Normal or is something wrong?

[Rickrod3]

Hi all:

At speeds over 85 MPH I have to be extremely gentle with steering inputs to prevent a wobble.

Below that speed I have no issues. I have read that these bike have high speed handling issues.

I have edited my signature with the bikes current mod which may effect this.

TIA
Rick

[jjz28]

I have had mine to 110 with no problem at all. It was very stable but I was in a straight line but I have cruised for miles at 85 on interstate through the turns and everything and mine is very stable. I weigh 245, if you are light that might make a difference. I am new to motorcycles so that is just my experience. I read an article where the tester said they don't handle great but for most people they would never get to the point to where it started handling bad. There are some real gurus on here so they may let you know whats going on. Oh, and I don't have a fork brace either.

[DGXSER]

There was an article posted here recently (it was written back in the 80s) that spoke to how these bikes tend to get a front end wobble at higher speeds. Now, with a fairing it seems that might negate the issue, but the solution the article gave was for the rider to lean down / forward putting more weight on the front end. This would stabilize the bike.

[GLoweVA]

I had a wobble once on my G (with the fairing) but it was due to the tire being slightly out of balance.
Another thing to check is there any cupping on the tread?
Is it an up and down wobble or a side to side wobble?

[DCII]

The only time I have ever noticed any wobble at speed was when the concrete was grooved. I am not sure if different tires would reduce this condition or not but I tend think that this type of road surface has a similar effect on any bike.

[IanDMacDonald]

I'd say to check your wheel for alignment issues or see if it's bad. My 750 had a high speed wobble and it was a bad tire. replaced it and wobble went away.

[Rickrod3]

thanks for your replies.
I recently solved a problem with one of the front calipers was sticking just enough to cause the front wheel to hop a a little over 75 MPH. so my front tire is a little cupped. I forgot about that. The tire not too old.
I should and will replace it.
Even with the bad handling rap I sure it should handle better.

[IanDMacDonald]

Umm, as far as I know, this bike does not have a bad handling rep on a straight line. Mine ride like butter on a straightaway, but if you cross a piece of tar or cracked road at 70+, ur life flashes before your eyes, and I really don't believe I have wheel bearing issues. I think this bike just has period suspension.

[DGXSER]

I'm betting it is the tire issue. I've had all three of the ones I have or still own up over 90 MPH with no issues like your suggesting (much over 90 in some cases ).

[jimbyjimb]

I'm 230-240 lbs, had the bike up over 100 in short bursts, 90 for somewhat longer. The bike was 100% bone stock and stark naked with a Lasertec front, absolutely no indication of wobble.

I haven't had it above 85 in about two years now, and I added a brace to the fork so that might have changed the game.

I've done no-hands at 80 or so on crappy NW highways in the past, no problem. By no means is this a normal behavior, but I have done it. I do no-hands regular 60-70 to zip up my jacket en route due to the rapid variances in temp in this region. Throttle locks are cool.

As far as high-speed stability, I suppose it's what you consider high speed and what you consider stable.

[Rickrod3]

There was an article posted here recently (it was written back in the 80s) that spoke to how these bikes tend to get a front end wobble at higher speeds. Now, with a fairing it seems that might negate the issue, but the solution the article gave was for the rider to lean down / forward putting more weight on the front end. This would stabilize the bike.

I would change the tire first but: I wonder if lowering the front in the triple trees would add more weight to the front and, therefore help.

Rick

[DGXSER]

Next time your out on the road, try bringing the speed up and as it starts, lean down, see if it helps.

[IanDMacDonald]

I would not touch the suspension height. it.s just a band-aid for your issue, and if the engineers thought it would have rode better, they would have used shorter forks. Not saying it may not help, but I cringe thinking about it affecting the ride in a bad way.

[XS1100 Newbie]

Mine handles just fine at 100+.

[ViperRon]

Check tire presure. Tighten rear shock spring if it has load balancing. Check bearings in wheels for looseness. Check front shocks weak spring or old oil may cause it. Bikes are prone to have issues that can cause wobble but if in good repair GOOD TIRES wobble is not an issue on a good road. Only times I have had problems is with wheel bearing problems and once with a well worn rear tire.