Tyre and chain problems DL650 2012

[Nelson]

Last week I had two new tyres fitted - Bridgestone Battlax A41, plus a new chain and sprockets. On picking up the bike I noticed the back end seemed to be kicking off road ridges, and the front end in a straight line seemed a little unsteady. On checking the chain alignment it was nearly 3mm out, so I took bike back (120 miles done) and had it corrected. On getting home I checked the pressure and the front was 23psi and rear 30psi. Front seemed to lose pressure for a few days and then settled down now. Done another 700 miles or so and still have the following problems. The front end seems slightly unsteady, hunting over ridges whereas on the previous A40's it was rock solid, even on well worn state. The front tyre seems to be on straight, but plan to have another person look at it to confirm. Also the new chain has a long tight spot ie: plenty of play, then turn through half it's length and it's much tighter. Could the bad adjustment over 120 miles have damaged it? Poor quality chain perhaps? (took the recommended make from the shop, not sure what it is but will check) Your comments appreciated.

[chambersp1]

Possibly a silly question, is the front tyre fitted the correct way round? Is the direction arrow on the side wall in the correct direction?

[bako]

As mentioned above, is the tyre on the right way round? 23psi seems low, not sure what the spec is for a 650. But low pressure will also cause the bike to handle badly.
I suspect the chain is faulty, even I can't kill a chain after 120 miles.

[Rusty Nuts]

23 sounds about 10 too low. But I haven't checked. My PR4 front is 33, I think.

[Ianmc]

33psi front,36psi rear are the standard pressures solo with no luggage.I have a top box on and find 35 psi front and 38psi rear better for me.If the box is full and with an extra bag on the pillion seat the rear pressure I find best is 40psi.I run Tourance Next tyres and find they suit me perfectly,they don’t do mega miles but stick to the road brilliantly.Just experiment a little,a couple of pounds either side of standard is not going to bother the tyres or the bike.

[hotbulb]

I'm running A41s at 33(F) and 36(R) , and handling and ride are just fine. (I've not bothered to experiment, and even with the top box filled I've not noticed any adverse effects; never carry a passenger).

[kwackboy]

Low tyre pressures will cause the symptoms you are describing. The chain and sprockets you have had fitted could have a slightly oval rear sprocket, this will cause a fluctuation in the tension of a brand new chain.
I've seen this issue when fitting JT rear sprockets but it's rare .

[Nelson]

Thanks blokes. Tyre the correct size, right way round and is now holding pressure better. Still not as stable as the A40's in a straight line. Wondering whether with mileage the head bearings are wearing. No play evident, and I had the wheel bearings checked when the tyre was fitted. Rear wheel bearings were shot at 15,000 miles due to rust caused by pressure washing I suspect. Done over 1000 miles now on the A41's and not too impressed.

[Nelson]

Found the tyre problem - the fitter hadn't cleaned off the hardened residue of green slime tyre sealant from the previous tyre and it was preventing a good seal. Now cleaned, reseated and balanced. New chain remains a problem. Seizing up overnight and has large tight spot - doesn't look good for a long and happy life!