Topic: Front end vibration

[BenelliSEI]

Scott….. when I’ve had this problem, it’s the area that is to far tucked in that’s the problem. You’re probably best to take it off and lay it flat to work on. My front wheels fit perfectly across the top of the plastic garbage can in my shop. When you are done, make sure that line on the tire is evenly set all the way around both sides of the tire. A few years ago I had a Dunlop tire that drove me nuts. I got so frustrated with it I eventually replaced it.

[Scott S]

 Pulled the wheel the other day and dropped it off at my local shop. He agreed that might be the problem. I asked them to take a look at the wheel while they were at it.
 He said they trued the wheel, cleaned some rust off the inside and repeated the tire. He also said there was a spot on the inside of the wheel, like a bump. I do see a dent on the outside of the rim,but it's very minor.
 
 Got it back together today and I'm happy to say that seems to have fixed it!
 And, just because,  here's a picture. That green sure is purty in the sunshine!

[Kaze]

I just came to drool at this great looking bike.

[grcamna2]

I just came to drool at this great looking bike.

Yes,it Is a great looking early CB500;I like that green. 

[grcamna2]

1971 CB500

 I'm experiencing an odd front end vibration. Not always there, though I can't remember off the top of my head at what speed it comes and goes. This is an UP/DOWN oscillation or vibration, not a side to side "tank slapper". I can loosen my grip or even take my hands off the bars and the bike tracks straight ... but the suspension vibrates up and down.

 - New tires. IRC GS-11's in 3.25-19 and 4.00-18. The shop that mounted them is always good about telling me when they find out of round rims, tires, etc. They didn't mention anything and the tires didn't take an excessive amount of weights to balance.

 - Rebuilt front forks with new seals and fresh oil. Stock rear shocks.

 - Chain is adjusted and rear wheel aligned using a tape measure to double check.

 - I did not change the steering bearings or wheel bearings. The wheel bearings felt fine to me and the bike only has 12K miles on it ,BUT .... it had a Vetter fairing on it when I got it and sat for about 25 years.

 I mention that because I'm wondering if the wheel bearings have a flat spot in them from sitting? Especially the front, with all the extra weight on the front end. I'll probably change wheel bearings this winter, but I was wondering if you had any other ideas?

The design of that Vetter 'Vindicator' model fairing looks to be much more aerodynamic compared to the standard 'barn door' Vetter Windjammer.
Did you try the bike with it installed on there before removing it Scott ?

[Scott S]

 Yes, it came with the Vetter and a bunch of crash bars, luggage rack/backrest, etc. First things to come off.

[grcamna2]

I hope you will take the bike for many enjoyable rides.

[newday777]

Good to hear you got it fixed.
And yes it is a great looking bike in green.
For those that are drooling 🤤,  green with envy and want to find one, I know of a good one here in NH available from a collector, less than 10,000 original miles, also in green. It hasn't been out in the sun since 2014.

[BenelliSEI]

The “bump” in the rim they reported is where the “hoop” is welded together. They all have it and no issue.

[grcamna2]

Good to hear you got it fixed.
And yes it is a great looking bike in green.
For those that are drooling 🤤 with envy and want to find one, I know of a good one here in NH available from a collector, less than 10,000 original miles, also in green. It hasn't been out in the sun since 2014.

 

[Scott S]

The “bump” in the rim they reported is where the “hoop” is welded together. They all have it and no issue.

 That's good to know. Like I said, there's a ding on the outside of the rim, but it's small and I couldn't see how that could be an issue.
 So far, it seems to be fixed.