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Magnum -v- XC(T)/R - turning radius

3K views 14 replies 8 participants last post by  Smoothbassman 
#1 ·
I'm very interested in the Magnum offerings, but am concerned about the larger front wheel. I do RLAP exercises frequently to stay polished. I suspect that the different front end setup (+ lowering the rear on X-1) has some sort of impact on the bike's ability to turn in low-speed situations.

Does anyone have any experience with this? Does the larger front tire or other factors cause a larger turning radius for the Magnums?
 
#2 · (Edited)
Beings that the Magnum is my FIRST BIG bike - I have dropped her once and almost dropped her about 3 other times - SHE HATES LOW SPEED TURNS!!!!

I am honestly not sure if it is due to my lack of experience or if she is just really that top heavy in low speed turns. My wife doesn't believe me in the fact that even the LITTLEST shift in her body weight has adverse effects on the low speed handling of the Magnum and she is a great passenger. I love my Magnum and wouldn't trade her for anything, I just think I need more experience.

I should mention that I am only about 165lbs, exercise all the time and I am in good shape. But I have noticed just how weak I am when it comes to low speed turns on the Magnum.
 
#4 · (Edited)
Sounds like you may need a few lessons as I've seen amazing low speed manoeuvring on the big Vic's on YouTube.
Turn your head and look where you wanna go and the bike just follows your vision,
Like steer it with your eyes.
Maybe practice without your wife till you master it.

PS if you must practice with your wife then get her looking where you want to go too, it all helps.
 
#3 ·
Ground clearance 5.8 IN / 148 MM stock cc
RAKE/TRAIL 29.0° / 5.6 IN / 142 MM
SEAT HEIGHT 26.3 IN / 667 MM
WHEELBASE 65.7 IN / 1670 MM


GROUND CLEARANCE 5.3 IN / 134MM Magnum
RAKE/TRAIL 29.0° / 5.6 IN / 142 MM
SEAT HEIGHT 25.7 IN / 654 MM
WHEELBASE 65.7 IN / 1670 MM

GROUND CLEARANCE 5.3 IN / 135 MM Magnum X1
RAKE/TRAIL 29˚ / 5.6 IN / 142 MM
SEAT HEIGHT 25.7 IN / 654 MM
WHEELBASE 65.7 IN / 1670 MM

not that much difference between the 3.

Vegas8Ball maybe your just going to slow
 
#9 ·
Agreed. I'm just not sure how much difference the rear-end drop and big front tire make. The rake is the same, so I'd think that it shouldn't make much difference. I don't know thought.

What I do know is that I have my wife's C50 dropped 3" in the back and it has definitely affected the steering at low speeds. You actually have to fight the handlebars to keep them from flopping over to full-turn. It has to do with the angle the bike now sits at with it's ass all low like that. It'd be different if it were dropped 3" in both front (forks) and rear (links). Anyway, thanks for the feedback!
 
#5 ·
yesssss Sir agree with MbX ... just do a advanced riding course ... they teach you cool stuff ... like 70% front brake and 30℅ rear brake / U-turn etc etc ...

before I test road a Diavel and that bike slow turn terrible ... vics are just great doing slow turns ...

practice practice practice

Andre
@
TaPaTaLk
 
#6 ·
Oh I fully believe it is all me. Lol.

I need way more practice and more confidence.
I need to have more trust in the bike. But coming from the Warrior which handled almost as good as my GSXR, the Magnum is a different animal all together.

It will all come in time. Thus the statement, that this is my first big bike, so my opinion my be a little unseasoned. Lol
 
#10 ·
If you do a riders coarse tell your insurance so you get a discount on your insurance. AAA offers one for cars its a hour and a half and tell your insurance so you get it on the car to. You can save a 100 bucks
 
#12 ·
So after putting air in the shock - she was at 10psi and I bumped her up to around 50psi - she is a completely different animal. Not only does she feel more stable she is way more smooth.

I have been practicing my turns and I am getting better, but the rear suspension air being properly set has help out immensely!!
 
#13 ·
Absolutely! This is why I'm left to wonder about the lower rear-end in the magnum.

Be sure your front tire is at the correct pressure as well. If it's a little low you'll fight it those turns just a little more. If you're going to spend several hours practicing low speed skills, go ahead and take the front tire pressure up to 40#. It'll make those side to side transitions even easier. Don't forget to set it back to the correct pressure when you're done though. I personally prefer to practice with the exact same tire pressure I'll be riding with. A freshly maintenance clutch is very important if you want to have fine control in the friction zone as well. Another good reason to clean & re-grease at each oil change.

You'll be doing 20' U-turns in no time!
 
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