What causes head shake
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 417
Likes: 3
From: Watauga, TX
What causes head shake
On my way to work theres a 45 mph posted right hand sweeper pretty constant raduis. Two lane one way, I'm in the left hand (outside) lane. Going about 65 mph, lean angle appropriate to mantian lane position about 1/3 into the lane from the right hand side. about mid curve theres a quick dip in the road and the bars go into a little head shake, two or three occilations, and the bike is thrown outwards to the left. Settles down pretty quick, but i'm about 70-80 % across the lane by the time it does.
Is head shake caused by neck bearings, tire pressures, springs, dampeners?
I know I was exceeding the posted speed limit, but easily had lean angle for another 10 mph. Not sure that it would have settled down before leaving the pavement if it had another 10 mph though.
Whats the proper technique when head shake occurs? Maintian throttle (this is what I did) Roll off throttle, Roll on throttle, Straighten the bike and apply rear brake?
Yes I know, Slow Down.. but you can go ahead and tell me to anyhow if you must
Do I need softer springs, stiffer springs, more dampening, less dampening, more tire presssure, weaker right wrist?
Thanks for your thoughts
Is head shake caused by neck bearings, tire pressures, springs, dampeners?
I know I was exceeding the posted speed limit, but easily had lean angle for another 10 mph. Not sure that it would have settled down before leaving the pavement if it had another 10 mph though.
Whats the proper technique when head shake occurs? Maintian throttle (this is what I did) Roll off throttle, Roll on throttle, Straighten the bike and apply rear brake?
Yes I know, Slow Down.. but you can go ahead and tell me to anyhow if you must
Do I need softer springs, stiffer springs, more dampening, less dampening, more tire presssure, weaker right wrist?
Thanks for your thoughts
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 545
Likes: 5
From: California
Buddy of mine had some head shake on a 94 Heritage and tightened the head nut(s). No more problem.
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 417
Likes: 3
From: Watauga, TX
Bike is a 2008 FLHTCU Ohlin 3-3's in the rear, Race tech springs 1.0's whitch are what race tech specs for my weight, and ricor intimidator dampener valves in the front.
Last edited by Moneywoes; Jun 11, 2012 at 11:29 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 199
Likes: 2
From: Indiana
Most typically in my experience it is caused by head bearings as has been suggested. However there is a long list of possible causes. In your case however, if you haven't noticed it before I'd suspect that the dip you encountered and the loading of the springs and sudden change in geometry was involved. As far as how to deal with it, dampen it with your hands.