Strange wiggle !

[Firefighter]

2000 IS. I have always noticed, that if I shake the handlebars back and forth at a stand still, that the bike continues to shake for a moment afterwards. Feels like front end has a wiggle. Sometimes I feel this wiggle while turning sharp and bumping up into a driveway or parking lot. Feels like something is not tied on too good. I have replaced the steering head bearings and been through several front tires, forks,etc. had everything up front apart before, never noticed any thing loose. Anyone else? Ideas? Thank you, Firefighter

[Gavin_Sons]

Check your upper shock bushings, sounds like the symptoms of bad bushings.

[TJ]

Replace your fork springs...

[Ricky-D]

2000 IS. I have always noticed, that if I shake the handlebars back and forth at a stand still, that the bike continues to shake for a moment afterwards. Feels like front end has a wiggle. Sometimes I feel this wiggle while turning sharp and bumping up into a driveway or parking lot. Feels like something is not tied on too good. I have replaced the steering head bearings and been through several front tires, forks,etc. had everything up front apart before, never noticed any thing loose. Anyone else? Ideas? Thank you, Firefighter

You've not got a problem..

When considering the weight in the back end of the bike and the distance from the front tire planted to the frame neck, it is very easy to understand the transferring of the weight when you take that action.

***

[hubcapsc]

I think most Valkyries feel awesome and solid, no wiggles...

-Mike "I'd keep looking till I got awesome and solid"

[97Valk_CT_Euless]

Continuing to oscillate after shakin the bars at a standstill is one thing.  Any "wiggliness" under weigh is suspect.  I had some, just thought it was me getting used to the bike.  Especially in turns with bumps. Finally after changing everything else (except head bearings) I changed swingarm bearings.  I was going to have it down that far anyway.  I know everyone says they never wear out, and these may not have been worn out, but they weren't what they should have been.  Saw what looked like corrosion on the bearings where the rollers met the race, like you might see in a head bearing.  Bike had been wrecked once so that may have been why. Replaced them and viola', the "wiggliness" was gone.   Not really that big of a job either.  But you should rule out less costly and invasive items like bushings, etc as described above first.  Just don't discount the swingarm bearings.

[Momz]

Check your tires air pressures.
 
Common symptom, but if left to long the tires will wear to the point that it becomes permanent. Thus tire replacement is the only remedy.

[Gryphon Rider]

Have someone else wiggle the bars while you look for looseness.  These kinds of things are more easily found with your fingers than your eyes. If you think there might be movement between two adjacent parts, put your index finger on one part and your thumb on the other, while the side of your thumb is touching the side of your finger. Don't forget to remove the seat and check the upper shock bushings. I have a tough time believing fork springs can cause this.

[Firefighter]

Appreciate all the advise! I have changed the fork springs before, and the head bearings, (not because of this wiggle), and like I said been through two sets of tires. This does not cause me any problem really, just want everything right. I check tire pressure nearly every week, as my first tires cupped. I will keep an eye out and I am due for rear end pm. Also I have ordered front and rear wheel bearings to carry and the swing arm bearings in case. I have another thread as to where to buy special tools. Always made my own, haven't checked on what I need to do swing arm work yet.  Thanks Firefighter

[hubcapsc]

Appreciate all the advise! I have changed the fork springs before, and the head bearings, (not because of this wiggle), and like I said been through two sets of tires. This does not cause me any problem really, just want everything right. I check tire pressure nearly every week, as my first tires cupped. I will keep an eye out and I am due for rear end pm. Also I have ordered front and rear wheel bearings to carry and the swing arm bearings in case. I have another thread as to where to buy special tools. Always made my own, haven't checked on what I need to do swing arm work yet.  Thanks Firefighter

I've had the swingarm off... the special tool for it makes it real easy.

-Mike

[Jess from VA]

Strange wiggle !



There were better ones, but this was the only one rated PG.

[lljjmm]

I just recently had a bit of shimmy or what you may call a bit of a wiggle, rear tire was worn, but it had a bit of life left but not much, just changed it and wiggle is gone.

In the past I also have had a tire separate, also causing a wiggle.

If your tires are worn, something to look at.

[R J]

2000 IS. I have always noticed, that if I shake the handlebars back and forth at a stand still, that the bike continues to shake for a moment afterwards. Feels like front end has a wiggle. Sometimes I feel this wiggle while turning sharp and bumping up into a driveway or parking lot. Feels like something is not tied on too good. I have replaced the steering head bearings and been through several front tires, forks,etc. had everything up front apart before, never noticed any thing loose. Anyone else? Ideas? Thank you, Firefighter

Check out the swing arm bearings and or the rear shock top bushings.

[PAVALKER]

2000 IS. I have always noticed, that if I shake the handlebars back and forth at a stand still, that the bike continues to shake for a moment afterwards. Feels like front end has a wiggle. Sometimes I feel this wiggle while turning sharp and bumping up into a driveway or parking lot. Feels like something is not tied on too good. I have replaced the steering head bearings and been through several front tires, forks,etc. had everything up front apart before, never noticed any thing loose. Anyone else? Ideas? Thank you, Firefighter

Curious as to what accessories you might have installed?  Do you by chance have a trailer hitch installed? And if so, how? 

I had and still have a similar wiggle, but not to the degree the Jess's cat appears to have...LOL.  However, it is like the tail wagging the dog, or cat in that case and does it when parked and giving the bars a little jiggle., similar to what you describe.

Shortly after I got the bike, I rebuilt the front forks... New Progressive Springs, sliders, bushings and seals....mainly to replace the springs, bit did it all so it was done for  a long time since I was taking it apart.  And, while I had the front end off, I noticed some indexing on the steering stem bearing and replaced those as well.  All new front end.  Put it back together...and it still had that little wiggle when I gave the bars a jiggle.... That was about 6 or 8 years ago or so.  Oh...and I replaced the upper shock bushings with the newer green poly bushings, that were originally made for the newer VTX F model (08 I think). Mine were quite worn, and I had hopes those would help.... And these were the same and better than the old rubber styles.  Jiggle still gave some wiggle.

Recently i asked an older Honda Mechanic that has had some wrench time on these bikes about that.  He said the weight in the bags or trunk could cause that wiggle, so I did take the bags off with the four interior bag bolts and emptied the trunk for the most part.... Still had some wiggle with a jiggle of the bars.

I had some thought to possible swing arm bearing issues.... I did re-torque them, but didn't notice a change.  So, just this past month or two while doing the final drive and drive shaft check and lube, I pulled the swing arm off and replaced the swing arm bearings.  While I had it all apart, I noticed the U-joint did have some roughness when bending in one direction, but not the other.  Fortunately I had a good spare from a trike job rear end purchase a few years ago and replaced it.  I also re-torqued the steering stem bearing.
But.... Jiggle still produces some wiggle.

While doing the above... I noticed some rattle and rubbing with the hitch and the bag rail bar.  They were loose, I tightened em up and put a piece of rubber hose on the rail to prevent rubbing wear on the hitch, and tighten the bag rail clamps that were loose.  I also had to replace a fender rail/bag bracket bolt because it broke while torquing... So I replaced both sides..... But they are not OEM and have multiple washers together as a bushing or spacer for the hitch....a previous owner install.  I made sure they were evenly spaced and tightened up.  Jiggle still gives some wiggle.... Damn.

I checked the frame and motor mount bolts as best I could, and all appears good and tight.  No change.

I am thinking....that the next step, when it gets on my nerve again.... Or snow falls....is that I will order new fender rail bag bolts and spacers and remove the hitch, the bag rail spacers and restore it to OEM and see....if maybe, just maybe, those washers placed as bushings or spacers might be causing some movement some how.   Hence my question about if you have a trailer hitch.....

It has had this little wiggle since I got it years ago or at least since I remember...shortly after I got it.  I'm going to find put what it is one of these days.....

[Firefighter]

Thanks for everyone's input! I call this a wiggle because I can make it happen while standing still a straddle the bike. Just shake the handle bars and then stop and something on the bike continues to shake for a second. I guess it doesn't hurt anything except I want everything right as this is my baby. Once in a while I feel this same little wiggle as I am turning in a parking lot with a little bump up or small rise with a bump, you know most parking lots or drive ways. Feels like a flex up front, but not sure.
Pavalker, I think you have the same wiggle, and no I don't have a trailer hitch. I have replaced steering head bearings and front springs etc. I do carry some weight with tools and stuff in the bags. I haven't checked swing arm bearings in a while but need to do the PM. I have replaced the u-joint about 10,000 miles back, mine had play. I have had the fairing off and made sure everything is tight under there, as I have cruise control and solenoids under there. Anyway, love the bike, and this club is a good reason to own a Valk!  Firefighter

[R J]

Just by chance, has this bike now got SPOKE wheels on it instead of the cast aluminum?

Spoke wheels will do what you are describing.

[Firefighter]

No, still has original wheels.

[R J]

No, still has original wheels.

Find someone who lives close by with the same model of a Valk and ask them to try what you do to get this wiggle.

I'm beginning to think it is just a normal frame flexing you ae feeling.

It has been too long since I converted MGM to a Trike that I can't remember.

Otherwise I'd be out in the garage checking it out for ya.

Personnally I'd just ride it till it gets worse if it is going to.

Our old Cog-A-Sock-E 1000 Police motors had a similiar flex like that,   I'd forgot about it till one of my old CHP buddies called me and we were discussing your Valkyrie flexing.      OF course, his current ride didn't do any flexing, it is a HARLEY.     Yeah, he was adament in letting me know that also.

He was one of the biggest grippers we had when we got the Cog's.    After a few months, he settled in on them and was also one of the 1st to sample the Moto Guzzi when we got 6 to try out and evaluate.     He bitched about the Moto shaking and rattling all the time also.     Never did knock our Harley's unless it quit on him on tour.

We had 3 full shifts to work on & repair the Harley's 24/7.     If 60 hit the pavement, at least 10 would have to be hauled in for repair.

After we went to the Cog's our repair shop dropped down to 1 full time shift 5 days a week and a skeleton shift on Saturday, with on the wrecker on duty to take one out and haul the dead on in. Also we were able to buy 50 less motors when we replaced the whole fleet.   The Harley's were a good motor for in town, but not worth a crap for Super Slab duties.
  

My Harley riding American Legion Riders say they are a lot more reliable now.  If that be the case, I wonder why 6 of my ALR guys have borrowed my trailer at least once to haul their dead HD in off the road.   1 hauled his new $42,000 Glide home from PA on the way back from Rolling Thunder 3 years ago.

They must be a good bike, out of all of them built, about 10% or so, are still on the road.     The rest made it home.

Laugh, it is a joke.   Roy, you can add that to your ongoing post if ya want.  LOL  

[Gavin_Sons]

My IS does this wiggle also. Just tried it a few minutes ago.

[Firefighter]

Your probably right, probably never be a HD. Thanks for the reply, very interesting, I enjoyed. What is a COG?  I'm a firefighter and they never issued us bikes.  Firefighter

[R J]

Your probably right, probably never be a HD. Thanks for the reply, very interesting, I enjoyed. What is a COG?  I'm a firefighter and they never issued us bikes.  Firefighter

COG = Kawasaki
Firefighter, never issued= What do they need a motor for, they just stand around and use a water hose on flames.    NO riding needed.

[Firefighter]

Wet stuff on the red stuff, right?

[PAVALKER]

Buddy of mine has a 99 IS and his does not wiggle,  and he does not have a trailer hitch installed.   I have 2 sets of wheels (none spokes btw) and it does it with either set.   This winter I will probably pull that off and see... Especially since it's been a few years that I used it, or the trailer.

[fudgie]

After you stem bearings were replaced, did you go back and retourqe them after a few hundred miles?

[PAVALKER]

After you stem bearings were replaced, did you go back and retourqe them after a few hundred miles?

The new bearings did not make a diff in the wiggle after I initially changed and torqued em.... And it was more like 1 or 2 k miles before I retorqued em, and still no change.   Like the OP indicated, it mainly happens when parked, give the bars a little jiggle back and  forth and you can feel the tail wagging or the bars continue to wiggle move for a few seconds or so.   I'm not sure if he OP did it or not....

[fudgie]

After you stem bearings were replaced, did you go back and retourqe them after a few hundred miles?

The new bearings did not make a diff in the wiggle after I initially changed and torqued em.... And it was more like 1 or 2 k miles before I retorqued em, and still no change.   Like the OP indicated, it mainly happens when parked, give the bars a little jiggle back and  forth and you can feel the tail wagging or the bars continue to wiggle move for a few seconds or so.   I'm not sure if he OP did it or not....

i didnt check mine and a yr or 2 later i had the front wheel off and the bars moved back and forth. Couldnt feel it with the weight of the wheel on it. Retightened and all was good.

[dago mooserider]

Um, hope I'm not just stating the obvious but could it simply be gas sloshing around in the tank? Just a thought. 

[R J]

dago, ya'll has a got ur thinkin cap on.    Gooder one.

Dat could be a problem.

Solution:    Quit shaking the cat's tail trying to make the body move.

[hvacjack]

My 99 Interstate does this too. my ist inerstate also a 99 did not.
My staldard does not

[indybobm]

When stopped and you turn the bars a little, you are forcing the tire tread sideways on the pavement. The wiggle could be the tire squirming because of that. If so, it could be dependant on which tire you have and the inflation pressure.

[PAVALKER]

Nah, it's not the gas sloshing.  I have tried a few other big bikes and most don't do it, but some do.  I took an 05 Wing for a demo ride today and it did that when parked as well.  I try it on all bikes now for some reason.   But this Wing also has a accel wiggle between 35-45 and a decel about 45 -35. 

Some have said all Wings have that..... This one even had a fork brace on it.  I have been thinking of  adding a Wing,  but maybe not if they all have that accel/decel wiggle.   Guess I have to test ride a few more....

[Andy Cote]

Thanks for everyone's input! I call this a wiggle because I can make it happen while standing still a straddle the bike. Just shake the handle bars and then stop and something on the bike continues to shake for a second. I guess it doesn't hurt anything except I want everything right as this is my baby. Once in a while I feel this same little wiggle as I am turning in a parking lot with a little bump up or small rise with a bump, you know most parking lots or drive ways. Feels like a flex up front, but not sure.
Pavalker, I think you have the same wiggle, and no I don't have a trailer hitch. I have replaced steering head bearings and front springs etc. I do carry some weight with tools and stuff in the bags. I haven't checked swing arm bearings in a while but need to do the PM. I have replaced the u-joint about 10,000 miles back, mine had play. I have had the fairing off and made sure everything is tight under there, as I have cruise control and solenoids under there. Anyway, love the bike, and this club is a good reason to own a Valk!  Firefighter

I know the wiggle of which you speak!  My GL1500 Goldwing does this.  It will do it even on the center stand so swingarm, trailer hitch, etc.. have no relationship.  In the 45,000  miles I have put on it, I have done new seals, progressive springs, fork brace, wheel bearings, steering bearings and tires.  My front end it tight! I have concluded that it's tire side wall flex/spring as it varies with tire pressure and brand and as you note, road surface.

My Valkyrie standard does not do this.

[Hoser]

Your probably right, probably never be a HD. Thanks for the reply, very interesting, I enjoyed. What is a COG?  I'm a firefighter and they never issued us bikes.  Firefighter

COG = Kawasaki
Firefighter, never issued= What do they need a motor for, they just stand around and use a water hose on flames.    NO riding needed.

takes a motor to pump that water hose, some of them are big ones.  We had pumpers from 1000 gpm to 2500 gpm. Used a 1500 gpm pumper to supply the  two 1000 gpm nozzles in the business end basket on the 100 ft aerial tower I drove and later honchoed when I was an apparatus captain.  We had eleven pumpers and two of the towers and a half dozen rescues and brush trucks running out of 12 stations.  Three command cars. 72 suppression personnel and 3 command chiefs. 24-7 Did not have any bikes, though.  The cops had those.    Hoser
 Hoser

[Firefighter]

Where a small town, all paid about 115 member FD. 7 stations including the airport, only one aerial, and one quint on order, one rescue and one brush, seven pumpers 1500 and 2000 gpm. Two arff trucks one has a piercing boom. I am a shift Captain, in charge of "B" shift and IC at the incidents. I have my district car so I am mobile. Worked my way up through the ranks, done every position. We have about 2300 calls a year. Great job! Will be retired Jan. 12, 2016!  Firefighter

[fudgie]

Where a small town, all paid about 115 member FD.  We have about 2300 calls a year.

Small town?  Our city FD has 2 stations and only 'maybe' 40 guys for all 3 shifts. They may only do 1 run a day.  Our hospital based EMS does 4,000 runs a yr in a co of 35,000 with only 4 trucks. We avg 10-15/day 300/month. They make twice as much as us. 

[Firefighter]

Mine is a small town, yours is a littler town! We had a big fire last night, an all nighter. A transfer station at our city land fill ( dump ) burned, with tons of trash, trucks, pickups, front in loaders forklifts etc. inside. No one hurt, crews there all day, probably tomorrow too. Good job, but I am getting tired of the emergency business. Firefighter

[fudgie]

Im not big on the fire side as i was when i was 'new'. Rather just do ems runs. Been a vol ff since 96