wobble at 87 mph

OHH,, I CANT DRIVE 55,,,lol

N0NB wrote:

Just remember, don't go 88!



Oh wait, that was in a Delorian. :huh:

Ha Ha Ha
Wait maybe we are going back in time on these old bikes.

I'm thinking the steering stem bearings need replaced or adjusted. I know ya don't have a center stand so put it on a milk crate or something and grab the front forks near the wheel and see if there is any play. I had the same thing on my Z1 and though it was the infamous shake but turned out to be the stem bearings where shot. I replaced them with tapered bearings and the shake disappeared.

BSKZ650 wrote:

OHH,, I CANT DRIVE 55,,,lol

Sammy said it!

That's the funny thing though...I usually do drive 55, most of the back roads I take have a speed limit of 80 km/hr which I think it around 55 mph and I like that speed. I just like to hear the engine scream and hold onto the crap LTD handlebars for dear life sometimes!

Wile wrote:

N0NB wrote:

Just remember, don't go 88!



Oh wait, that was in a Delorian. :huh:

Ha Ha Ha
Wait maybe we are going back in time on these old bikes.

I'm thinking the steering stem bearings need replaced or adjusted. I know ya don't have a center stand so put it on a milk crate or something and grab the front forks near the wheel and see if there is any play. I had the same thing on my Z1 and though it was the infamous shake but turned out to be the stem bearings where shot. I replaced them with tapered bearings and the shake disappeared.

If I sit it on a milkcrate will it not smush the exhausts?

What other bikes have the same centrestand as my 82 1000LTD?

From you other post which states vibration and this one your bike has a wobble. You really need to get a manual for your bike and do some basics like checking out the front and real wheels. High speed wobbles and shimmys are nothing to ignore. Your bike seems to be talking to you. Have a good mechanic give it a ride and determine what is causing these problems. Powering thru the problem is not the answer...JMO..Russ

You're right Russ. I am thinking that my steering is in need of a set of bearings because it is kind of floppy (just went out during lunch to check it out) and I am having my mecanic give my engine a little freshening up and will have him ride it to show him the buzziness at 4 grand. I suppose I could just let it go, but if I plan on going to the track, and if I am on the highway commuting to work everyday I really should be safe.

mzandmz wrote:

I think your wobble might be from a higher source, Telling you to Back off on the throttle and OBAY THE LAW! Hum,people dying on motorcycles...Speed related.... could be.

settle down!!!
weve all done it....you just have to pick your spots....otherwise ...the vespa dealership is ...that way

I would bet on the tires ...its amazing the difference a new set of rubber will make.
steering bearings are also a big cause of the wobbles espesialy if they are still ball bearings and not the new style tapered rollers.
somthing else to check...is the swing-arm pivot...if it is worn..it will give you grief....more so if the rear shocks are marginal.

bottom line is if your gonna try to push these old bikes...you have to put the wrench time in

good tires, good bearings and bushings, sorted suspension and brakes, and you might want to think about braciong the frame to make it more rigid.

just my .02

irishwill wrote:

I would bet on the tires ...its amazing the difference a new set of rubber will make.
steering bearings are also a big cause of the wobbles espesialy if they are still ball bearings and not the new style tapered rollers.
somthing else to check...is the swing-arm pivot...if it is worn..it will give you grief....more so if the rear shocks are marginal.

bottom line is if your gonna try to push these old bikes...you have to put the wrench time in

good tires, good bearings and bushings, sorted suspension and brakes, and you might want to think about braciong the frame to make it more rigid.

just my .02

I am getting kind of excited about all this! This bike is my daily driver, and I don't have a place to work on it right now (soon enough) so I will have to do this slowly. I think I will start with the steering though. My rear shocks are pooo and I have been planning on replacing them with some sporty's sometime soon. When I am putting on the new shocks I may as well check out the bushings while I am down there. I was happy with the kenda shoes on my old bike, so I think I may soon replace the old metzler on the front with another kenda cruiser. I think I will just keep my speeds down while the bike is not 100%. I plan on eventually getting an old Yammy Venture to cruise on 2 up with the wife, and turning this into a little drag bike project once I have a place to work on it in peace.

irishwill wrote:

...its amazing the difference a new set of rubber will make.

Ain't that the truth! When I bought my KZ it had some odd brand Chinese tire on the back, and an old Dunlop on the front - I replaced them with a pair of Spitfires and it transformed the bike! The Spitfires are very reasonably priced and so far I have no complaints at all. They handle well, the bike tracks beautifully and they seem decent in the wet too!

I have another quick question for ya, but please dont do this unless you really feel safe and comfortable at the time.. If you let go of the handlebars at slow speeds 20-25 mph does it wobble? The only way i knew i had a wobble was when i was going slow and let go of the handlebars..

yeah I was going to try out a spitfire when I replaced my rear tire a couple months back, it was almost 70$ more than the kenda...sure they are better, but I really find the kenda cruiser just fine! It's the old (but still good tread) metzler on the front I am worried about, but it will be gone soon enough with a matching kenda