1150 steering issue?

[seamus1504]

Sue's Rockster seems to be handling a bit strange

I'd describe it as 'not wanting to tip into corners'

At 40 plus MPH it tracks straight with hands off the handlebars, but do the same at 10-15 mph the handlebars start a slow oscillation

Steering bearings seem to be ok, with no notches... and it aint just me... Bryn's just been round and said the same thing...

We've snipped the headstock cable ties as they were a bit tight, didn't make it any worse.....

Rear tyre is a little squared off but front ok

Any advice or ideas really appreciated

 

[petkostas]

Tire pressures are ok?
Also make sure the wheel is correctly balanced!

 

[seamus1504]

Sue tells me its been doing it for a while before the tyres were changed so I don't think its down to balancing or pressure

 

[northengit]

Is there any notchy/stiffness in the steering from lock to lock if you pop it on the center stand and get the front wheel in the air.....
Sounds like an dry/ tight head brg, or shagged ball joint.

sorry missed it you say no notchyness..

brake not binding ?
spindle has'nt been overtightned ?

 

[Bryn]

Wheel turns freely... lock to lock is fine as well... Not sure about the spindle

 

[seamus1504]

Hi
Brakes not binding and the front wheel runs freely !

 

[Colban]

Any play in the paralever bearings or at the balljoint on the telelever?.
How many miles on the bike?.Wind the rear preload to max and ride it again (raises the rear and hopefully sharpens the steering).Are tyre pressures set to BWMs recommended pressures?.

 

[Mech]

has it got a top box ? if so try with out it on

 

[Udders]

has it got a top box ? if so try with out it on

 

[Mech]

I had a blackbird for a few years and got steering shake but didnt do it without top box and have talked to other folks with the same thing just last week a mate with a yam divi put top box on now has steering shake when slowing down not there before he fitted it go figure

 

[seamus1504]

Hi

Sue's bike has a top box, so will try it without. The bike has done 26.500 miles !
Will also have a play around with the pre-load adjuster. And see if that makes any difference.

Thanks for the help so far !!

 

[nikos]

Rear tyre is a little squared off?

 

[bela]

Just a wee suggestion. fork oil leaking, spring damaged, front tyre worn at an angle. Saw that on a bike. Turns out the guy was on the brakes hard going round the bends. Tyre was worn into a weird shape and bike was terrible at handling.
Worth a look.

 

[Comfy Old Boots]

i've an r850r and it started doing that when the steering dampner went. Does the rockser have one?

 

[Madmountainman]

Look closely at the front tyre. You may well see that off center there's more wear than you thought. Couple this with a front shock that's got knackered damping and/or wear in the head bearings and you may have your answer. It may just be one thing, but it may be a combination.

 

[D6]

tight head bearings can do this too,

 

[seamus1504]

Hi

Found out what the problem is ! Sue had a white van reverse into her at lights at low speed.
This was in Jan. 2008 the bike was sent away by insurance company to be repaired.
They had it for a couple of weeks and brought it back and said it was fixed.

I got a collegue from the accident investigators to take it out for a ride today, and he came back to inform me the frame was bent at the headstock end and showed me where.
So it wasn't repaired properly !!!!

The frame is going have to be rejigged or a new frame !

Sue's not happy !!

 

[D6]

i shouldnt rush, its taken her 2 years to notice !!!

 

[Mort]

I had a Rockster for a few months, mine wouldn't tip into corners either when I got it but I soon fixed it...........I part exed it for a GS

Honest.

 

[stolzy]

Hi

Found out what the problem is ! Sue had a white van reverse into her at lights at low speed.
This was in Jan. 2008 the bike was sent away by insurance company to be repaired.
They had it for a couple of weeks and brought it back and said it was fixed.

I got a collegue from the accident investigators to take it out for a ride today, and he came back to inform me the frame was bent at the headstock end and showed me where.
So it wasn't repaired properly !!!!

The frame is going have to be rejigged or a new frame !

Sue's not happy !!

Make sure you keep it documented so you can claim against the previous repairer - might even be worth paying for a formal inspection.

I'm guessing new frames don't come cheap