Topic: Front wheel shake?

[c15racer]

This might sound like a weird one or it could indeed have a simple answer.

Having just got my 500 through its test ive just noticed that the front end likes to "wobble"

Riding with 2 hands on the bars its fairly smooth (ive only ever rode newer bikes) if i let go of the bars after a few seconds it starts to "get a shake on" starting small and then getting to the point where i decide its best to grab on again.

Im swaying towards the thought that its a old tyre issue? or perhaps the wheels not true?

any pointers? the forks and bearings all are spot on.

[Boost_Junkiee]

Tire imbalance or wheel needs trueing?

[Terry in Australia]

It's more likely worn or poorly adjusted steering head bearings mate, or even swingarm bearings. A worn tire or damaged rim will make the front end shake regardless of how many hands are attached to the handlebars. Cheers, Terry.

[Johnie]

I think Terry is on the right track.  I had that problem with my Wing.  Packing the bearings and tightening the steering head solved it.

[754]

Honda forks are junk when compared to some others.

SOOO.. they are less forgiving and more prone to act up when the slightest thing is wrong.

They can work pretty good and are OK for general use.

We used to get the back and forth movement at high speeds, usually over 95mph. Well balanced wheels area big help, mags run much truer..

[snarferer]

did you ever get this problem fixed?

Mine started to do that tonight, scared the living #$%*e out of me.

[smccloud]

My '72 750K does this at ~35mph, I just live with it for now since I don't want to pull it apart to fix the bearings.  It did get better when I had the wheel balanced though

[chrislib]

My 73 also did that, started around 30 and went away by 45-50. It`s pretty unnerving when your in a turn and the front end is doing the funky chicken. I repl the head brngs and Hondaman worked his mojo on the S/A. I`ve only put a couple of miles on it since (not tagged yet, no helmet etc) but it seems to be a VAST improvement.