Jerking the steering wheel

[gery73]

Hi Guys

I have a question. Today, first time I drove to my machine and I noticed, that when I let the wheel it falls into the terrible vibration (I almost fell down). When I returned to the garage, it turned out that, the front suspension there is no pressure (a total Zero). Could this be the reason?

May anyone has other suggestions?

gery greet

[Mr Jensee]

The vibration you are describing might be referred to as tank slapping. It happens at specific speeds on the Voyager if certain issues are in play. Check tire pressure, it should be at least 35 to 40 lbs. Check tire wear. A worn tire can cause this. Make sure your front wheel is balanced. Check the steering yoke to make sure there is no play. A loose yoke will cause bearing play. It should be properly torqued, not to tight, not too loose. Check the air in the shocks if are NOT using Progressive springs. Check the bolts on the triple tree to make sure all are tight. Lastly if all things are checked out fine, check wheel bearings of the front wheel and make sure your axle bolt is tight.

[debron]

Gery - As Mr. Jensee said.

The wobble is common on the XII (and Goldwings and others) usually around 30-35 mph. Most common cause is worn front tire, followed by loose steering stem bearing nut. There are other possibilities as Mr. Jensee stated. Do a search on this site for "wobble" and you will find a lot of info.

[gery]

tank slapping

My English is not so good - but what is a "tank slapping" - should not be tire slapping ?

gery greet

[Scott-(Altoona, PA)]

Gery, that is the way Americans named the feeling you are getting. Feels like the handlebars are slapping the fuel tank, left side then right side then left then right over and over again.

For the record: we Americans think learning a foreign language is hard but learning American must be Very Hard!

[Mr Jensee]

I should have gone into more detail about that. Tank slapping is a very rapid side to side movement of the handlebar caused by the bike setting up a wobble that involves the entire machine. It can get out of hand and can cause one to lose control of the bike all together. You can see examples of it on Youtube.com. Reference tank slapping. One thing I did not mention is that the wrong tire can cause this. I had this on my Voyager when I had gotten it with Dunlop 404 tires on it. Terrible tires. Replaced them with Dunlop Elite 3 non radials. Since then I get the vibration only on occasion at about 45 mph when the tire pressure is below 30 psi. Thank you for the clarification Scott.

[gery]

I already know what it is tank slapping - watched on youtube. I think that in my motorcyclethis is due to that it was on the side of footer about a year at a very low pressure in the tires. Already ordered a new set of tires - I chose Metzeler tires.

I found a nice fim on this topic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvsDIq3WwVA

Thanks to all for the tips gery

[debron]

Gery, thanks for posting that link. Interesting. I have never experienced nor was aware of "weaving" as described in the video except at extreme speeds (150 mph.) Perhaps I ride too slow??! Not! though I rarely exceed 85 (true.)

[suzib6sw]

Ahh the late, great Murray Walker..
He used to commentate on the Formula 1 Racing in the UK..
I have experienced the weave on primarily unfaired bikes of that era but it obviously will still apply today.. With the voyager, tires and pressures and suspension settings will have that effect.

Watch the metzlers, especially the rear.. Keep the front at about 36 to 28 and the rear at 40..
AS it wears, look inbetween the treads for signs of splitting. The older versions did this with horrible frequency a few years ago and threw chunks of rubber off..

5 psi in the front forks, 30 or so in the rears assuming original springs etc..
Also that front steering nut.. 95 INCH pounds, makes a hell of a difference..

Cheers..
Pete