wobble at the steering, mini tank slappers on decel from 55

[mtc]

worse now with the race tech springs no valves

should i take the wheel weights off?, some look like they fell out, i have no clue if they are balanced, or imbalanced

would that cause the wobble?

i check the air pressure on both tires already

[ryanschoebel]

If some of the balancing weights fell off, then its almost a surety that the tire is out of balance. On my 85, anything over 65 mph caused a very bad wobble. New tire, and balanced rims, and the wobble was completely gone. I would certainly start by getting the tire rebalanced.

[mtc]

If some of the balancing weights fell off, then its almost a surety that the tire is out of balance. On my 85, anything over 65 mph caused a very bad wobble. New tire, and balanced rims, and the wobble was completely gone. I would certainly start by getting the tire rebalanced.

ok thanks for your ex[erience, but mostly on deceleration, will check it out

[FJ_Hooligan]

What brand/model tire is on the front

How old/worn is it?

[balky1]

What brand/model tire is on the front

How old/worn is it?

That's the reason in most of the cases. New tire solved it for me.

[mtc]

What brand/model tire is on the front

How old/worn is it?

stock 85 rims

looks newish dunlop, GT501f arrowmax  front and rear

[FJ_Hooligan]

Looks like the front tire on that model has a center groove running around the circumference of the tire.

EVERY tire I EVER had with that kind of groove had a coast down wobble.  Just the slightest of wear and it would start.  I stopped using tires with a center groove and no more wobble.

[mtc]

Looks like the front tire on that model has a center groove running around the circumference of the tire.

EVERY tire I EVER had with that kind of groove had a coast down wobble.  Just the slightest of wear and it would start.  I stopped using tires with a center groove and no more wobble.

yeah does not inspire confidence, , got me to a crawl with the "new to me fj"

on the fj particularly?  or any bike? and kinda makes sense, the contact patch is right on the groove, and take away a large piece of it in the center the two remain sides are gonna squirm... shhhhs, another bug to work out 

can i keep the back, i think they are bias plys

what is the recommended budget replacement , while keeping the "arrowmax dunlop rears"

[mtc]

i dialed back the preload( less harsh) and the rear as well ( stock shock)

check tire pressure again  not 36 front 38 rear

took all the remain weights off the front wheel and goes to 75 mpg and no problem

but let off at 55mpg and it will shake to 45 on the coast

at least i don't have the death grip on it no more

[FJ_Hooligan]

Try 36 front and 42 rear

[andyoutandabout]

Here's a few ideas. Like others have said, the FJ is a bit particular about its hoops and certain tread patterns cause all sorts of oddness, like cupping and wiggling down the road. I recommend Michelin road pilots 2 or 3 or 4.
Certainly wheel weights not being where they should will cause tea trolley skittishness. Once balanced, I like to trace round them with a sharpie so you can instantly see if one flys off.
When I bought my 86 originally, the biggest front end correction came in the form of wheel bearings. The RHS one fell apart when the wheel was removed. Water had got in on this side because of the side stand location tilting it skyward and corroded the internals.
After those three, it's all refinement of the norm with braces (which should have been a factory standard, so treat yourself if you've not got one) stiffer springs and RPM clever valves to smooth out the ups and downs.
Job done.

[andyoutandabout]

Oh a plus 1 on the 36/42 pressure split. That'll keep you pointing the right way.

[aviationfred]

Looking on Dunlop's website, the GT501F Arrowmax appears to no longer be in production. Age of the tire could be part of the issue. Is the tire a 110 or a 120?

After reading your list of issues with the front tire, and the knowledge that the FJ does tend to not like tires with a solid center groove. My recommendation would be to buy a new set of tires and have them professionally balanced. 36/42 air pressure and go from there.



Fred

[mtc]

Looking on Dunlop's website, the GT501F Arrowmax appears to no longer be in production. Age of the tire could be part of the issue. Is the tire a 110 or a 120?

After reading your list of issues with the front tire, and the knowledge that the FJ does tend to not like tires with a solid center groove. My recommendation would be to buy a new set of tires and have the professionally balanced. 36/42 air pressure and go from there.



Fred

so you too have experienced grooved front tires behaving badly on your fj?

size 120, not quite in the budget for a new set of tires right this moment, but i know i am playing with fire


had an xs1100 i restored with the most dry rotted, oldest not even made in the past 40 years tire on it and it went 115 mph, no i don't have a death wish, but to count these tires out right this moment is.....

[mtc]

Oh a plus 1 on the 36/42 pressure split. That'll keep you pointing the right way.

so those are  the magic numbers

36/42

not 36/40

35/38

but

36/42

forever and ever? lol

ok