instability in front end
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Novice
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
From: nc
instability in front end
Hello again Forum,
I have a 96 RK with Reckless batwing fairing that until recently was like riding on a rail.It seemed to begin when I had to replace a fork seal which of course meant a rebuild.Also at same time .I replaced worn out riser bushings with neoprene bushings and greased neck bearings.At same time I also installed new Metzler 888's.On first ride,noticed not nearly as stable around tractor trailers as before and because of some bad reviews about Metzler,I replaced both tires with new Michelin Commanders.Like I said ,this all seemed to happen suddenly.After new tires ,there seems to be no change and possibly even worse.Running tires at 36 lbs. in front,15 lbs.in front forks,have checked and rechecked alignment and just to clarify,this is not the bagger wobble in rear,it is a front end problem,almost more like a wander than wobble.also have checked front wheel preload and ruled it out.Anybody else seen this?Thanks for any help.
I have a 96 RK with Reckless batwing fairing that until recently was like riding on a rail.It seemed to begin when I had to replace a fork seal which of course meant a rebuild.Also at same time .I replaced worn out riser bushings with neoprene bushings and greased neck bearings.At same time I also installed new Metzler 888's.On first ride,noticed not nearly as stable around tractor trailers as before and because of some bad reviews about Metzler,I replaced both tires with new Michelin Commanders.Like I said ,this all seemed to happen suddenly.After new tires ,there seems to be no change and possibly even worse.Running tires at 36 lbs. in front,15 lbs.in front forks,have checked and rechecked alignment and just to clarify,this is not the bagger wobble in rear,it is a front end problem,almost more like a wander than wobble.also have checked front wheel preload and ruled it out.Anybody else seen this?Thanks for any help.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 24
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From: nc
I thought about that but wondered how it would change so quickly.But also ,I have checked the neck bearings by the procedure in the manual,stating that the front end should travel from far left,past center to right,past center again to left and then toward center.Mine ,by hd specs,are tight,since it only goes past center the one time and then tries to return to center.I have all control cables removed.Forgot to say bike has 60000 miles.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 410
From: Puyallup, WA
I thought about that but wondered how it would change so quickly.But also ,I have checked the neck bearings by the procedure in the manual,stating that the front end should travel from far left,past center to right,past center again to left and then toward center.Mine ,by hd specs,are tight,since it only goes past center the one time and then tries to return to center.I have all control cables removed.Forgot to say bike has 60000 miles.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,900
From: Oklahoma
Did you do the fork tube work or a shop? Are you certain that both fork tubes are fully seated in the top fittings? Have the lower clamps been tightened? Do you have laced (spoked) wheels or cast wheels? Loose spokes. Wheel bearings checked front and BACK? I run my steering head adjustment just like yours and mine is very stable. Coincidences in mechanical devices are always amazing. Change tires and a "tired" engine mount shows up, just a coincidence not really related to the tires. Are the alignment links solid? I also run my CIIs at the max pressure on the sidewalls, plus a little, might help.
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Novice
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 24
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From: nc
I did the work myself and have experience with both cars and motorcycles for years.The tubes are seated in the upper tree and the lower pinch bolts are tight.I have cast wheels front and back and i checked and packed the front and back bearings when I put the Metzlers on.Short of checking alignment ,I have not focused much attention on the links but may be something to look into. thanks
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
Both Metzelers and Michelins get good reviews from members, so there is a bit of a mystery here. Despite your impression that the problem is up front, don't rule out problems at the rear, as they can be misleading. On such an old bike, unless you know the following are in good condition, front and rear engine mounts may be very old, also the swingarm bushings. Your bike had cleve blocks when new and they can fail.
