Steering & Frame Stability

[GeorgeS]

There has been several discussions concerning Steering Head Stability, ( ie. head shake ) for different bikes on this site. And it is of concern with the Ventures.

 

Been doing the 15K maint. on the Busa yesterday and today, have all the panels removed. So I decided to take a few photos of the Frame on the 99 Busa,

( ie. Death Machine ) . Basicly to show the Extent of the Frame construction on the bike, and why, It does not have Steering Head Shake until after you exceed about 200 MPH ( not a typo ) !!

 

Dry wgt on the bike is 476lb. -- Wheel Base, 58.5 in.-- 1.3 liter transverse 4 cyl. fuel injected.

 

Anyway, photo's posted here to show the extent of the Frame construction, for a bike designed for high speed.

Edited March 6, 2009 by GeorgeS

[5bikes]

My early 90's GSX Suzuki's have a much stouter frame than my 84 Venture. Most bikes have gotten better. We put a front Kenda on a friend's 88 and it had dangerous handling.

Front ends, (forks and frames) and tires are critical. I replaced a flattened out front tire and it quit wandering too.

1st Gen rear ends seem less critical but the swing arms are the smallest I've ever seen for this large a bike. I'm reserving my Venture for Interstates/2 up as it was intended not the twisties.

[Squeeze]

Biggest contribute on a Wobble Situation is the Bikes Geometry, Steering Head Angle, Lenght of the Fork, resulting Trail, and improper maintained/setted Head Bearings. On any Venture.

 

Obvious Room for Improvement is solid Motor Mounts, proper setting of the Bearings, on Steering Head and Swingarm and round Seats of the front Bearings.