Wobble Update

[Wizard765]

Just thought some folks might be interested in our progress on this situation.

 

Carl and I had over the winter Avon Venoms installed on our scoots. He had the rear replaced and I had both front and rear. Both of us experienced a wobble at speeds over 110 Kms/hr or 75 Mph. The wobble gets worse as the speed increases. Carl talked to the people at Avon and they indicated that they wanted to resolve the issue and would pick up the costs.

We have been to the shop that installed the tires and he also wanted to resolve the issue and is willing to do what it takes.

 

I've had the Avons replaced with another set of Avons (one at a time) without success. Same problem.

 

Now I have a set of Metzlers on and the problem is GONE. I know I'm going to get some flack because I chose Metzlers but really didn't want to go back to Dunlops because I liked the way the Avon handled better than the Dunlop. With the Dunlop I felt every crack in the road as well as expanded steel bridges and groove pavement.

 

So far I really like the Metzlers. For many seasons these were the prefered tires and then one season some folks experienced peices coming out of the tires. In my opinion (and I worked for Firestone for 12 years in the plant making tires) it could have been a bad batch of rubber or some other component so I'm not worried at this point.

 

So far so good and right now I LOVE my bike again.... Was on the hwy at 140 Kms/hr for an extended period yesterday without a problem. Could NOT do that with the Avons. I believe Avon makes a great tire but there is a compatability issue with SOME 1st gens.

 

Wayne

[hipshot]

wayne, thanks for the very informative update.

i have been thinking about a new set of avons, for my '86, but now i am not so sure.

just jt

[GigaWhiskey]

I want to clear on what you were actually getting. Was it a wobble or a weave? Front, center, back?

[Wizard765]

I want to clear on what you were actually getting. Was it a wobble or a weave? Front, center, back?

 

 

It's a wobble.. not a front end shake and it feels more like you are behind a big truck and being blown around. We are pretty sure it is the rear tire causing the problem. If we add weight to the bike the problem pretty much dissappears as well. At 140 it gets downright interesting and is quite visable by someone behind you.

 

Wayne

[GigaWhiskey]

So, could you be saying that there are three types? Front end wobble, rear end wobble and a weave (Hinge effect like being thrown around in the wind).

 

To me it sounds like a weave from your description. When the ole lady was on the back of mine, it would take a few more MPH before it would act up.

 

Sorry if I am sounding confused. I just need to get it straight in my head.

 

I am hoping we can get each typed and descripted so one can better determine what they actually have too.

[Ozark]

So far so good and right now I LOVE my bike again Glad you fell in love with your 1st gen again. I have Venoms on my '88 and have had good luck with them, but let us know how the Metzlers work out for you. I also love the grip and feel of the Venoms so if the Metzlers feel similar, that would be a plus.

[Yammer Dan]

The Front End Wobble as you go into a turn at 90 mph+ is not a good feeling. As well as I like the Avons at lower speeds I would be willing to try something else to avoid this.

[GunnyButch]

Were those radial or bias tires you that gave had the wobble. I'm not very familiar with 1st gens but they aren't they designed for radials? Just wondering.

[Venturous Randy]

Thank you very much for this post Wayne. All along, I have stated that I love and hate my Avons. They handle great until I get to about 75 and the faster I get, the more rear end wobble I get. I have stated this time and again and I keep getting that something is wrong with my bike. I just know that I never experienced the rear end wobble with the Metzlers, Donlaps or Bridgesones that were on it when I got it.

All along I have stated that there seems to be something incompatible about 1st gens and Avons and I think you have proved that point. I have played with the tire pressures and lowering it to about 42 seemed to help, but it is still there. I can live without doing 100mph down the highway, but I do not like the feeling I am being buffeted by a truck while going just a little above 70mph.

I really wish this was not the case for me as I am getting the best tire wear on these Avons compared to any of the others. But, when it comes time for a new rear tire, and I now have over 10,000 miles on these, I may have to try something else.

RandyA

[Sailor]

I love the Avons but I did notice a bit of wobble in the corners but that was only after they had warmed up and since I had them at max pressure they were actually over inflated. I adjusted the pressure and last week burried the spedo at 180 kph in 4th with no wobble at any time. By the way does anyone know what these things (02 Venture) will actualy do as my spedo does not go high enough.

[Dano]

I've got the ME880's on mine, front and back. Did pretty good last year, but that was with worn out head bearings and the bushings in the rear shock link, rubber engine mounts shot, etc. Once I get her out on the road with these issues over and done with, I'll let you know.

 

Dan

[Wizard765]

I love the Avons but I did notice a bit of wobble in the corners but that was only after they had warmed up and since I had them at max pressure they were actually over inflated. I adjusted the pressure and last week burried the spedo at 180 kph in 4th with no wobble at any time. By the way does anyone know what these things (02 Venture) will actualy do as my spedo does not go high enough.

 

 

From everything I've read so far the Avons are an EXCELLENT choice for 2nd gens. This problem is only with the 1st gens and even then not all of them.

 

Wayne

[Wizard765]

So, could you be saying that there are three types? Front end wobble, rear end wobble and a weave (Hinge effect like being thrown around in the wind).

 

I'm not sure how to describe it but it is definately not front end wobble. It feels like the whole bike but if I had to choose I'd say rear.

 

Wayne

[Wizard765]

Were those radial or bias tires you that gave had the wobble. I'm not very familiar with 1st gens but they aren't they designed for radials? Just wondering.

 

I don't know the answer to this question. Are the Avon Venom X tires radial or bias? Anyone??

 

Wayne

[GunnyButch]

I have the VenomX on my 2nd gen and they are bias tires, I'm on my 3rd set so I really like them. I checked the Avon site and didn't see a radial tire. I thought they had a radial but was mistaken so please disregard my question.

Edited May 29, 2008 by GunnyButch

[CrazyHorse]

Never had a wobble with the Avons on my 1st Gen.