front end wobble or shake when turning

[4redjf]

I just got around to doing a test ride with my newer seat install and it works alot better than the old one. But when i make slow turns, left or right, my handlebars and front end have an issue of wobble or shake. I do know that steering stem bearing might need adjusting or checked. So with limited time, i just put it on centerstand and a jack under the engine to get the front wheel off the ground. No binding found in the right to left turning. No noticeable slack in the steering stem area when i pulled and pushed on the front shocks/wheel.
Now the PO told me he replaced the seals and fluid in the front shocks. They appear clean and no leaks.
I do know that my factory rear air shocks have an air leak and was wondering if that could be the reason? When i can afford it and have the time, i did plan on getting the Progressive 412 and removing the rear air shocks.
Oh, it does have the low speed wobble when driving and slowing down too.
I did have a new GoldWing back in 2006 that had the wobble and it was brand new. had Honda change out the front tire but still had the wobble. They insisted on me bringing it in for torquing the steering nut. But i actually changed out the bearing to all balls bearing. it solved that issue.
Now it didn't have the issue of left and right turns wobble though.
Well i only get a break from family issues once in a while and i use that break for working on my bike.

[cushman eagle]

There are a couple causes of that symptom,as in too low torque of the steering head bearing,I think it is 96 inch lb,too light a front tire as a Dunlop 404,and too low a tire pressure 35 psi minimum.
Let us know what you find out

[GrandpaDenny]

Check the front wheel bearing, first off. Take both calipers off before you check it as you'll get a false "it's OK" because they won't let the wheel wobble. Also check the front fender mounting bolts. That plastic front fender is a stressed member, stabilizing the forks. Gene Kap makes replacement stainless steel bushings.

[cushman eagle]

Check the front wheel bearing, first off. Take both calipers off before you check it as you'll get a false "it's OK" because they won't let the wheel wobble. Also check the front fender mounting bolts. That plastic front fender is a stressed member, stabilizing the forks. Gene Kap makes replacement stainless steel bushings.

That is true,GrandpaDenny,those ideas are also very valid

[GrandpaDenny]

I had that same low-speed wobble like when going into parking lots, etc. "Mechanic" said he checked the wheel bearings when he put the front tire on and they were fine. Yup, they were fine, all right. This is what they looked like less than 1000 miles later. Oh and the mechanic, oh, excuse me, Technician, works at a Kawi dealership, and the owner has been dealing with VXIIs since they first came out. So go figure.

[cushman eagle]

I had that same low-speed wobble like when going into parking lots, etc. "Mechanic" said he checked the wheel bearings when he put the front tire on and they were fine. Yup, they were fine, all right. This is what they looked like less than 1000 miles later. Oh and the mechanic, oh, excuse me, Technician, works at a Kawi dealership, and the owner has been dealing with VXIIs since they first came out. So go figure.

I think,that those bearings were probably not OK GrandPa Denny

[4redjf]

I had that same low-speed wobble like when going into parking lots, etc. "Mechanic" said he checked the wheel bearings when he put the front tire on and they were fine. Yup, they were fine, all right. This is what they looked like less than 1000 miles later. Oh and the mechanic, oh, excuse me, Technician, works at a Kawi dealership, and the owner has been dealing with VXIIs since they first came out. So go figure.

Thanks, a picture is always worth a 1000 words... I've been trying to do work on my bike but it's been a hit and miss. My wife has been my main thing to do right now. She isn't doing very well.
Oh i did order a pair of the 412 Progressive shocks. Just haven't been able to install them.
Once my wife is stable i'm going to install them and then remove the front wheel. Kaw did put 2 new tires, 404's on bike by the PO just before i bought it. Think they checked the bearings??? i wouldn't bet on it.
Oh well i must go. Thanks and i will update on my shocks and the findings of the wheel bearings..

[triton28]

When you get the 412 shocks look at the yoke on the bottom of the shocks and if you notice it is offset from the C/L of the shock use a straight edge between the top frame mount down to the lower mounts on both the final drive hub and the swing arm mounts to determine whether or not the offset goes in or out as you are mounting the shocks.
Dave

[4redjf]

When you get the 412 shocks look at the yoke on the bottom of the shocks and if you notice it is offset from the C/L of the shock use a straight edge between the top frame mount down to the lower mounts on both the final drive hub and the swing arm mounts to determine whether or not the offset goes in or out as you are mounting the shocks.
Dave

I had some time today while the wife was resting so i removed the factory air shocks and install the 412's. The adjusting wrench that came with the shocks was low grade metal, it bent when i tried to adjust the spring load to the 2nd notch. but made it work. Yeah these shocks are so much better and make the bike feel more stable. On the 2nd notch setting, it did raise the bike a little compaired to the air shocks, that kept leaking air. I just now saw your comments on the offset. I just installed them with the writing facing out and they seem fine. The nuts holding the top of the shocks i didn't like their feel as i was beginning to torque them, so i just used my hand wrench to tighten, worried about stripping them.
I test rode it and the strange steering issue feels like it disappeared. But there still is the slow down front end wobble that stills happens. That is for another day after my wife is better. When i get time i will attach some pictures of the 412's, can't see the chrome with the bags, but they look good.
Thanks for the responses.