Interstate U turn Wobble

[Hoghead]

I bought a 00 IS last July with 6300 miles. It had new Avon Cobras, front and rear. From the beginning I noticed a very distinct wobble in a U  turn. At low speeds going straight it is not a distintive wobble but I have to hold the bars firmly to keep it going perfectly straight, probably normal there. No other wobble any other time even at 125mph I can let go the bars and it is smooth and straight. I thought I had read somewhere when researching the Valks that it was a characteristic of some IS models. I have since not been able to find that info. anywhere. maybe I dreamed it?? I had another seasoned Valk owner ride it soon after my purchase and he said he had not experienced anything like it before. We narrowed it down to possibly the tires. After a while I got used to it and it was not really an issue. A few weeks ago at 14k I went to a car tire. My first ride out I made a u turn and the wobble is still there. Not worse or better, just the same. I really didn't realize how bad it was until I rode a friends bike over the weekend and there was no wobble. Even though I'm used to it, I want a solution. My theorys and possible culprits: Front tire????, Head bearings????, Swingarm bearings????, Front wheel bearings???? TIA, Matt

[X Ring]

I'm not an expert by no means but I'm thinking along the same lines you are.  Get your swingarm and headset bearings checked for the proper tension.  One or both may need replacing.

Marty

[Ricky-D]

It's probably the front tire.

Adjusting air pressure (up or down) might help a bit or maybe not!

If you lift the front wheel off the surface and turn the wheel with some kind of temporary pointer along side the tire you may see some back and forth movement of the sidewall, but not necessarily. Try it with the pointer on the center line of the tire and also the wheel rim itself.

This will not always reveal the problem because the tire can appear Ok while the carcass could be the problem in that there can have been a layup problem in manufacture and the sidewall of the tire is not uniform as it should be, regarding stiffness and construction.

Usually a good high pressure will overcome the problem, say 60psi to 70psi although I would not recommend riding like that.

A replacement will usually correct the problem but that also is not a guarantee.

I would not think your problem is related mechanically to the bike in any way since it only is experienced when leaning the bike in a slow speed turn.

***

[valkyriemc]

I can feel the front fork "flex" during some slow speed manuvers, in and out of a drive way while turning but no general pronounced wobble, - 2K I/S 32k miles.

[tank_post142]

front tire. two different cobras two different bikes. i swapped out the frt tire and problem went away. dont know if it was belt shift or flat spot.

[Red Diamond]

A bike with low mileage as yours was upon purchase and still at 14k, unless it had sustained some damage before you purchased it, front tire defect.

[Valkpilot]

I'm guessing that since you made a significant change in the rear tire configuration and the wobble did not change that the problem is at the front of the bike and not the rear.  That moves the swingarm bearings down the list.

I suspect, with everyone else, that the problem may be tire related.  I have a spare wheel with tire already mounted that we could swap out if  you want to try that.

If nothing else works, consider a fork stabilizer: http://www.superbrace.com/products.asp?cat=34  I believe the one made for the Goldwing will fit.

[Hoghead]

Thanks everyone. Changing front tire was next on my list of TTD. I am not a fan of the avons anyway. I'm gonna go out tomorrow and play with the pressure and see if that changes anything to maybe solidify our theory.   Thanks Dave for the offer on the tire, but I'm just gonna go ahead and get a new one anyway. Didn't know about a fork stabilizer. may do one of those later. Going to Ebay now.

[R J]

I'm guessing that since you made a significant change in the rear tire configuration and the wobble did not change that the problem is at the front of the bike and not the rear.  That moves the swingarm bearings down the list.

I suspect, with everyone else, that the problem may be tire related.  I have a spare wheel with tire already mounted that we could swap out if  you want to try that.

If nothing else works, consider a fork stabilizer: http://www.superbrace.com/products.asp?cat=34  I believe the one made for the Goldwing will fit.

Who ever told you that a Valk needs a super brace is blowing smoke up your butt.   There is not a super brace made for the Valk as one would be worthless, I had to replace 3 front tires before I got a stable one.   2 of them were Avon and had very close #'s of manufacture.    When I swapped over to a Metzler, the wobble went away.  Oh yeah, I run a Good Year Triple Tread CT on the rear.

[DFragn]

The Valk's front fender is the fork brace.  

Seriously, if you've got something wrong up front or rearward attack that/those issues. To cover it up with a fork brace which I highly doubt [agree with RJ] you could specifically find for the Valk.
The Valk is so sturdy a fork brace would be nothing more than a Band-Aid ®

} Front tire
} Fork Fluid levels & Bushings - Your seals may be fine, but if the bushings are worn you could get some fork stiction occurring that your only sensing in slow tight turns that could exacerbate any stiction.
} Front axle & bearings
} Steering head bearings
} Swing arm bearings
} I'm omitting the rear tire since you've just replaced it.

Movement up front could easily be the rear [swing arm] in this case.
But I'd start up front...

[Hoghead]

I'm guessing that since you made a significant change in the rear tire configuration and the wobble did not change that the problem is at the front of the bike and not the rear.  That moves the swingarm bearings down the list.

I suspect, with everyone else, that the problem may be tire related.  I have a spare wheel with tire already mounted that we could swap out if  you want to try that.

If nothing else works, consider a fork stabilizer: http://www.superbrace.com/products.asp?cat=34  I believe the one made for the Goldwing will fit.

Who ever told you that a Valk needs a super brace is blowing smoke up your butt.   There is not a super brace made for the Valk as one would be worthless, I had to replace 3 front tires before I got a stable one.   2 of them were Avon and had very close #'s of manufacture.    When I swapped over to a Metzler, the wobble went away.  Oh yeah, I run a Good Year Triple Tread CT on the rear.

RJ, for the life of me I can't find anywhere that says I NEEDED a fork brace. I read, If NOTHING else works, CONSIDER a fork brace.  New tire on its way.

[PhredValk]

When you changed the rear tire, how did the shock bushings look and feel?
Fred.

[Hoghead]

Shock bushings were in good shape Fred. Thanks

[sugerbear]

I'm guessing that since you made a significant change in the rear tire configuration and the wobble did not change that the problem is at the front of the bike and not the rear.  That moves the swingarm bearings down the list.

I suspect, with everyone else, that the problem may be tire related.  I have a spare wheel with tire already mounted that we could swap out if  you want to try that.

If nothing else works, consider a fork stabilizer: http://www.superbrace.com/products.asp?cat=34  I believe the one made for the Goldwing will fit.

Who ever told you that a Valk needs a super brace is blowing smoke up your butt.   There is not a super brace made for the Valk as one would be worthless, I had to replace 3 front tires before I got a stable one.   2 of them were Avon and had very close #'s of manufacture.    When I swapped over to a Metzler, the wobble went away.  Oh yeah, I run a Good Year Triple Tread CT on the rear.

RJ, for the life of me I can't find anywhere that says I NEEDED a fork brace. I read, If NOTHING else works, CONSIDER a fork brace.  New tire on its way.

ask the superbrace people at wing ding a few years ago. they don't make one for the valk.

[Whistler]

Hoghead,

I, too, have the same issue as you on my 2k Interstate. I do not have it all the time, but when it occurs it is unnerving, especially two up! I also have an Avon on the front and have been leaning towards replacing that. I am running a car tire on the rear now, replacing it about a month ago and I noticed it more after that. Post up what you decide when you change that front. Thanks,

JDW

[Hoghead]

I will keep the post updated with the results. First step..new tire. Found the one I want on Ebay. Gonna check local and see if anyone has it. If not will probably be a week getting it done. I have always had good luck with a Bridgestone, so thats what I'm going with.

[old2soon]

Are your rear shocks in the same setting on both sides?? You said the shock bushings are o-k. Before you put that new tire on-find the front end tightening sequence-loosen everything and reset the torque values and retighten all the fasteners in the proper sequence. My brother(da prez on this board) blew the tightening sequence and had a wobble. Worth a check while your resting anywho. Just my 2 pennys worth. RIDE SAFE.

[PhredValk]

I don't think it's normal. I've done many U-turns and do regular parking lot practice on my 99 I/S to get good at slow speed maneuvers, and I didn't have any wobble on the old tires (E3s that wobbled under medium and hi speed driving) or on the new tires (Falken CT and D404 bias rear on the front).
Fred.

[Jess from VA]

A wobble at very slow speed U turns/maneuvers is very unlikely to be anything like tires, head bearings, shock bushings or anything mechanical........... it is most likely operator inexperience.  No disrespect intended, almost everyone new on the Valk reports slow speed wobble, especially rolling to a slow stop.  Taller risers will help, so will parking lot practice.  I'm just sayin. 

[Hoghead]

Jess I am not in disagreement with you on that. The Valk is the biggest bike I have owned and I have been back into riding for 3 yrs now 13k on a V65 Magna, and one yr. and 8k miles on the Valk. I do alot of practicing Uturns, slow rolls and such and yes handling her has greatly improved and the wobble has become less noticeable. However, I have let 2 other seasoned riders ride it and verified that it did indeed have a slight wobble.
Yesterday I played around with the tire pressure and noticed that different pressures revealed different results. I found a sweet spot with so far, no noticeable wobble  at 45 lbs. This was also after the tire was warm and temps were 100 degrees. I will check in a little bit with a cold tire and see if the same holds true. Due to these findings I have made a decision to hold off on the tire change. i have better things to save my money for right now. IE Inzane  

[Jess from VA]

A new car tire will give a bit of trouble in slow speed turns until the sidewall gets broken in, and you get used to it.  I would look at the max psi printed on your tire's sidewall, my GATTs are 44 psi (and I keep them at 39-40), so 45 would not be good.  It may feel better in your slow turn practice, but remember tires pick up pressure with heat (use), and it is hot all over now to boot. 

This could be a shock (age) issue...have you tried turning them up (more preload) a turn or two?

I would say generally that front tires are the leading cause of wobbles, put the bike on the lift and spin it to see if seems in balance (or out of round).  A dose of Ride-On is easier than pulling it for a professional balance.

[Hoghead]

New shocks are on my list of TTD. The first owner was a pretty big man and it was ridden 2 up quite often. I am going to go with the ride on in the front. It has wheel weight on it now but seems to be balanced ok.

[Ricky-D]

Any changes you make unless it is the front tire will not do much for that problem, you first cited.

Ride on is for flat prevention and will adversely affect your wheel. I consider that stuff junk!

Balanced conventionally is fine.

Running a higher than normal tire pressure is not all that big a deal and it will mainly affect the ride in that it will feel considerably harder depending upon the pressure increase.

Front tires wear out pretty fast so higher pressure is what I would do and just ride it until time comes to get a new tire.  I put a Shinko on the front and am very happy with it. After a couple of bad E-3's. I'm getting good miles with it and there is no apparent sidewall problems such as you seem to be experiencing.

***

[toetruck21]

Ride on is for flat prevention and will adversely affect your wheel. I consider that stuff junk!

Balanced conventionally is fine.

I used Ride On for balance, the flat prevention was just a plus!  I consider the stuff a good investment, not junk.  If it gets me to the next town so I'm not sitting out on the highway, money well spent!

[Valkpilot]

I used Ride On for balance, the flat prevention was just a plus!  I consider the stuff a good investment, not junk.  If it gets me to the next town so I'm not sitting out on the highway, money well spent!

+1

Been running it for at least 20k miles.  No issues.

[PhredValk]

The shop that installed my car tire sels RideOn. The owner says he doesn't know about the puncture sealing ability, as they use it mostly for balancing ATV tires.
Fred.

[lucky_1_chris]

I bought a 00 IS last July with 6300 miles. It had new Avon Cobras, front and rear. From the beginning I noticed a very distinct wobble in a U  turn. At low speeds going straight it is not a distintive wobble but I have to hold the bars firmly to keep it going perfectly straight, probably normal there. No other wobble any other time even at 125mph I can let go the bars and it is smooth and straight. I thought I had read somewhere when researching the Valks that it was a characteristic of some IS models. I have since not been able to find that info. anywhere. maybe I dreamed it?? I had another seasoned Valk owner ride it soon after my purchase and he said he had not experienced anything like it before. We narrowed it down to possibly the tires. After a while I got used to it and it was not really an issue. A few weeks ago at 14k I went to a car tire. My first ride out I made a u turn and the wobble is still there. Not worse or better, just the same. I really didn't realize how bad it was until I rode a friends bike over the weekend and there was no wobble. Even though I'm used to it, I want a solution. My theorys and possible culprits: Front tire????, Head bearings????, Swingarm bearings????, Front wheel bearings???? TIA, Matt

I notice the same thing sometimes. I'll get a little shimmy sometimes in slow speed u-turns, but I don't always notice it. No wobble at all on decel with my hands off the bars from 60 on down 'til it starts lugging, and I don't have any other handling issues.  Haven't had mine over a hundred yet... I'll be replacing my steering stem bearings and rebuilding the forks some cold weekend this winter, maybe sooner if I develop a decel wobble.