Wicked shimmy
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Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Texas
Wicked shimmy
I was riding home last night and felt a weird shimmy in the rear of the bike. It traveled up to the bars and I counter steered until it went away. at first I thought it could have been the rear tire going flat, but upon inspection that was not the case. Since it did not happen again, I forgot about it until it happened again this morning on the ride into work. The road was dry and I was not traveling down the center of the lane.
I knew when I put the apes on the geometry of the steering was going to change, but has anyone had experience with this? I nearly **** myself it was that squirly.
I knew when I put the apes on the geometry of the steering was going to change, but has anyone had experience with this? I nearly **** myself it was that squirly.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,067
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From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
Don't know about all the time, those are just the things I'd check first.
If nothing found there I would loosen the belt enough to get it out of the way and check the bearings for noise or play.
If nothing found there I would loosen the belt enough to get it out of the way and check the bearings for noise or play.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
There is no simple answer to this. Check everything is just so, as already suggested. High bars can create problems, as much from 'hanging on' as anything. If you were gripping them against the wind blast or leaning back pulling on them, you could introduce that sort of reaction.
Very few riders use ear plugs, despite the hazards of hearing damage, that was widely broadcast back in the 70s. Many are in denial that riding a bike (any bike) is noisy, but you could also try them. They cost a few cents at a gun shop.
If you find the shimmy goes away, or happens at a higher speed, we are on to the cause of the problem!
Very few riders use ear plugs, despite the hazards of hearing damage, that was widely broadcast back in the 70s. Many are in denial that riding a bike (any bike) is noisy, but you could also try them. They cost a few cents at a gun shop.
If you find the shimmy goes away, or happens at a higher speed, we are on to the cause of the problem!
Tourer
Joined: May 2012
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From: Thailand
Were you accelerating, cruising? Wheel balance and tyre off for an internal inspection is where I'd start.
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Paignton Devon
ever since i installed my apes i get an odd wobble when I'm at speed. it comes and goes but levels out when i put pressure on the bars. I have checked everything and anything I'm convinced its the bars. after a long trip battling with them this weekend I've ordered some drag bars, time for a change, ill keep you posted.
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: USA
ever since i installed my apes i get an odd wobble when I'm at speed. it comes and goes but levels out when i put pressure on the bars. I have checked everything and anything I'm convinced its the bars. after a long trip battling with them this weekend I've ordered some drag bars, time for a change, ill keep you posted.
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Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Texas
ever since i installed my apes i get an odd wobble when I'm at speed. it comes and goes but levels out when i put pressure on the bars. I have checked everything and anything I'm convinced its the bars. after a long trip battling with them this weekend I've ordered some drag bars, time for a change, ill keep you posted.