twitchy front wheel

[sijohnston]

For some time now I've been experiencing a very twitchy and skittish front wheel, particularly at low speeds. Even at high speeds in corners it doesn't feel as planted as it once did. Anyone have any idea what this could be? Haven't changed much other than put Yacugar progressive front springs in, but it was skittish even before this. Failing this, will have to take it to a motorrad joint. A new steering lock/yoke was dropped onto it after it was stolen and recovered a few weeks ago, and the mechanic at Coopers in Sunderland noticed it too.

 

[DrFarkoff]

Head bearings?

Tyre Pressures?

What Tyres?

My Old K100RS scared the schit outta me and I did the lot of those only to find the manufacturer recommended higher pressures than the BM manual! 36 front instead of 30 and 42 rear instead of 32! But I loved those Pirellis The odd pocket rocket didn;t like me up the coast LOL

Also is your back end okay high preload low preload no rebound too much rebound?

If you're too tight one end then the other end will try to do more work Balance is the answer!

 

[Timolgra]

Head stock bearings give those symptoms are a very common failure on 650 singles.

 

[sijohnston]

Jaythro, running conti trail-attacks at the moment and have had a few sets of different tyres on the front in recent times and they've all been twitchy - my regular tyre pressures too. The suspension might be to blame, but I have a feeling it might be headstock bearings as Tim says. Will begin there and work backwards. Thanks chaps.

 

[somclan]

#2 for head stock bearings

I was feeling the same sort of thing on my 08 f800gs... Front end would go a little light and vague and slow speed and I got this feeling of dropping in on the curves... There was no feeling of a notch on the head stock bearings when tested while the bike was parked but the local BMW tech agreed while riding and under load that the bearings were to blame... since the bearings were replaced all feels as it should do...

 

[DrFarkoff]

Jaythro, running conti trail-attacks at the moment and have had a few sets of different tyres on the front in recent times and they've all been twitchy - my regular tyre pressures too.

Like I said in first line of my reply "head bearings"

BUT Just before you pull it apart check the manufacturer website for the proper pressure for those tyres / your bike it's a 5 minute check and "may" be a cure

 

[sijohnston]

aye Jaythro, you're a clever boy too! Sorry, for not acknowledging that wisdom

Like I said in first line of my reply "head bearings"

BUT Just before you pull it apart check the manufacturer website for the proper pressure for those tyres / your bike it's a 5 minute check and "may" be a cure

 

[DrFarkoff]

I can get Mandy to spank yer arse if you continue to be cheeky Si!

aye Jaythro, you're a clever boy too! Sorry, for not acknowledging that wisdom

 

[sijohnston]

The sooner the better Jaythro. Name the time and place...and you can do the explainin' to the big man.

I can get Mandy to spank yer arse if you continue to be cheeky Si!