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General Category => Maintenance => Topic started by: Yamahammer1200 on May 21, 2016, 07:32:21 PM

Title: Steering Head Adjustment?
Post by: Yamahammer1200 on May 21, 2016, 07:32:21 PM
When I am riding slow (under 15 mph), the front end wobbles.  It's noticeable when coming to a stop, doesn't change when applying the brake, no pulsing from rotors.
Once the bike gets up to speed, it disappears, though there is a slight tapping I feel through the handlebars even at fwy speeds, though more so upon deceleration.  That may be an unrelated issue, not sure.
Should I be looking at the steering head bearings?
Less than 22k miles on clock, so I am hoping an adjustment might be the first step?
Title: Re: Steering Head Adjustment?
Post by: simi_ed on May 21, 2016, 08:31:36 PM
Check your front tire for cupping. That would be my 1st bet.
Head bearings probably need grease, but be careful not to over tighten.
Title: Re: Steering Head Adjustment?
Post by: FJ Flyer on May 22, 2016, 12:53:45 PM
I second the rec to check the front tire.  Most often the culprit.
Title: Re: Steering Head Adjustment?
Post by: balky1 on May 23, 2016, 12:41:25 AM
I had the same problem on my 50 ccm first bike. Steering bearings were toast.
Once, a weight from tyre balancing fell of my rim on my Kawasaki after what the front wheel wobbled at lower speeds. So, I'd say you are on to something, maybe easiest to eliminate the tyre first.

Ivan
Title: Re: Steering Head Adjustment?
Post by: twangin4u on May 26, 2016, 09:07:31 PM
Quote from: Yamahammer1200 on May 21, 2016, 07:32:21 PM
When I am riding slow (under 15 mph), the front end wobbles.  It's noticeable when coming to a stop, doesn't change when applying the brake, no pulsing from rotors.
Once the bike gets up to speed, it disappears, though there is a slight tapping I feel through the handlebars even at fwy speeds, though more so upon deceleration.  That may be an unrelated issue, not sure.
Should I be looking at the steering head bearings?
Less than 22k miles on clock, so I am hoping an adjustment might be the first step?

Sounds like balancing to me.