Bad front end shake over 70 mph.

[Bobby Schulz]

Hey guys I have a 05 Ridgeback that has a front end shake at anything over 70 mph. Its bad between 75-95 mph only getting worse as the speed goes up. The rear of the bike feels good and not a bit of shake, however the front I can watch the front tire/forks bouncing at anything over 70.

Im have tried balancing weights, a re-balance, dyna beads 1 ounce and now 2 ounces (without weights) making sure nothing is bent including the wheel, and front axle, Checking my forks and changing out the fork oil. I have also check the neck bearings and made sure they are tight.

Im just about out of options and looking for any ideas.

 

[Eric]

maybe wheel berrings...

 

[narow37]

make sure the fall away is adjusted properly. also, the rear wheel can cause problems with the front end. how many miles on the bike, has it ever been in the rain. check the runout and trueness of the wheels.

 

[Mickeetwo]

Just a shot in the dark......How much air pressure are you running in the front. Also is this a new problem are has it always done it. Just trying to help

 

[mobsta]

air pressure:2thumbs:

 

[woodbutcher]

have you had to slide the front tire in an emergency stop??????

 

[Dozer1]

Good advice everything so far. Also thinking front PSI. Because it's a chopper you're guna naturally get alittle bit of fork bounce, but your shocks should be taking all direct-on hits.

 

[Rally]

Had the same problem with my 05 Chopper w/5k miles. :bang:
Checked the air pressure up front and it was down to 36 psi. Filled it to 40 psi and problem not as bad. Then carefully checked the front tire and it had the beginning of cupping prolly due to under inflated.
Replaced with a new Cobra front tire and problem went away. :up:
Now steady as a rock at 100 mph +. Rear tire had 40 psi just the front was low and had cupping.

 

[REMorris]

I know you said you checked neck bearing tightness, but if you have the front end off the ground, do you feel "rough spots" when turning the steering? This is something that you consciously have to feel for, it's a very slight roughness or a sticking feeling. Very easy to miss and can cause front end problems if not fixed with new bearings.

 

[BBChopper]

Jake had that, it was his rear tire!!!

 

[Bobby Schulz]

Well, I checked all your suggestions and havent found anything
Im going to keep looking and let you know when I find it. :bang::angry::bang:

 

[KnotSo]

I have had a couple of 85mph wobbles on cornering that concerned me a bit, turned out the front wheel bearings were almost wore out. replaced, and so far no wobble. Not saying that was the issue as both times I was on the outside line in the outside lane so there could have been some pavement issues also.

 

[PiTdOgXL]

Speed Wobble

I my had a pretty wild speed wobble happening at 90mph on my 2001 Husky.
I checked for warn bearings and excessive play,air pressure etc and after finding nothing adjusted my fall away and the problem is solved !

 

[Bobby Schulz]

This is a old post and update but....It was the metzler front tire. I changed my front tire and problem solved

 

[PaulHart]

This is a old post and update but....It was the metzler front tire. I changed my front tire and problem solved

Thanks for coming back to let us all know. Glad your up and running.

 

[Little-Boo]

This is a old post and update but....It was the metzler front tire. I changed my front tire and problem solved

Good Job Bobby, that is what I like to see. Did we help with out input or not. Was the problem solved and if it was what was wrong. You did the right thing, I wish everyone would do that, including me and that way we can be helpful with similar issues when they pop up. :2thumbs:

Carlos

 

[Raywood]

I cruise all day long at 90 to a 100 mph without problems.

Here's what you do:

Loosen all the front tube bolts, fender brackets, triple tree pinch bolts. Push your bike "straight" into the wall of your garage. Two people helps. When you get the front end "forks" collapsed a bit hit the brake and have another person tighten up all the bolts real quick. Then you can release the brake and go back and torque the bolts to the recommended torque values. This will ensure your front end is tight. Old Harley method.

I would ask how old and worn is your front tire? If it's worn it's going to ride rough no matter what you do. Replace it if need be.

 

[Reaper]

have you had to slide the front tire in an emergency stop??????

I think that might be the cause of my shake, kind of have a flat spot.

 

[Ray]

When I got my scooter I didn't really know any different and kinda thought the shake was a natural thing. I was so happy to have it,like a possum in a trash can, I tryed to over look the shake, and was certainly not going to complain. At that point I tryed to act surprised when other people told me it didn't have shocks !!!!!!!

It was noticed that the sides of the front tire were dry rotting the little splits so I got a new front tire put on it and that took all that shake out. The tire might have small dips in it , enough to make it bounce at high speeds. My 2004 doesn't have 5,000 on it yet!!! And over course any over 70 is "Against The Law" and I don't do that either!!!!! Well maybe every once in a while

Ray