Front end wobble
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,519
Likes: 0
From: Nomad
Gave myself a bit of a fright yesterday. Was rounding a nice long right hand sweeper bend at about 55 mph, touched the front brake lightly to take some edge off my speed and the front end started wobbling like mad and continued for a bit ( 3-4seconds) after I let the brake off. First time it's happened.
Anyone else experience this and where could I start looking to perhaps find a solution?
TIA, 8's
Anyone else experience this and where could I start looking to perhaps find a solution?
TIA, 8's
Wobbles can be corrected by adding throttle.
Dumb mistakes can be avoided by taking a class and learning to ride.
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,168
Likes: 1
From: Cornwall UK
Although its not an ideal scenario, its ok to trail a little rear brake in a bend if you have to. I,m not saying stand on it but trailing a little rear brake is ok.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,919
Likes: 23
From: Seattle, WA
Partially incorrect gouge ... the following is from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Motorcycle Operator's Manual:
R/
'Chop
Always use both brakes every time you slow or stop ... Using both brakes for even normal stops will permit you to develop the proper habit or skill of using both brakes properly in an emergency. ...
Braking in a Corner
Any time a motorcycle is leaned over, the amount of traction available for braking is reduced. The greater the lean angle, the more the possibility of the tires losing traction .... depending on road and traffic conditions, try to get the motorcycle as perpendicular to the road as possible, then brake. If conditions do not allow, brake smoothly and gradually, but do not apply as much braking force as you would if the motorcycle were straight up. As you slow, you can reduce your lean angle, and as more traction becomes available for braking, you can more firmly apply the brakes, so that by the time the motorcycle is stopped, the motorcycle is straight up, and the handlebars are squared.
Must be time for my periodic rider course renewal ....Braking in a Corner
Any time a motorcycle is leaned over, the amount of traction available for braking is reduced. The greater the lean angle, the more the possibility of the tires losing traction .... depending on road and traffic conditions, try to get the motorcycle as perpendicular to the road as possible, then brake. If conditions do not allow, brake smoothly and gradually, but do not apply as much braking force as you would if the motorcycle were straight up. As you slow, you can reduce your lean angle, and as more traction becomes available for braking, you can more firmly apply the brakes, so that by the time the motorcycle is stopped, the motorcycle is straight up, and the handlebars are squared.
R/
'Chop
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,919
Likes: 23
From: Seattle, WA
I think Cornishman is expressing what I was trying to say earlier ....
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 46
From: East Hartford, CT
At 500 miles I went through my bike and the fade away was only 2 inches, it was way too loose. It should be 3 1/2 to 4 inches . I adjusted to 3 1/2 and allot better.
The front fender is 4 inches wide and I used it as a guide adjust 1/4 inch each side.
Be sure to recheck when all is tight.
The front fender is 4 inches wide and I used it as a guide adjust 1/4 inch each side.
Be sure to recheck when all is tight.