wont hold a staright line down the road

[OrlinEngh]

I have a 1992 Venture that the best I can explain is it wont hold a straight line down the road. It also feels like it has a washy or the feeling of low tires and it does this on curves also but it is most noticable on the straight aways.

I checked the rear of the bike and can not find any play in bearings or bushings has a new rear tire and front tire.

I also checked to see if there is play in the front and I cant find any.

Would wore bearings in the triple tree cause this? It does turn a little stiff or could they just be to tight and dryed out?

Orlin

[Evan]

Those head bearings can dry out and in my case, cause the same problem as you are having. I understand they can actually seize up on you, so it is important to fix the problem for your own safety. My initial fix was to remove the top head bearing and clean and grease it well, which I was able to do with the help of a fellow Venturerider (Mother). You can do this without removing the forks. However, new bearings are likely the best fix. There are good threads on this.

[Marcarl]

Yep, sounds like steering head bearings. Could be as Evan says, or also could be that somebody adjusted them too tight, but I tend to go with Evan's thoughts.

Personally I would take the time to remove the bearings and put new ones in, I know it's not the brakes, but it too important to mickey mouse with. Get yourself a new set of bearings, your local bearing dealer will be able to help you, drop the whole front end and do it right. It's the only time you'll have to do this job. It's not complicated, but will take some time.

[Condor]

http://www.venturerider.org/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=3849

[Flyinfool]

Set the bike up with the front wheel off the ground, You can then turn the steering slowly to feel for any tight spots. The stearing should also move freely from side to side with almost no pressure on the bars. If the bearings are warn there will be a slight indent feel around center.

You can then also grab the front wheel and pull it forward and back to check for play in the head bearings.

 

Orlin, Are you sure its the bike? There are no straight roads around you. You might be trying to go straight on a twisty road.

[dingy]

http://www.venturerider.org/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=3849

 

You have no decency, that's a blatant, shameless plug if I ever saw one.

 

If that's where we are all headed, then so be it.

 

http://www.venturerider.org/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=3890&title=steering-head-bearing-nut-wrench&cat=33

 

Gary

[OrlinEngh]

I tore the bike down today and the bearings are not in good shape dryed out and stiff so its new bearings for the front,

And yes it can be hard to find a good staight section of road around here:). Thats why I want it to handle alot better than it does those twisty turns are alot of fun.

Orlin

[BOO]

That lower bushing in the frame swing arm causes a bike to "snake" down the road. Your bike is new enough that it should have a grease fitting there.

Hope you find the problem, that is a little un-nerving.

BOO