New Vibration

[SpidyJ]

So, my winter maintenance included Rear end maintenance, New Dark Side tire and new rear shock bushings.  I have a vibration at 60 or 70 mph.  It feels like wind buffeting the front end.
Could my rear tire alignment be off?  How is that checked/adjusted?  What else should I check?
The wheel bearings felt fine.

[Valker]

Did you leave the four swingarm to final drive nuts loose until last? That is how the final drive aligns.

[SpidyJ]

Did you leave the four swingarm to final drive nuts loose until last? That is how the final drive aligns.

Yes I did.  I guess I could loosen everything up and do it again though....

[Valker]

Probably not a need since you did it right. Can you tell if it’s from front or back?

[Chrisj CMA]

Did you leave the four swingarm to final drive nuts loose until last? That is how the final drive aligns.

Not LAST. Immediately after the axle nut and before the right side shock goes back on and while the tire is off the ground still

[luftkoph]

Since you only changed 2 things those naturally would be suspect. When I first got my Valk I could feel a humming vibration when leaning into a turn, checked  all the bearings,shock mounts etc etc, and even after new tires it was there, I came to the conclusion and maybe a wrong one, but it works for me is that the engine is virtually vibration less, I’m feeling the transition into the side tread of the tire, something that is probably masked in all the other bikes I’ve owned or rode.

[SpidyJ]

Did you leave the four swingarm to final drive nuts loose until last? That is how the final drive aligns.

Not LAST. Immediately after the axle nut and before the right side shock goes back on and while the tire is off the ground still

I know I did the axle nut first....not sure about the shocks......guess I will loosen and tighten in sequence.  Hopefully that will help but I also wonder if I put enough beads in the new tire since it's dark side.  I put in 2X the amount recommeded for a MC tire.

[f-Stop]

Assuming no vibration before new tire...check to see if the tire is out of round or not.  (Rare, but possible.). Also, improper air pressure can cause tire vibration.

Things that a new tire could bring to the forefront, but not noticed before, are things like possible bad swing arm bearings or steering stem bearings (or steering stem adjustment).

Is typical rear tire dynabead amount 2oz?  ...and you've put 4oz in?  The tire may be more than 4oz out of balance which seems like a lot.  Maybe your tire place can check the balance for you.

[indybobm]

Did you leave the four swingarm to final drive nuts loose until last? That is how the final drive aligns.

Not LAST. Immediately after the axle nut and before the right side shock goes back on and while the tire is off the ground still

I know I did the axle nut first....not sure about the shocks......guess I will loosen and tighten in sequence.  Hopefully that will help but I also wonder if I put enough beads in the new tire since it's dark side.  I put in 2X the amount recommeded for a MC tire.

I agree with Chris, Axel nut first, then 4 swingarm nuts. If the right shock is put on before the four swingarm nuts are torque, the shock can try to twist the final drive a little.

[old2soon]

         Is your D/S choice directional? And If Yes is the arrow going the correct way? Also find the dyna bead chart go to YOUR tire size and put in THAT amount-NO more NO less-JUST the amount recommended. Also are Both shocks on the Same setting? RIDE SAFE.

[SpidyJ]

         Is your D/S choice directional? And If Yes is the arrow going the correct way? Also find the dyna bead chart go to YOUR tire size and put in THAT amount-NO more NO less-JUST the amount recommended. Also are Both shocks on the Same setting? RIDE SAFE.

The tire is directional and mounted correctly,  The tire is a Kumho 195-60-16.  I put in 4 oz. of the Dyna Beads. I hope that is correct.

[97BLKVALK]

Dyna beads chart  3oz for 195 tires on motorcycle.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Even if you installed the rear in the incorrect order (I don't think you did), I don't see how the would introduce a vibration. Chances are it would just cause extra wear on the teeth. I'd bet money the tire has a defect, not seated properly, or maybe too much beads. I use 3 oz. on all rears, 2 oz. on fronts. I don't know if the extra oz. would be a problem or not. I have had tires that didn't get the bead set all the way before. Easy enough to check. I don't know how you could easily remove an ounce of beads.

[Jess from VA]

Really an old school method that is pretty easy is just to stick the bike up on the lift and start spinning wheels to see if you can see any irregularity or tire defect.  If it's stable, you can fire it up on the jack and put it in gear for a bit more push while watching.  Just remember to use the brake to slow it down

[SpidyJ]

I put the bike up on the stand and stabilized it so it didn't move. In neutral not running I spin the tire and see a slight deflection....maybe a a 32nd or 16th max.  Don't know if that is enough to feel it.
I'll loosen the shocks and differential next and retighten then road test. 

I hate to take the wheel off again but will if I have to since its still not the best riding weather yet.  I wonder if I would see any deflection with a MC tire.

[Chrisj CMA]

I put the bike up on the stand and stabilized it so it didn't move. In neutral not running I spin the tire and see a slight deflection....maybe a a 32nd or 16th max.  Don't know if that is enough to feel it.
I'll loosen the shocks and differential next and retighten then road test.  

I hate to take the wheel off again but will if I have to since its still not the best riding weather yet.  I wonder if I would see any deflection with a MC tire.

I'll loosen the shocks

Remove the right side shock from the final drive mount. Then do the loosening/tightening drill

[SpidyJ]

OK....repeated the tightening sequence after removing the right shock.  Dropped the pressure from 36 to 32 in the new DS tire. 

It is a very smooth ride now.  I am very pleased.

Thanks for the help fellas.

 

[Skinhead]

There is no need to remove beads.  4 oz will do same job as 3, it is just an oz more than is needed, unless the tire/wheel is more than 4 oz out of balance.  the beads move to where they are needed, if too many installed they will distribute uniformly.

[Gideon]

So, my winter maintenance included Rear end maintenance, New Dark Side tire and new rear shock bushings.  I have a vibration at 60 or 70 mph.  It feels like wind buffeting the front end.
Could my rear tire alignment be off?  How is that checked/adjusted?  What else should I check?
The wheel bearings felt fine.

You mentioned the wind buffeting the front end of your bike. I may be way off base, but have you checked your Buzz Bolt? There is a long bolt behind the radiator that seems to come loose and causes this buzzing noise. It's a real easy fix, just tighten the bolt.