Author Topic: '73 cb750 is "twitchy" at higher speeds  (Read 1903 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline eastside750

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 22
  • How does one apply for a motorcycle gang?
'73 cb750 is "twitchy" at higher speeds
« on: November 04, 2010, 09:51:42 PM »
Gents:

What might be causing these high speed "wobbles" I'm experiencing on the highway? The bike has approximately 26K miles on it, and it has brand new tires. The wobbling seems to come from the front end at speeds over 65mph. Do steering bearings need replacing? Could it be the wheel bearings?

As a new rider, I'm somewhat nervous about riding on the highway until I figure out what to do to alleviate this issue.

Thanks!
« Last Edit: November 04, 2010, 09:56:01 PM by eastside750 »

Offline ekpent

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 13,512
  • To many bikes-but lookin' for more
Re: '73 cb750 is "twitchy" at higher speeds
« Reply #1 on: November 05, 2010, 06:34:44 AM »
Was it doing it before the new tires ? If so it probably is the steering bearings or the swing arm bushings or a combo of the two. On the center stand see if the front end feels "notchy" when you turn it. If you ever remove the back wheel and shocks you can check for swingarm slop..

KingCustomCycles.com

  • Guest
Re: '73 cb750 is "twitchy" at higher speeds
« Reply #2 on: November 05, 2010, 07:13:44 AM »
loose spokes, worn wheel bearings, loose axle, steering head loose or worn, tire not seated on bead evenly, tire unbalanced, front to rear tire alignment, swingarm pivot loose or worn, tire manufactured out of round, triple tree loose or misaligned.  That should keep you busy for the weekend........ ;)

Offline eastside750

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 22
  • How does one apply for a motorcycle gang?
Re: '73 cb750 is "twitchy" at higher speeds
« Reply #3 on: November 05, 2010, 07:25:41 AM »
Thanks guys. I was expecting "use the search function, jackass!". :)

I'll get started troubleshooting tonight, as there's a vintage ride that leaves Venice Beach at 9am tomorrow. I don't want to miss it!

KingCustomCycles.com

  • Guest
Re: '73 cb750 is "twitchy" at higher speeds
« Reply #4 on: November 05, 2010, 07:33:18 AM »
Let us know what you find.  It is the answers that benefit everyone most.

Offline MCRider

  • Such is the life of a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,376
  • Today's Lesson: One good turn deserves another.
Re: '73 cb750 is "twitchy" at higher speeds
« Reply #5 on: November 05, 2010, 08:12:43 AM »
At that age and mileage, it could be one or more of all things mentioned. The 2 biggies in my mind are the steering head bearings and swingarm bushings. The quick and dirty tests are:
Steering head: prop the front end up. Turn the fork from full left to full right slowly. At about dead front center, you may feel an "indent" like the stering wants to center there, then comes out as you continue to move the steering. If you feel that indent the bearings must be replaced, there is no repair. Stock bearings can be used and are good for about 10k miles. Tapered roller steering bearings are the rage and are forever. This wil cause very poor handlingand wobbles.

Swingarm: prop up the rear on centerstand. Remove lower shock mounts and pull shocks out of way. Grab the rear of the tire at its furtherst point rearward. Push and pull left to right. If you feel a clicking or see movement more than .5mm the bushings are shot. test #2: prop up, remove lower shocks mounts. raise and release the wheel. it should drop smoothly to its lowest positon. If its sticky or likely doesn't move at all the bushes are seized and need replacing.  Note: rear end can make the front end drive poorly.

The wheel bearings are likely shot as well, but don't normally make the difference these others do.
« Last Edit: November 05, 2010, 08:15:02 AM by MCRider »
Ride Safe:
Ron
1988 NT650 HawkGT;  1978 CB400 Hawk;  1975 CB750F -Free Bird; 1968 CB77 Super Hawk -Ticker;  Phaedrus 1972 CB750K2- Build Thread
"Sometimes the light's all shining on me, other times I can barely see, lately it appears to me, what a long, strange trip its been."

Offline angeldeville

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 400
  • You meet the nicest people on a Honda!
Re: '73 cb750 is "twitchy" at higher speeds
« Reply #6 on: November 05, 2010, 09:48:55 AM »
These guys have you on the right track, keep us updated with your findings.
76' cb750f custom
69' cb750 sandcast
69' CT90
Amen Saviour 750 Chopper frame
and enough parts to build about 6-7 more bikes

Offline H2Eric

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 349
Re: '73 cb750 is "twitchy" at higher speeds
« Reply #7 on: November 05, 2010, 10:06:12 AM »
If it's the swinging arm bushings that are past their use by date, try fitting some bronze bushings from M3 Racing.

Good luck
Eric
Honda CR750
Honda CB750K3
Kawasaki 750H2B
Suzuki GS750
Honda CB175
Honda CB350F
Yamaha R1

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,94588.0.html

Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

Offline 2wheels

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 511
Re: '73 cb750 is "twitchy" at higher speeds
« Reply #8 on: November 05, 2010, 12:14:17 PM »
Make sure you have the same amount of oil in both front forks.  Unequal fork oil amounts can cause wobbles.
1970 CB750 K0 (I can't believe I tossed my duck tail seat in the trash 30 years ago)

KingCustomCycles.com

  • Guest
Re: '73 cb750 is "twitchy" at higher speeds
« Reply #9 on: November 05, 2010, 03:32:28 PM »
Make sure you have the same amount of oil in both front forks.  Unequal fork oil amounts can cause wobbles.

+1 good thought. also uneven shock adjustment