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Front wheel wobble

13K views 10 replies 9 participants last post by  Gump 
#1 ·
2007 Roadstar 1700

I've noticed in the past few weeks that my front wheel is starting to wobble on deceleration. At first I didn't notice it, and thought it was just engine vibration, but I decided to loosen my grip just a bit to see if it reacted. It did, and very quickly, it started to wobble left and right at first in slight movements, then got progressively more violent as I slowed down. Reaffirming positive control stabilized the bike, but I am worried that it will only get worse. It only happens when I'm decelerating, and from about 30mph down to about fifteen. I have since checked my tire pressure, which is good, and I also looked for signs of uneven wear, there was none. As this is my first Roadstar, is this common? If not (I would hope it isn't), what are some possible causes and fixes? Thanks all!

Kel
 
#3 ·
Hey Kel,
I've owned 5 RoadStars, some with the mileage pushed up pretty high, and I can feel confident saying that what you are experiencing is not typical steering behavior for a "maintained" RoadStar. I've also owned my fair share of late model Harley FLH's, and this problem is fairly typical with those bikes, even when new.

The HD tech's are directed to look for the obvious cause(s) first. This process will encompass, along with a thorough visual inspection, checking for: loose or missing hardware, unusual tire wear, low or high tire pressure, bent rim, proper spoke tension, out of balance wheel, wheel bearing issues, head bearing issue, nothing bent, broken...etc. The tech will do this for both the front, and the rear of the motorcycle. As odd as this may sound, loose/worn swing-arm bearings can cause a number of strange handling symptoms also.

If you don't want your favorite Yamaha shop to begin this process at $85.00hr, it is definitely worth giving it a try on your own. This will actually get you more familiar with your new ride and, who knows, you may discover the problem and have the unique satisfaction of repairing the bike on your own. Let us know how you make out.
R
 
#7 ·
... if it shows even minute cupping or uneven wear pattern.

......... agree with the 40psi


.......... now you MUST CHECK FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT & HEAD BEARING PRELOAD;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLcBc_YT3f55DquOEjhyVHRnwcNJvKPaAc&v=uhKxRlxK-uQ



............ now confirm rear wheel is in alignment with the front.






~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Forums have a huge menu of opinion, read any cycle repair manual, fork alignment and bearing preload is paramount. ;)
 
#10 ·
I had a problem with my 2002 Roadstar, while I was getting this problem fixed the technician noticed while the bike was on the jack, that the handlebars would go to either side on them self, he advised me that this wasn't supposed to be happening, the handlebars are suppose to stay where there at, this was picked up by him after he had gone for a test ride for the other problem, he said that the wheel bearing would need to be checked out and also the where the handlebars and the front forks are connected....we'll be doing this come next spring, not a good feeling these speed wobbles
 
#11 ·
Steering Bearings

I recently went thru this same thing. Have had trouble with front end shake ever since I purchased the bike, but didn't realize what it was till after the bike was out of warranty. Mine was the steering bearings. My front tire wore funky ever since I bought the bike & later in time the front end started shaking really bad especially on deceleration. Replaced my front end bearings & now the bike is literally better than new. I have heard from a lot of other RS owners who had the same problem. I think there should have been a recall cause I believe that the lower bearing race on many of these bikes were not set properly from the factory & thus made them go out prematurely. If I have any good news, its that you can get a new set of bearings, Upper & Lower off of Ebay for $19.99 including shipping. Best $20 bucks you will ever spend. Good Luck
 
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