handlebars shake without presser

i got new tires on my 81 kz550 ltd, now the handlebars shake when i don't keep presser on them,what should i do?

There is obviously a problem since the "new" tires! Check it out, somethings wrong! Really out of balance, tire not seated on rim, bent rim, etc. Check carefully, your life may depend on it!!

As blue meanie suggests check that the tyre is on the rim correctly. Sometimes they do not seat evenly. Easily remedied by deflating tyre, washing soapy fluid as a lubricant around the edge of the rim and inflating to a higher pressure than nornal. This should seat the bead properly. Re-adjust tyre pressure.

However check wheel trueness first.

It could also be that the wheel is out of balance

Adding to the above suggestions:

Are the tires mounted in the proper direction (most tire brands will have an arrow on the sidewall pointing "direction of travel/rotation")?
It wouldn't be the first time a shop has mounted a tire backwards, and certainly won't be the last.

Are all axle/wheel spacers reinstalled, and exactely where they are supposed to be?

Are the rear wheel adjusters set identically?
If one is set differently from the other, it will cause the rear wheel to track different from the front wheel, and just might be enough to cause them to "fight" each other in tracking straight and cause your h-bars to wobble or shake.

checked tire, looks like it is seated on the rim right, rim not bent, but with it up and spinning i can see the wobble very clear. now what?

mcintyreruss wrote:

checked tire, looks like it is seated on the rim right, rim not bent, but with it up and spinning i can see the wobble very clear. now what?

I would take it back to whom ever mounted/ sold it to you and talk to them. Explain your problem in a civil manner and see what they can do to help you. The reason I say take it back is, they would have to look at it to see what the problem is. All it might take is a remount of the tire or as much as a new tire ( they pay for it ).
Pat

Post edited by: patmann, at: 2007/10/01 17:22

It's very uncommon, but it sounds like someone sold you a tire that either squeeked passed Q.C. (highly unlikely, since it's usually an automated process and not prone to human error), OR unbeknownst to you, they intentionally sold you a defective tire.

I'd take it back to whomever you purchased it from and kindly (anger usually gets the same in return) explain the problem to them, and ask them if they will correct it (a NEW, undamaged tire).
If they concede and replace the tire for you, be sure to examine it for probs before you leave the shop. And then of course thank them for placing their customers satisfaction (and safety) above making a buck.

If they flat out turn you down and refuse to make things right, then make them aware that you will post about it here on KZr (over 9800 registered members worldwide), some who live near that shop and just might be willing to boycoot them after hearing your story and see if they change their tune. :whistle: :evil:

Curious; what brand tire? Ed

Is the wobble in the rim or the tire? While you spin it, try to hold a finger, screw driver handle, etc, close to rim to see if it's true or not. Hopefully it's just tire... :dry:

bridgestone spitfire, i did what you said and put a screwdriver right at the rim and the rim and bearings are true, so it must be the tire itself, i'm going to the shop where i bought them from SPORTCYCLE Savannah,Ga , thanks again

I have Bridgestone spitfires on both of my running bikes, and have had no problems with them. I am willing to bet that the dealer has them mounted poorly. Name brand tire manufacturers are very careful about quality control and inspecting each tire, so I doubt it is the tire. I could be wrong though. Whatever you find out, please let us all know.

/

They should install an axle and spin the wheel and make sure everything is right before mounting on the motorcycle. Even then though, when everything is perfectly 100% right, some tires will still cause tank slappers when you remove your hands from the bars. Some tires just don't agree with certain motorcycles.