Wobble?

[Grolli]

So, I looked through the threads about wobble... but not sure if what I have is classified as the dreaded wobble.

 

Low speed turning is where I notice it. Nothing really noticeable at any speeds over 10 MPH (unless I am just writing it off as vehicle speed correcting it)

 

1985 Venture Royale, 70K miles, not sure if the previous owner replaced anything.

 

Tire pressure is fine. Should I start with the head bearings? Any other ideas?

 

Thank you..

 

G

[XV1100SE]

Need to check for looseness in your steering head. Put the bike on a lift with the front wheel off the ground. Turn the handle bars 45 degrees to the left (cables will bind if you turn to the right) and let go. If the steering holds the position then it could be tire related. If it moves on it's own, you need to tighten the steering head.

 

If you can't find the write up on tightening the steering head in the read only section let me know and I'll post the link.

[Grolli]

Thanks.

 

Put the bike up. stays at 45. Soo.. with the tire on the ground with light pressure on it.. I shook it left and right. Seems like something is loose. I searched the first gen, but cant find the link you speak of. Might you be able to re-post for me?

 

Thanks again,

 

G

[dacheedah]

you need the weight off the tire, then check it

[Grolli]

yep. . had no weight on the tire when I checked it. (at 45 degrees). shook it when light pressure on it.

 

found the process in the first gen manual

[bongobobny]

To answer your question on steering head bearings, it is not a bad idea to do anyway due to age, but may or may not be the source of wobble. Neck bolt tightness is a biggie, but then again so is front shocks, tire condition, etc. Also, installing a "superbrace" does help...l

[Grolli]

Front tire is at 70%, I don't think its the tire due to the wobble being noticeable at less then 10 MPH. I am picking up tools to check and re-torque the neck bolts, front shocks don't leak, but I am reading up on them as well..

 

What is this "superbrace" you speak of???

[Yammer Dan]

With it in air(tire off ground) place it in center and push it to one side hard enough to make it go all the way. If it falls to the stop and bounces off adjust steering head. If it wll fall over there and just stay it should be tight enough. Do not push hard just enough to make it fall by itself.

[bongobobny]

The superbrace is a thicker than stock fork brace both under the brand name superbrace and a few knock offs. Member Condor was manufacturing his version of them a while ago...

[bongobobny]

PS worn out springs and/or uneven oil level in the shocks can cause problems. Just because the tire still has lots of tread on it doesn't mean it is good. Is there any cupping, shifted cords, etc? Also do not use any tire older than 6 years old...

[Grolli]

With it in air(tire off ground) place it in center and push it to one side hard enough to make it go all the way. If it falls to the stop and bounces off adjust steering head. If it wll fall over there and just stay it should be tight enough. Do not push hard just enough to make it fall by itself.

 

With tire off ground, and just enough force to turn, it does bounce.

 

Front tire does not show any signs of cupping, but I plan to rebuild the forks this winter (since I have been reading about the common problems with first gens...)

 

Thanks for all the help folks!

 

G

[KIC]

I agree with all the previous posts. Check and grease your steering head bearings AND look into getting the thicker front fork brace. The "wobble" I had was more of a side to side "looseness" that kinda wobbled but wasn't up and down. Fixing both of the above took care of it.

 

Then there is the.... " while you are in there... new front fork seals AND progressive springs.

 

Also, when searching the forum, drop to the bottom of the search link above, go to Google search on the bottom and click on the http://www.venturerider link.

[Grolli]

So, last question for a while...

 

Where would you suggest I purchase parts from? I prefer to stay away from ebay. Good site/dealer to use?

[Yammer Dan]

With tire off ground, and just enough force to turn, it does bounce.

 

Front tire does not show any signs of cupping, but I plan to rebuild the forks this winter (since I have been reading about the common problems with first gens...)

 

Thanks for all the help folks!

 

G

 

 

Adjust steering head. No parts needed. Forks leaking? Progressive springs like getting new front end.

[Flyinfool]

 

Then there is the.... " while you are in there... new front fork seals AND progressive springs.

 

Hey, that's my line........

 

So, last question for a while...

 

Where would you suggest I purchase parts from? I prefer to stay away from ebay. Good site/dealer to use?

 

I get most of my parts from SkyDoc_17, a member on this forum. The parts will come with a lot of knowledge on how to use them.

[KIC]

Hey, that's my line........

We only mimic the best .....