I have a 1999 V Star 650 Classic with 28k miles on it. When I ride, I get the sensation something is loose in the frame or suspension. It's like the front wheel and forks are hinged seperately from rear of bike and not tight. When I slightly wiggle the handle bars back and forth it seems like it gets "speed wobbles" and maintains the wobble action on its own. Rear tire seems "slippery" but I can't find any play anywhere when bike is parked. Rear tire is also wearing too quickly. I have handle bar risers but that should not be the problem. Bike did not do this when I bought it at 18k. Anyone heard of this problem????
2007-10-29 17:57:52 · 8 answers · asked by rob t 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
front tire might be out of balance.
2007-10-29 18:21:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
First thing, as I'm sure you did, is make sure the air preasure is good in the tires. They'll be a little softer now that the air is cooler out.
Most likely it is that your triple tree is loose. Put it on a stand so the front tire is off the ground, then turn the bars all the way to one side and let it go. The tire should not swing more than once before it is back on center. The front end should feel tight, there should not be any shake or rattle when you move it. Don't forget to hit the grease fitting while you're there.
If it swings more than once before stopping, tighten the nut on the tripple tree 1/4 turn and try again .... keep repeating until you get the right tension, make sure you don't over tighten it.
If it there is still play in it, it's probably time to replace the bearings.
2007-10-29 18:51:45 · answer #2 · answered by lowdownmike 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
O.k. Don't get carried away with a lot of technical problems you probably have low tire pressures. 32-35 PSI front tire 30-33 PSI rear tire, It sounds like you may want to invest in a new rear tire any way good luck & keep it under a 100mph;)
Also if your bike has laced wheels and it is not tire pressures you may want to have the spokes checked;)
2007-10-30 01:46:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A wobble is almost always a fork problem.
Check the steering head bearings.
Check for bent/loose triple clamps or bent forks.
As to the rear:
Check that the front & rear wheels are tracking the
same line.
2007-10-30 15:04:04 · answer #4 · answered by Irv S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Had a very similar problem with my HD Supergilde, turns out I had a sheet metal screw in the tire. Judging by your handling concerns and the accelerated wear, I'd say your back tire is way low on air.
2007-10-29 21:33:13 · answer #5 · answered by JustJoshin999 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start with the obvious, like the others are saying!
Sounds like either a head tube bearing or swingarm bearings, but it can be a tire issue just as easily.
2007-10-30 14:59:06 · answer #6 · answered by Jim! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The way you describe it leads me to believe you are thinking front end. Have you checked the rear? This discription also fits for bad swingarm bearings, which are real hard to see unless they are totally shot.
2007-10-30 13:15:19 · answer #7 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check for play in the bearings, start with the front wheel and work your way back replacing as necessary as you go.
2007-10-29 20:41:21 · answer #8 · answered by Tim D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋