Ok. So I did some homework in regards to some of the complaints that the ST is pulling to the right. Unofficially, it looks like it may indeed be a set up issue. If this is the cause, then it means that the problem is dealer related and not Ma Honda's fault. When the ST's arrive at the dealer in the crate, the front wheel is not installed. Looking at the past two years set up manuals for the ST and cross checking with the service manual. Honda made a small change to the set up instructions in regards to the front wheel. Here's the install directions for the 2008 ST1300:
(Note: Axle pinch bolts are finger loose at this point)
1. Tighten the left axle pinch bolts to 22 N-m (2.2 kgf-m, 16 lbf-ft)
Note: Indication of “Left†is if you were sitting on bike
2. Tighten Axle Bolt to 79 N-m (8.1 kgf-m, 58 lbf-ft)
3. Tighten the right axle pinch bolts to 22 N-m (2.2 kgf-m, 16 lbf-ft)
4. Now loosen the left axle pinch bolts
5. Note: During the assembly process, this is where you would be installing the brake calipers.
6. Set the bike down where the bike's weight is on the wheels. Lock the front brake and push the suspension up and down several times.
7. Tighten the left axle pinch bolts to 22 N-m (2.2 kgf-m, 16 lbf-ft)
You'll notice that they have you loosen and retighten the left axle bolts before and after you've tightened the axle. I think this may be where the front end pulling is coming from. With the left axle pinch bolts tightened down, tightening the axle bolt would pull the two forks together……or more precisely, it's pulling the left fork towards the right. Once you've tightened down the right axle pinch bolts, loosening the left axle pinch bolts lets the assembly center itself.
I hope I explained this in a way that makes sense.
So if your ST is pulling to the right, and it's definitely not tire related, give this a try. Loosen everything up and tighten it in this order. Make sure the front tire has no weight on it when you do it, too. Put the bike on the center stand and have someone push down on the bike while you work. If you've had your bike less than 30 days or are approaching the 600 mile service, take it back to the dealer. Tell them it's pulling, (don't say it happens when you take your hands off) and ask them to loosen and recheck the front wheel. Mention that the set-up manual is specific about how the front wheel is torqued and if not done correctly it will pull.
I also looked to see if there was anything with the back wheel that could cause it. The wheel just bolts on with no adjustment possible from what I can tell.
It's interesting to note how the set-up directions for the previous year differed. For the 2007, they indicated that the axle bolt be torqued first, then the right side pinch bolts, the brake calipers would be installed and then the left side would be torqued.
Hope this helps.
(Note: Axle pinch bolts are finger loose at this point)
1. Tighten the left axle pinch bolts to 22 N-m (2.2 kgf-m, 16 lbf-ft)
Note: Indication of “Left†is if you were sitting on bike
2. Tighten Axle Bolt to 79 N-m (8.1 kgf-m, 58 lbf-ft)
3. Tighten the right axle pinch bolts to 22 N-m (2.2 kgf-m, 16 lbf-ft)
4. Now loosen the left axle pinch bolts
5. Note: During the assembly process, this is where you would be installing the brake calipers.
6. Set the bike down where the bike's weight is on the wheels. Lock the front brake and push the suspension up and down several times.
7. Tighten the left axle pinch bolts to 22 N-m (2.2 kgf-m, 16 lbf-ft)
You'll notice that they have you loosen and retighten the left axle bolts before and after you've tightened the axle. I think this may be where the front end pulling is coming from. With the left axle pinch bolts tightened down, tightening the axle bolt would pull the two forks together……or more precisely, it's pulling the left fork towards the right. Once you've tightened down the right axle pinch bolts, loosening the left axle pinch bolts lets the assembly center itself.
I hope I explained this in a way that makes sense.
So if your ST is pulling to the right, and it's definitely not tire related, give this a try. Loosen everything up and tighten it in this order. Make sure the front tire has no weight on it when you do it, too. Put the bike on the center stand and have someone push down on the bike while you work. If you've had your bike less than 30 days or are approaching the 600 mile service, take it back to the dealer. Tell them it's pulling, (don't say it happens when you take your hands off) and ask them to loosen and recheck the front wheel. Mention that the set-up manual is specific about how the front wheel is torqued and if not done correctly it will pull.
I also looked to see if there was anything with the back wheel that could cause it. The wheel just bolts on with no adjustment possible from what I can tell.
It's interesting to note how the set-up directions for the previous year differed. For the 2007, they indicated that the axle bolt be torqued first, then the right side pinch bolts, the brake calipers would be installed and then the left side would be torqued.
Hope this helps.
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