Chasing the shakes

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 30, 2012 | 09:18 PM

Chopperbob

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 257

Likes: 1

From: Bama

Chasing the shakes

I seem to have a case of a tank slapped at low speeds. Tire wear is is good and bearings were repacked not long ago. Tire pressure is good also so I am lead to believe the neck bearings are the cause of my issues as they have not been adjusted since 95 when the bike rolled down the line. I bought this awesome neck bearing tool from snap on but I have yet to figure out how to adjust them.
Bike is a 95 ultra btw

Jul 31, 2012 | 12:52 AM

Spanners39

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 7,736

Likes: 1,524

From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand

You need to have no play in the neck when the front wheel is off the ground and it should feel smooth and not notchy when you move the bars from side to side.

Jul 31, 2012 | 03:37 AM

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

Likes: 2,898

From: Bedford UK

What tyres are you using? If they are an alternative brand some of them use higher pressures than the stock tyres.

As well as them and the neck bearings, there are several things that can give you the wobbles, including the 'cleve block' swingarm bearings and tired old front and rear rubber mounts. If your bike is bone stock it could be time for a freshen up, from stem to stern!