Front end shakes at all speeds

[allen321]

I have a 1993 Voyager and the front shakes went I take one or both hands off the handle bar. I put a new tire on and it did not change anything. What is next ????

[voyager55]

Do a search here, there's many threads about this problem. Can be a number of things. Wheel bearings, tires, tire balance, steering head nut to loose or to tight just to name a few

[debron]

...or loose frame bolts or loose fork brace bolts. Also depends on WHAT tire you put on (assuming you are referring to the FRONT tire.) Do a search of the General - Voyager XII forum for "wobble" and "high speed shake" and you will find a lot of discussion. The most recent is here:

http://www.amervoyassoc.org/forum/viewt ... ilit=shake

The shake and wobble are correctable!

[allen321]

Thanks for our help. I checked the steering nut and it was tight....fork bolts were a little loose, tighten but no help.......check air pressure--40psi, checked front shock pressure... 20 psi

Do you know what approx it would cost to replace the steering bearing???

Thanks
Allen

[Bill O]

I have a 1993 Voyager and the front shakes went I take one or both hands off the handle bar. I put a new tire on and it did not change anything. What is next ????

You haven't identified the tires you are riding on. That will help.

Bill O

[grumpin]

Isn't 20 PSI in the front shock high? Owners manual says 5.7 to 8.5.

[debron]

Yes, I missed that. Should be 5-7 lbs front and 40 lbs rear for the suspension. 40 rear, 38 front for the tires. But what tires?? That makes a big difference too!

[allen321]

Sorry about tires-----Shinko 230 Tour Master

Thanks
Allen

[debron]

Sorry about tires-----Shinko 230 Tour Master

Ah Ha! I think we have found your problem! In addition to the topic I linked above, read this topic:

http://www.amervoyassoc.org/forum/viewt ... =15&t=8150

[allen321]

Thanks for all your help !!!! I lower the air pressure in front tire and lower front shocks to 7 psi. Rode the bike again....really help about 50%......it is worse at low speeds-----around 50 to 60 it really smooths out to around 75%. I was stopped and was turning on to the highway and I could feel a woddle in the steering.

Thanks
Allen

[Brealytren]

I see you have a problem much like I had. I see that debron linked you to my thread in which I had much the same problem. However, I would describe my problem more like a side to side wander more than anything. It wasn't like an out of balance wobble. In any event, I would agree with the group. The Shinko 230 Tour Master is not a good match for the XII. This is primarily due to the weight of the bike versus the relatively weak sidewall of the 230. I would recommend the following. Follow the suspension and tire inflation suggestions already given. Replace your tires with Dunlop Elite III (E3s). Make sure the steering head bearings are torqued as listed in many threads in this forum. Too tight is just as bad as too loose. Finally, the geometry of this machine makes it much like my Porsche 928. Both machines have very sensitive and precise steering. As such, they are inherently sensitive to road variations requiring constant input. It will never drive rock solid like caddy cruising down the road. But it CAN be made more than comfortable and a joy to ride....but first and foremost...you have to have the right tires. Good luck!
Chuck
PS To Everyone: I contacted via email a Shinko Product manager (found his name in a Goldwing forum) and told him of my disappointment in their tires. LOW AND BEHOLD HE IS SENDING ME, FREE OF CHARGE, A NEW SET OF THEIR 777 HEAVY DUTY TIRES IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAKE THINGS RIGHT. WOW!! They're sending them in the sizes for my Goldwing. I'll let everyone know if these are any better than the 230s!

[allen321]

Thanks will order tires

[voyager55]

I run the E3 tires at 39 lb front, 42 lb rear. Torqued the steering head nut at 95 inch/lb. Bike rides great.

If your bike wanders at highway speeds, the steering head nut could be to tight.

[ekap1200]

I run the E3 tires at 39 lb front, 42 lb rear. Torqued the steering head nut at 95 inch/lb. Bike rides great.

If your bike wanders at highway speeds, the steering head nut could be to tight.

Along with the possibility of being to tight it could be the bearing is worn. How many miles does this bike have on it.? When it comes to front end problems you have to go over every thing related . If you are located near another member perhaps a visit to them may shed some insight to this problem. I think we all have had issues with the front end for one reason or another. Gene Kap.