Front wheel bearings 97 tourer

[drpete65]

What are the handling symptoms of bad front wheel bearings ? Before I tell you what I am experiencing and what I have tried, I wanted to get some unbiased handling symptoms..........thanks!
Dr P

[GeoffreyB]

Mine failed on me, heard an ungodly grinding noise from the front (think of a giant chewing on gravel, mixed in with metal shavings).  Front end had slight vibration going down the road, only stopped when I stopped.

IMHO, it's a cheap fix - so if in doubt, just replace them with a set of high-quality bearings.

Hope this helps!

[Patrick]

I wouldn't think there would much of a handling difference unless the bearings were really really bad. I would think you would hear a problem before feeling it. But them I've never experienced a bad front bearing.
Usually a handling issue is caused by a tire, rear shock bushings, swing arm bearings, or, head bearings.
Remember that the '97 bearings are different from the other years [smaller].

[drpete65]

Ok so this has been a two gremlin. Not that many shops know too much about these sweet beauties, so when they get on them they don't know what they are looking for. (  I have owned the bike for 10 years, and this is new the last couple years)

I am experiencing a slight wander or push to one side or the other while driving in a straight line. It also handles poorly on graded surfaces, (like it really want to follow the grooves in the road. )

I have replaced the neck bearing

New tires front and rear

One shop said I could try to service the front forks 2 others said don't bother.

I use to cruise down the road at 75 with the throttle lock on, and let go of the handle bars for as long as i wanted, I wouldn't dream of doing that now.

Side note, right after the two new tires, I thought it was all but gone for about 50 Miles or so, or was that just wishful thinking!?!?!?

[Ricky-D]

You can, with confidence, put the blame on the tires.

Tires are the main culprit 99% of the time.

***

[drpete65]

I just put 2 new tires on last week. Still wandering. Gravel roads suck, and the crown on the road also seems to make it track funny.

[R J]

I think the 1st thing I'd check is the swing arm bearings and torque.

If that isn't it, then we can dig deeper.

You have a Car Tire by chance?

You said you replaced the tires.

What Brand on each end please.

If either one is a DunFlop, go no farther, replace them with something worth while.    I won't run a DunFlop on my grand daughters little wagon, I value her life too much to do that.

How are the rear shock bushings?