Motorcycle Hard To Steer: 4 Possible Causes (Explained)

It can be very annoying and cause your hands to ache if you have difficulty steering your motorcycle while riding. Anyone can experience it when riding a bike, and it can suddenly get out of control. I’ve seen this before more than once and am able to deal with it. If the motorcycle handle pulls one way or is difficult to steer, you need to find some fundamental ways to address the issue.

Stop worrying about such little problems; solving them is as simple as filling the gas tank. I’m here to give you all the details, and you can see the reasons and answers right here.

Why Is My Motorcycle Hard To Steer?

If your Motorcycle pulls to one side while you’re riding, there are a few possible causes. The most common cause is an uneven distribution of weight on the bike. There can be several things that are affecting the steering, including: – 

1. Uneven tire pressure:

Check that your tires have the correct pressure. Both tires have unbalanced force; handling the handlebars will create issues. 

2. Incorrect suspension settings:

If your suspension is too soft or too hard, it can cause the bike to pull to one side. If it’s happening, checking the settings and maintaining it is easy. 

3. Worn-out tires:

If your tires are out of service, they may not be gripping the road and turn to any side, either right or left. Wherever you go outside, check the tire’s condition to ensure you won’t have the same problem. 

4. Loose handlebars:

Make sure to tighten the handlebars properly. And if not, pull it using wrenches; don’t make it too tight. If you’re still having trouble after checking these things, it’s best to take your bike to a mechanic or motorcycle dealer for further diagnosis.

How To Fix A Pulling Motorcycle:

You can fix a pulling motorcycle at home without taking help from others or professionals unless you won’t get successful. Here are some solutions to prevent further damage. 

1. Fix the Front Forks

If you find an issue with the alignment of the front forks, try to fix it. You need to loosen the bolts and then align them with the handlebars. Once you are satisfied with the proper alignment, tighten the bolts back. To check out whether it’s working or not, take a ride. 

2. Balance The Tires

Another cause is unbalanced tires; if you have an idea to balance it back, do it and if not, you can ask for help from the mechanic. If your bike is turning one side, you need to replace the tire; if not, then you have to maintain the balance by adding a rim that will preserve the circumferential balance. 

3. Realign the One-Sided Leaning

If your bike is leaning to one side due to the triple clamp, you need to realign them. Even if a single ball bearing is missing, it will affect the balance steering of your Motorcycle. If you have experience reassembling them, then go for it and if not, then better to show it to the nearby mechanic shops. 

4. Avoid Overloading

The most common reason behind handling the steering is overloading. Read the manual instructions with a bike, where you will notice the maximum weight your bike can bear. If it goes beyond the limit, it creates an imbalance. 

Is Pulling Left or Right Dangerous While Riding?

Watch out for a few dangers when you’re pulling your bike to the left or right. It’s advisable not to avoid the pulling; it will lead to other problems. You can prevent harmful consequences with the following tips. 

  • First, make sure you’re not in the way of oncoming traffic. If you are, you could cause an accident. 
  • Second, be careful of pedestrians and other obstacles in your path. If you’re not paying attention, you could hit them. 
  • Third, pulling one side may cause muscle pain as you need to work hard to run the bike, turning one side. It’s better to run slowly to reduce the risk of pain. 
  • Finally, take care when making turns at high speeds. If you’re not careful, you could lose control of your bike and crash.

How To Check Motorcycle Handlebar Alignment?

If your Motorcycle’s handlebars are misaligned, it can cause several problems:

  1. It can make your bike harder to control.
  2. It can strain your wrists and arms, leading to fatigue.
  3. It can cause the bike to vibrate, making for a less comfortable ride.

Luckily, checking and adjusting your Motorcycle’s handlebar alignment is relatively easy. Follow the instructions to check the handlebars. 

  • First, you’ll need to find a level spot to park your bike from where you can point out the alignment quickly. 
  • Once your bike is parked, take a look at the front wheel. If the wheel is not pointing straight ahead, your handlebars are likely out of alignment.
  • Loosen the bolts that hold the handlebars properly to adjust the alignment. 
  • Once the bolts are loose, you can adjust the handlebars until they point straight ahead. 
  • Once the handlebars are appropriately aligned, tighten the bolts back down, so they are snug.

How To Keep Your Bike’s Handlebar Perfect?

When riding your Motorcycle, it is easy to see the handlebars. You notice the connection of handlebars with the front forks, and the handlebar clamp rotates on the top triple tree. This can cause a problem when steering in a corner. You can check the perfect position after tightening the bolts and fixing all the issues. As per the physiotherapist, your carelessness can hit you hard when you become physically ill. Whenever you are riding the bike, make sure some essential body parts aren’t facing pressure, trapezius, neck, wrist, shoulders and elbows, as these parts play a vital role in maintaining the handlebar’s balance. 

  • Ensure that you don’t have to use your neck, shoulder or back, arms are enough to steer the bike. 
  • Distance between handles and you should be perfect so that you don’t have to lift your shoulders, as it will lead to shoulder and wrist pain. 
  • Your shoulder will get more rest rather than being suspended while riding the Motorcycle. 
  • Also, keep your elbows pointing downwards to avoid strain or sprain while hanging to grab the handles. 
  • Keep your wrist in a relaxed mode, and a slight twist every time will put you in severe health issues. 

Is Handlebar Alignment An Essential Part of Motorcycle Maintenance?

Motorcycle handlebar alignment has been in the news of several motorcycle accidents and fatalities across America. Learn how to take care of your bike and ensure its handling is perfect!

Motorcycle handlebar alignment directly affects motorcycle handling; to get the best performance possible, bike owners need to make sure that their bike’s handlebars are perfectly adjusted. 

If you’ve ever been frustrated by your bike’s steering, that it isn’t responsive enough, or that a simple turn causes the bike to veer off course, then you may know what motorcycle handlebar alignment is. 

You can change handlebars’ settings for various reasons, but one of the most common reasons is to get the bike to handle better. Motorcycle handlebar alignment is an easy adjustment you can make on your bike with just a few simple tools.

What is The Best Position For Your Handlebars on A Motorcycle?

The best position for your handlebars will depend on your riding style, how much you weigh, and how tall you are. If you’re looking for more comfort or stability on a long ride, try raising the handlebars to align with your shoulders.

When it comes to motorcycle handlebars, one size does not fit all. The best position for your handlebars on a motorcycle depends on your height, the type of Motorcycle you are riding, and your personal preferences.

If you are unsure where to start, a good rule of thumb is to position the handlebars, so they are level with your seat. You can experiment with different positions to find the most comfortable.

Keep in mind that you may need to make adjustments to your handlebar height as you ride. If you find that your arms are tired or having difficulty reaching the controls, try raising or lowering the handlebars a bit until you find a position that works better for you.

What are the different types of motorcycle handlebars?

There are three main types of motorcycle handlebars:

1. Clip-on bars are the most common type of motorcycle handlebars. They consist of two separate pieces that attach to the forks on either side of the front wheel. Clip-on bars allow you to get into a more aerodynamic position, which is ideal for racing and track days.

2. Straight bars: As the name suggests, these bars are straight across with no bends or curves. They’re the simplest motorcycle handlebar and come along the cruiser motorcycles.

 3. Buckhorn bars are a hybrid between clip-on bars and straight bars. They have a slight bend at the end, giving you a bit more comfort while keeping you in an aerodynamic position.

Pick any of these which is more suitable and perfect for you & your Motorcycle. The selection of handlebars also plays a significant role in maintaining balance. 

Conclusion: 

I hope I can allay your worries about the challenges you faced when controlling the motorcycle steer. We are making a lot of effort to provide you with a better answer to your problem. Please like, share, and subscribe if you find our newsletter to be informative and like it. Continue to check out our website for additional details on two-wheelers.