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ammpro
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« on: September 16, 2015, 02:12:34 PM » |
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Seems Honda is prone to a steering wobble if left to its own devices. Wonder if a damper would help? It also seems like a good idea in the event one hits a rock, or the like.
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Frank
Have fun. Be safe. Always set a good example.
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indybobm
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« Reply #1 on: September 16, 2015, 05:04:57 PM » |
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Actually, if everything is as it should be, Valks do not wobble.
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So many roads, so little time
VRCC # 5258
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Bighead
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« Reply #2 on: September 16, 2015, 05:07:57 PM » |
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Nope 18 yrs and no wobble here  |
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #3 on: September 16, 2015, 05:11:35 PM » |
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Most stable bike I've owned in 45 years. If yours isn't something is going on.
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Bighead
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« Reply #4 on: September 16, 2015, 05:14:12 PM » |
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Most stable bike I've owned in 45 years. If yours isn't something is going on.
Damn we agree on something else  |
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
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wild6
Member
Posts: 251
(Old enough to know better)
Vernon, NJ
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« Reply #5 on: September 16, 2015, 06:17:46 PM » |
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I'd say indexed or loose head bearing or worn front tire (losing its 'point').
Also, what pressure are you running in the front (and rear for that matter)?
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  “Meddle not in the affairs of the Dragon, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup.” |
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Bighead
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« Reply #6 on: September 16, 2015, 07:17:51 PM » |
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A cupped or "chopped" rear will make a low speed wobble.
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
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pago cruiser
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« Reply #7 on: September 16, 2015, 08:28:03 PM » |
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As will a sidecar... |
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Just because you are not paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you
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old2soon
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« Reply #8 on: September 16, 2015, 09:03:14 PM » |
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Bad shock bushings-maybe! RIDE SAFE.
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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Tfrank59
Member
Posts: 1364
'98 Tourer
Western Washington
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« Reply #9 on: September 17, 2015, 05:29:32 AM » |
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Actually, I've developed a very slight wobble at about 35 mph if I let go of the handlebars. I was wondering if I threw a wheel weight. Here I am reading that maybe my back tire getting worn has something to do with it?
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-Tom
Keep the rubber side down. USMC '78-'84
'98 Valkyrie, ‘02 VTX 1800, '96 Royal Star, '06 Drifter, '09 Bonneville, '10 KTM 530, '04 XR 650, '76 Bultaco, '81 CR 450, '78 GS 750...
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hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16781
upstate
South Carolina
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« Reply #10 on: September 17, 2015, 06:07:27 AM » |
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Actually, I've developed a very slight wobble at about 35 mph if I let go of the handlebars. I was wondering if I threw a wheel weight. Here I am reading that maybe my back tire getting worn has something to do with it?
My buddy went into practically a tank-slapper head-shake on his harley when his rear spokes were loose. The things people check on Valkyries are: head bearings swingarm bearings shock bushings tire problems probably some other stuff... shock bushings and tire problems are most common probably and easiest to fix... head bearings are a pain, I think, and then you have to re-torque them after a while...  The swingarm bearings are easy with the Honda tools, don't know about without them... -Mike |
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ammpro
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« Reply #11 on: September 17, 2015, 07:52:03 AM » |
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This is my first Valkyrie. I've had it since April. I heard someone refer to the dreaded Honda Death Wobble, so I thought it was common, since it also occurs on my VTX1300. Everything is good and tight on my '99 IS, but if I let go of the grips (I have a Rostra Cruise) it almost immediately begins to wobble. I keep tire pressure about 2-3 psi above factory spec. That being said, I am running Dunlop E3's, and hate them. About ready to purchase Avon front and rear. We'll see if that cures it.
Thanks for the feedback!
Frank
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Frank
Have fun. Be safe. Always set a good example.
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #12 on: September 17, 2015, 08:02:58 AM » |
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This is my first Valkyrie. I've had it since April. I heard someone refer to the dreaded Honda Death Wobble, so I thought it was common, since it also occurs on my VTX1300. Everything is good and tight on my '99 IS, but if I let go of the grips (I have a Rostra Cruise) it almost immediately begins to wobble. I keep tire pressure about 2-3 psi above factory spec. That being said, I am running Dunlop E3's, and hate them. About ready to purchase Avon front and rear. We'll see if that cures it.
Thanks for the feedback!
Frank
I would up your tire pressure a little. Most here go 42 front 40 rear (or in that neighborhood). Also check your shock bushings. The stock rubber ones get wallowed pretty bad. |
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ammpro
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« Reply #13 on: September 17, 2015, 08:06:41 AM » |
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Thanks.
Shocks are brand new Progressive Suspension.
Frank
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Frank
Have fun. Be safe. Always set a good example.
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John Schmidt
Member
Posts: 15224
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« Reply #14 on: September 17, 2015, 08:08:20 AM » |
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2-3 lbs. above factory specs....not enough. Generall, Valk riders will run around 40 in front, 42 in back. Some a bit more. If you're only running in the mid 30 psi range that's usually too low. Another thing....just because the steering feels snug doesn't mean you don't have problems. Get the front end off the ground and start some testing, might feel solid because the races are indexed. I'd check all the stuff mentioned/posted before investing in new tires.
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Yfx4
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« Reply #15 on: September 17, 2015, 08:42:15 AM » |
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On my VTX1300 i replaced the ball bearings in the headset with the 1800 roller bearings. That cured the wobble.
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1999 Valkyrie Interstate
2007 VTX 1800R
DW rides a 2010 Spyder RT
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ammpro
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« Reply #16 on: September 17, 2015, 08:50:48 AM » |
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Weird...
Dynamics are perplexing...
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Frank
Have fun. Be safe. Always set a good example.
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #17 on: September 17, 2015, 09:08:53 AM » |
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Weird...
Dynamics are perplexing...
I don't know if you are in the Phoenix area, but if you are close. It might be worth having BigBF look it over. |
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ammpro
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« Reply #18 on: September 17, 2015, 10:06:48 AM » |
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I'm in Clartkdale, about 100 miles north of Phoenix. If new tires don't fix it, I'll dig deeper.
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Frank
Have fun. Be safe. Always set a good example.
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Daniel Meyer
Member
Posts: 5493
Author. Adventurer. Electrician.
The State of confusion.
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« Reply #19 on: September 17, 2015, 10:11:55 AM » |
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Actually, if everything is as it should be, Valks do not wobble.
This. A thousand times this. I you have a Valk with a wobble, shimmy, or hunting, you have something wrong. Fix that. |
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CUAgain, Daniel Meyer  |
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Steve K (IA)
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« Reply #20 on: September 17, 2015, 10:35:27 AM » |
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I'm in Clartkdale, about 100 miles north of Phoenix. If new tires don't fix it, I'll dig deeper.
Have the nut on the steering head checked. That was my problem but that was many years ago. |
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 States I Have Ridden In |
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fubar606
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« Reply #21 on: September 17, 2015, 03:33:04 PM » |
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if you need one than there is something else wrong fix the problem not the symptoms
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life is sexually transmitted and always fatal
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Moonshot_1
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« Reply #22 on: September 17, 2015, 03:45:16 PM » |
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This is my first Valkyrie. I've had it since April. I heard someone refer to the dreaded Honda Death Wobble, so I thought it was common, since it also occurs on my VTX1300. Everything is good and tight on my '99 IS, but if I let go of the grips (I have a Rostra Cruise) it almost immediately begins to wobble. I keep tire pressure about 2-3 psi above factory spec. That being said, I am running Dunlop E3's, and hate them. About ready to purchase Avon front and rear. We'll see if that cures it.
Thanks for the feedback!
Frank
As mentioned previously about the 1300, change out the head bearings. The 1300's come with the kind of bearings you would find in a bicycle. Roller bearings cures the wobble. Wife has a 1300 and we did that and no more wobble. All Balls is where I got them. http://www.allballsracing.com/22-1020.html Bearings will fit with no other modifications. This is a known issue for the 1300 and easy to look up. I recently got a 99 Valk interstate to replace my tourer and am experiencing the same wobble when I release the handlebars. Doesn't do it all the time. Doesn't do it at highway speeds and it seems to be related to certain road surfaces and specific roadways where it becomes more prone to the effect. I am still not convinced it is the head bearings yet. There doesn't seem to be hardly any trend or history of the Valkyrie head bearings going bad. Am going to start with rear shock bushings and replace the dunlop on the front before I dive into the head bearings. |
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Mike Luken
Cherokee, Ia.
Former Iowa Patriot Guard Ride Captain
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ammpro
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« Reply #23 on: September 17, 2015, 04:52:52 PM » |
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Good info. Thanks.
As I stated earlier, I'm going to change tires and see if the wobble persists. If it does, I'll look into other possible causes, as mentioned in previous posts.
Thanks, Guys!
Frank
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Frank
Have fun. Be safe. Always set a good example.
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fudgie
Member
Posts: 10613
Better to be judged by 12, then carried by 6.
Huntington Indiana
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« Reply #24 on: September 17, 2015, 08:02:01 PM » |
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Car tire - Thrown a belt?
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 Now you're in the world of the wolves... And we welcome all you sheep... VRCC-#7196 VRCCDS-#0175 DTR PGR |
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Joevalk
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« Reply #25 on: September 17, 2015, 08:15:39 PM » |
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If you install raked triple tree and a batwing style fairing, you develop a wobble on a valk. More than one valk with same problem. 6degree 75mph. 4degree around 110mph. If there is a head wind then it happens sooner.
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Bighead
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« Reply #26 on: September 17, 2015, 09:51:28 PM » |
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If you install raked triple tree and a batwing style fairing, you develop a wobble on a valk. More than one valk with same problem. 6degree 75mph. 4degree around 110mph. If there is a head wind then it happens sooner.
No wobble with my batwing but it isn't raked. And his is an Interstate I believe. |
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
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Joevalk
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« Reply #27 on: September 18, 2015, 07:10:10 AM » |
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An interstate that is rake, will not wobble.
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Paladin528
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« Reply #28 on: September 18, 2015, 10:43:47 AM » |
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I dunno my 99 I/S is less stable on the highway than My VT1100 ACE tourer ever was. The fairing seems to act as a sail sometimes. However I can still ride 120Km/h with my hands off the bars with no issues.
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Firefighter
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« Reply #29 on: September 18, 2015, 07:56:00 PM » |
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Its easy for these guys to just say "fix the wobble", but if their bike had a wobble they would probably be in the same boat as you.
My 2000 IS has had the 80 mph death wobble for a couple of years now and I have: Changed head bearings, front wheel bearings, new tires, balanced, new rear shocks, new fork springs, checked swing arm bearings, rear wheel bearings, seat mount, motor mounts, handle bar clamps, fairing mount and any bolts I can find. All seems good. I am going to open the forks again next and see if I can find something there.
I have tried all kinds of tire pressure changes. I have tried loading the bike differently, even took the saddle bags off, nothing has helped yet. So I am still fixing the wobble!
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2000 Valkyrie Interstate, Black/Red
2006 Honda Sabre 1100
2013 Honda Spirit 750
2002 Honda Rebel 250
1978 Honda 750
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Joevalk
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« Reply #30 on: September 18, 2015, 08:18:46 PM » |
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I see you haven't changed your muffler bearings yet  Seems like you covered all your bases. Stock windshield? |
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ammpro
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« Reply #31 on: September 19, 2015, 05:54:38 AM » |
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Changed muffler bearings as soon as the bike was delivered (had to use a metric Crescent wrench...hard to find).
Stock windshield - wobble.
Stock windshield, cut down 5" - wobble (long story).
Oversize windshield - wobble.
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Frank
Have fun. Be safe. Always set a good example.
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Firefighter
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« Reply #32 on: September 19, 2015, 06:31:47 AM » |
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My windshield is not stock, slipstreamer M-3 AS-6, but I have had it a lot longer than the wobble. I changed the front tire yesterday and can feel a slight bit of play in the left fork. Not where its mounted in the pinch bolts but the fork itself. That is where I plan to look next. My only other thought is my combination of tires. Currently new Avon Cobra front and nearly new Yokohama Envigor (3000 miles) CT.
Hope you guys have better luck!
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2000 Valkyrie Interstate, Black/Red
2006 Honda Sabre 1100
2013 Honda Spirit 750
2002 Honda Rebel 250
1978 Honda 750
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Tfrank59
Member
Posts: 1364
'98 Tourer
Western Washington
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« Reply #33 on: September 19, 2015, 06:49:35 AM » |
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Its easy for these guys to just say "fix the wobble", but if their bike had a wobble they would probably be in the same boat as you.
My 2000 IS has had the 80 mph death wobble for a couple of years now and I have: Changed head bearings, front wheel bearings, new tires, balanced, new rear shocks, new fork springs, checked swing arm bearings, rear wheel bearings, seat mount, motor mounts, handle bar clamps, fairing mount and any bolts I can find. All seems good. I am going to open the forks again next and see if I can find something there.
I have tried all kinds of tire pressure changes. I have tried loading the bike differently, even took the saddle bags off, nothing has helped yet. So I am still fixing the wobble!
"Its easy for these guys to just say "fix the wobble", but if their bike had a wobble they would probably be in the same boat as you." Yes, exactly. The very slight wobble that my girl developed in the last month or so is annoying, although I think benign (it's only between 35 and 40 mph), but I wouldn't know where to begin to correct it. And I'll tell you this much, since everything seems tight in the front end I darn sure ain't pulling my forks apart or even the front wheel off, at least not at this stage, to get to the bottom of it. |
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-Tom
Keep the rubber side down. USMC '78-'84
'98 Valkyrie, ‘02 VTX 1800, '96 Royal Star, '06 Drifter, '09 Bonneville, '10 KTM 530, '04 XR 650, '76 Bultaco, '81 CR 450, '78 GS 750...
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ammpro
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« Reply #34 on: September 19, 2015, 07:13:01 AM » |
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My wobble only presents itself with hands off the grips. There is no indication if I even have one hand resting on a grip.
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Frank
Have fun. Be safe. Always set a good example.
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old2soon
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« Reply #35 on: September 19, 2015, 08:38:22 AM » |
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You stated new shocks-did you use new shock bushings? Remove the upper bolt on each shock and have a look see. If the shock mount is not centered in the bushing you have a bad shock bushing. Found mine mostly on decal approaching a stop sign or using an off ramp. When reinstalling front and rear wheels there are DEFINITE sequences that AQBSOFRIKKINLUTELY must be followed. My brother found out the hard way on front wheel reinstall the bad things that try to happen when you ignore SEQUENCE. Hope you locate and REPAIR the CAUSE of your head shake/wobble. When everything wurx as it should these M/Cs are VERY stable platforms at most any speed-even the triple digit range-which I delve into far too often! RIDE SAFE.
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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Tfrank59
Member
Posts: 1364
'98 Tourer
Western Washington
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« Reply #36 on: September 19, 2015, 08:47:11 AM » |
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My wobble only presents itself with hands off the grips. There is no indication if I even have one hand resting on a grip.
Mine's the same |
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-Tom
Keep the rubber side down. USMC '78-'84
'98 Valkyrie, ‘02 VTX 1800, '96 Royal Star, '06 Drifter, '09 Bonneville, '10 KTM 530, '04 XR 650, '76 Bultaco, '81 CR 450, '78 GS 750...
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Firefighter
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« Reply #37 on: September 19, 2015, 06:16:07 PM » |
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Yes, the shocks came with new bushings and my bike used to never wobble. 80 mph is usually a lot faster than I ride but I just want everything to be right as it can be.
I think I assemble everything right. I use the Honda manual and sometimes the Valkyrie Maintenance Guide by Carl Kulow on this site. As a matter of fact that is the main reason I do my own repairs, to make sure its done correctly.
I try to follow all guides and torque specs. When I figure out this wobble I will brag, ugh let all know what I found. Thanks for the input.
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2000 Valkyrie Interstate, Black/Red
2006 Honda Sabre 1100
2013 Honda Spirit 750
2002 Honda Rebel 250
1978 Honda 750
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ammpro
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« Reply #38 on: September 20, 2015, 03:21:33 PM » |
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Old2Soon (How I can relate)
yes, new Progressive Suspension came with new rubber already in the shock ends. Added correct bushings to fit bolts. Installed correctly and working well.
FRONT END WOBBLE ONLY EXISTS WHEN HANDS FREE. Never tested it at anything but 60 MPH, and can't ride till December...
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Frank
Have fun. Be safe. Always set a good example.
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Ricky-D
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« Reply #39 on: September 21, 2015, 07:18:00 AM » |
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A more thorough examination of the front tire should be performed. Everything so far
is indicative of a front tire problem (hands off is when). Just because it's a new tire
doesn't eliminate if from the list of possibilities. There is a "run out" problem with
the front tire/wheel.
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2000_Valkyrie_Interstate
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