Topic: 750 front end shakes

[2wheels]

This is a 1969 Honda 750.
My problem is the front end shakes, more like a speed wobble, whenever I let go of the handlebars.
This is not a new problem, it's been like this for a long time, through many miles and different tires.  As long as I'm hanging on it never shakes or does anything unusual.
Not really a big problem since I rarely let go of the handle bars.  Just thought I'd ask.

[bryanj]

Head race bearing wear/adjustment also the bushes in the forks on those do wear

[ElCheapo]

I had a similar symptom on an old bike of mine. I could not find the problem until I put it on the center stand and balanced the bike so the front wheel was off the ground. This is best done with the bike pointing up hill so the center stand stays put. At this point a big fat guy friend might come in handy. Once the tire was free from the ground I found all kinds of play in the head.

Now the play is just a loose nut in my head.

[Uncle Ernie]

Check tire inflation- 32 in front and 34 in back is a good starting point. Check steering head bearings by getting it up on center stand an recruit big fat friend as above. Making sure the wheel/forks aren't hanging up on cables or what ever, slowly move the wheel from side to side. If you feel a "hold" or notch in the middle, that's bad. Now grab the forks and shove and pull them. any movement fore and aft is bad. Also, check the wheels bearings by grabbing the wheel and trying to move it back and forth- any movement is bad news. Go to the back; check the wheel bearings. Check the swing arm bushings- movement sideways is bad. How are your rear shocks- fairly stiff wout being bouncy? Springs still holding you and the bike up?
Are you mounting your own tires? Are you sure you're balancing them properly? Have you checked to see that the bead is "seated" properly? I have found that many shops don't really know how to seat a tire w a tube in it. This will cause your front end to bounce around starting at about 40mph and get worse as speeds go up.

[Steelo]

Check your spokes!! I found my hub had about 1/2" play left and right. SCARY!!! Your spokes should be nice and tight no flex when you grip them. My bike is steady now! Can do Crust Demon stunts now  - Look Mum no hands!!!!

[kghost]

Check your spokes!! I found my hub had about 1/2" play left and right. SCARY!!! Your spokes should be nice and tight no flex when you grip them. My bike is steady now! Can do Crust Demon stunts now  - Look Mum no hands!!!!

Yup, and if none of the above prove to be the problem, check that your rim is straight and true. They can get warped and damaged (curbs and such).

[2wheels]

Tnks all
With all the info in these great replys I did some searching here and see others have had head bearing problems.  Thats where I'll start.
As for the speed, it will do it anywhere from 20 to 60 mph, and never shakes as long as I don't let go of the handle bars.  Below 20 if I let go I will fall over, stunts are not for me
Spokes are  good, tire presure 30 front, 30 in the back.  Rear shocks are good/original, although not used from about 5000 to 25000, I had Koni's on for that period.  The fronts have been rebuilt at about 25000 miles, bike has 38000 original miles.
Brian