IndianaJones

WOBBLE and BOUNCE ISSUES: I have an interesting story that I want to share. I've had wobble issues on and off for over 2 years until I was almost afraid to ride the 88 VR bike. It was no fun anymore. I tried much of the above. No luck. Finally solved the problem. Now the wobble is gone, the bike goes like a bat out of hell, corners like a race machine, easily does 2x posted speed in the twisties with tar stripes, uneven roads, grooves and it almost WANTS to race - unbelievable. My confidence is back. OK, OK, it's a 1st gen and they are fast machines - but here is the lowdown: Hope it helps someone. #1: the fork oil seals leaked and the lightweight racing 10w synthetic oil drained / sat on the michelin commanders over the winter. Despite those stating otherwise, the oil DID soak into the rubber making it heavy, swollen and hence out of round by .250-.300". That is a lot. Tried a re-balance. NoGo. Replaced the tire with metzlar 880's 110/90 - next size down. Now the steering is deadly accurate - best I have ever had. It falls into the corners naturally. Go figure. #2: Replaced the fork seals. In the process, found out that the 4 sliders were worn out, and 2 small valve springs on the left side were missing. Fixed that. Made sure they were perfect - careful rebuild. #3: Have progressive springs and 15wt Motul fork oil to specs. Might take out a bit of oil as ride is a bit stiff - it might just be the new seals tho - will find a stiction lube somewhere to loosen things up. No air pressure added. #4: Steering head was adjusted - as per the above. I jacked the front wheel just off the ground and tightened / adjusted the head so that the wheels barely / not even fall freely from side to side stops. A bit tighter is for better control. MY preference. #5: Scrapped the Spitfire (lousy tire) and put a new tire on rear - Dunlop E3. Again size adjustment down from 140/90 to 150/80. #6: Put in 8oz slime for balance and leak prevention in both tires. #7: Found a missing bolt that anchors / tightens the rear axle on the right side swing arm - might have caused some side to side movement of the swing arm - not sure, but it is in place now anyway. #8: Completely refinished, polished and cleaned the wheels. Found lots of grime, dirt, and build up in rear wheel and hub area. Would it have caused wobble due to a slight mis-balance - I doubt it, but it is restored to better than new factor specs. I can tell you, that since I live in central BC, Canada - in an area of the mecca of twisties and gorgeous mc roads, I had to restore my confidence after 2 years of fear. That came about quickly. I started off with a nice highway trip thru the mountains on the Trans Canada highway - 45 mins. Ate diner. Then I went back faster and faster to see how it handled - up to 100 mph. Perfect I had a 79 year old senior who came for the ride and I could tell either she was confident of fearful. The bike was on 43 psi load range on the rear (might have been a bit low I think), none on the front. I then went off on a secondary by the lakeshore - lots of twisties and road repairs here from the recent flash flooding. I thought I would see if I could induce a wobble -starting slowly of course and tested the limits - if there are any. There was no way I could induce a wobble. I tried on the straights. None. Then I tried in light cornering. None. Then in the tighter corners. It immediately stopped - it would not, could not wobble or bounce. Holy ****! This is amazing. Then I went into tight corners (60 km warnings at 110-120) with a few bumps and road repairs and it rocketed around that corner almost without effort or hands - it was astounding. The bike WANTED to go fast. Again I tried to induce a bit of wobble in corners, bumps, flats, repairs. None whatsoever. Even came close to scraping pegs. The bike resisted wobble and bounce and always found perfect tracking. I was blown away. And no fork brace either I might add. Mary (the senior) said she had absolutely no fear, no worry and was amazed at the confidence she had in the bike. It was the ride of her life and she is living the dream -well before the bucket list kicks in! I have never seen her so elated, upbeat and happy - imagine that. Like a kid again. I guess the repairs worked! She was in heaven. So was I. So was I.

Now, who's got some great wheel polishing advice? Hi - just finished refinishing my 88 black wheels and mounted new tires. Here is what I did. Took a die grinder and scotch brite to the spokes. Cleaned them up real fast. Took the same pad to the bright alum finish on the rim. Now this is a course cut, so the 'cut' marks are quite visible. Took 320 grit sandpaper to the rims (not the black painted section) and hand sanded them - quite easy actually. It now gives a satin finish that really shows nicely. At one time I had these polished along with the forks, but didn't like the polished look. The 320 grit is really nice. The spokes were sanded radially (along the spoke). Then I used varsol and a toothbrush to loosen all the grime, grease and brake dust on the wheel, spokes, hub, and discs. Then soap, water and a brush to clean it up. Finished it off with a lacquer clear or a wheel rim clear. It looks almost better than new. The spokes shine and sparkle when they turn. Satin look is very impressive. For the forks, (mine were 23 years old and showed signs of age - pitting etc.) use a paint remover to take off the old clear coat. Then I used a bench grinder / polisher and cleaned it up all around. To finish, I hand sanded the forks carefully and accurately with 400 grit, held the forks and rotated them in my hand while holding the sandpaper. Clear coat after wards - looks brilliant.