Feel like a weeble. wobble but don't fall down

[XS1100 Newbie]

I have experienced a problem recently that is very concerning. I let loose of my handlebars at 45 MPH, and the front end started to wobble very badly. As soon as i touched the bars, it stopped. Do i just need to tighten my steering head bearings, or is there possibly something else going on?
Thanks

[CatatonicBug]

Why are you letting go of the handlebars?? Not a good idea IMHO.

Do you feel it want to wobble BEFORE you let go?

[XS1100 Newbie]

Bug
Yes, it is not a great idea to let go. Can't remember the exact reason, but it was a very short release. There is no feeling of wobble at all when i have hold of it. When released, the front end just starts to wobble side to side.

[DGXSER]

THere was a pretty recent thread on this topic. I think it talked about weebles in the title to.

If it were my bike, I'd start by pulling the triple trees and inspecting the steering head bearings, regrease them at least. Then through the process of reassembly you should be able to confirm the fork alignment, and wheel alignment. Chekc wheel bearing movement while your at it and perhaps replace or regrease those as well. A good afternoon of work. Follow with new fork oil and verifying fork air pressure. Now you should be down to tire issues and have a well maintained front end. If it still wobbles, most likely in the tire.

[randy]

Why are you letting go of the handlebars?? Not a good idea IMHO.

Oh, you mean it's NOT a troubleshooting method?

Over here there's a long stretch on the south shore called Ocean Parkway (duh!) and it's dead straight for about 5 miles and rarely anyone else in sight. Lock the throttle and let go and the bike is rock steady. Held that for oh a quarter mile or so, just last sunday. Good fun Unless, of course you've got a wobble

I'd check wheel balance.

[hamjam]

the usual suspects are tire pressures, the aforementioned steering head bearings and perhaps a misaligned swing arm

[Ivan]

Oh, you mean it's NOT a troubleshooting method?

Over here there's a long stretch on the south shore called Ocean Parkway (duh!) and it's dead straight for about 5 miles and rarely anyone else in sight. Lock the throttle and let go and the bike is rock steady. Held that for oh a quarter mile or so, just last sunday. Good fun Unless, of course you've got a wobble

I'd check wheel balance.

Out here in the great midwest NOTHING, you can ride with your hands off the bars for miles. I think my record thus far is somewhere around 6. Just gotta move your butt.

[Geezer]

Why are you letting go of the handlebars?? Not a good idea IMHO.

I once rode for almost 100 miles across southern Idaho without touching the bars but after a while vibration made the throttle lock slip and I had to readjust the speed.

There are several things that can cause a wobble, I'd start with the tire and work my way up... If the tire is old, out of balance or cupped, it should be replaced. Then change the fork oil, check the springs and make sure the fork tubes are the same height in the clamps and all the bolts are torqued.

Put the bike on the center stand with a jack under the engine so the font wheel is a little off the ground. Turn the bars from left to right stop to stop and feel for any resistance or notchyness. Any resistance here and you should tear it apart to clean and inspect the bearings. Often cleaning and repacking the bearings is enough but you may need new bearings.

Geezer

[Brad]

I know you have checked and this has been done, maybe check your tire pressure, tire is worn, out of ballance or dented rim, loss of air, sticky breaks...something that may have happened recently.

[radical123]

mabe

It's because of your headlight bucket bracket, the one I gave you! It was the correct bracket but incorrect frontend. we noted that at last years rally.
there is a different frontend on your midnight. I was thinking why would the PO have changed it.Maybe a wreck.Maybe the triple tree neck is tweaked.
That would make a weeble wobble along with the outher things stated.
Good luck Bob

[MindWebs]

tire wear is a slight cause..

bearings loose and old grease is the main problem.

clean repack and tighten and 90% will go away..
the last 10% or so is most likely a feather edged or cupped tire.

good luck!