that grooved pavement.

If we had 120+ size tires its less an issue.

You have right idea. Just keep it relaxed. Airing down a few psi to increase contact patch size may help.

John

Actually, running radials WILL cure that on grooved pavement.....totally. I run radials on the ST but not on the XS. I'm presuming that radial wrapped tires flex a bit different.

[natemoen]

I don't have any issued with that pavement, but the metal grate bridges then it gets a little squirly.

[jjz28]

What tires you run nate? My bike wonders all over the place.

[CaptonZap]

One other thing that contributes to front end weaving is worn/loose bearings.
I don't like ball bearings as wheel bearings since you can't take the radial play out of them. However, they are what Mamma Yamma gave us, so the best we can do is replace them with the best quality bearings we can get, and keep them clean and lubed well.
CZ

[natemoen]

What tires you run nate? My bike wonders all over the place.

D404's at the moment but the rear will be gone here in a couple weeks.

[ViperRon]

Keep your tire presure up. A tire that is low will have more tendency to follow the grooves. Another issue is what type of surface the grooves are in. I know from experience concrete grooved pavement will grind the tread off so do not be suprized if you do not get good tire wear. I imagine that the surface with sea shells mixed is just as abrasive. Slower speed seems to make it more noticable but also higher speeds will cause more wear on tires.

Your benifit on the road is it gives more grip and control to cars and trucks in the rain and they are the biggest danger.