KZ1000 P, handling question

I have a '99 1000P, with 42xxx on the clock. It seems to handle fine up to 60MPH, but, when I hit 65 or 70 on the freeway, going straight, I don't feel comfortable on it. seems to have a slight rear wobble, and minor shimmy from the front. Here is what I know, the rear shocks are stock, and on the stiffest setting, Tires are Dunlop K327 rears, Dunlop F16 front. Look to have about have of their tread. I had the bike in the shop for a major tune-up, they replaced the swingarm bushings, rebalanced the tires, inflated the tires to the proper PSI. What else should I do to get better handling? I am thinking of replacing the tires, witch brand and model would you recommend? I want to keep it close to a sport touring Bike. Would a fork brace help? Steering dampner? I can spend a few hundred on it. Thanks for the advice

I'd give the neck bearings a good looksee.

If they're original with 40-odd on the clock, they're likely shot, and will give you the symptoms you're noticing.

Go for tapered rollers, much superior to ball bearings.

While you're at it, a little trick I did on mine after noticing that the bottom surface of the lower bearing is essentially open to the elements was to trim a rubber diaphram to fit over the bearing cap, then packed it with grease to keep road gunk outta there.

Thanks for the tip, I will try that, Z1enterprises here I come...

Depending on your weight you might want to bring down the settings according to your weight also

Yeah, I thought about that, just difficult to get to the shock adjusters, with the sidesaddles and crash bars on. But, I will drop the settings to the middle, and try that. Oh, by the way, I just ordered the stearing bearings from Z1E, they have a kit with the seals...

Post edited by: z1rick, at: 2007/03/13 00:02

Thats cool. I have to start my 1000 project soon. Fork rebuild, new seals, change oil again, along with new magnetic drain plug and get out those broken bolts in my clutch cover and find that noise in my bike's rear end, possibly bearings for the wheel and somethingelse I can't remember right now. I gotta write this down

Pterosaur wrote:

I'd give the neck bearings a good looksee.

If they're original with 40-odd on the clock, they're likely shot, and will give you the symptoms you're noticing.

Go for tapered rollers, much superior to ball bearings.

While you're at it, a little trick I did on mine after noticing that the bottom surface of the lower bearing is essentially open to the elements was to trim a rubber diaphram to fit over the bearing cap, then packed it with grease to keep road gunk outta there.

I could not agree more. If the problem continues let the forum know....if it goes away tell us as well...

Thank you all for the tips, as soon as I get my stearing bearings, and get them installed, it's off down the freeway... I will post again once I know how she is doing... Also, I am going to purchase the Craftsman Bike lift, someone posted a link for it in ChitChat, I will let you know how that goes as well.

As a mechanic I've learned to ask this question... Did this problem start after you got it back from servicing? If so, it was NOT there before the work done. You need to check their work. Something not adjusted right, something loose? (My first impression was low tire pressure) Let us know...

Bluemeanie wrote:

As a mechanic I've learned to ask this question... Did this problem start after you got it back from servicing? If so, it was NOT there before the work done. You need to check their work. Something not adjusted right, something loose? (My first impression was low tire pressure) Let us know...

Entirely cool way to look at the issue.

Though the original post didn't specify, the implication is that the condition existed before the shop got ahold of it - hence the bushings and tire swap, etc...

But oh yeah, a loose swingarm bolt will definitely cause that kind of feeling at those kind of speeds...

Double checking shop-performed servicing is *always* a good idea.

Still, at "42xxx", I'd expect those neck bearings to fall apart as soon as daylight hits 'em...

A couple of things not mentioned could also possibly cause what you're experiencing:

1) Mis-matched (diff brand or compound) tires can sometimes cause instability that might not be noticeable at low speeds, but will make you very aware of it at higher speeds.
2) Worn or damaged cush damper, which is located directly behind the sprocket hub on the rear wheel.
3) Worn front and/or rear wheel bearings or spacers.
4) Ribbed treaded (straight grooved pattern) front tires are notorious for catching those little rain grooves in the freeways here in So Calif, and will certainly make the bike feel "squirrely" at speed.


Have you had a chance to take her up to the speed where she feels unstable on a plain old asphalt or concrete road w/out rain grooves yet?
That would at least rule out the ribbed tread pattern issue.

I know you said it was at the shop and the tires have proper air ,,but do the tires show any signs of cupping, sign of tires starting to wear out