front end shimmy

For a couple years now the front end of my bad shimmys a little back and forth when deceleration at 45mph. Its started to get worse this spring. The front tire is old and I plan on ordering a new one soon. My question what else could be the issue if not the tire?

 

Speed wobble? The bearings in the triple tree? How many miles are on the bike? Whats the status on the forks? springs in good shape? fluid levels correct?

 

My bet is on the steering stem bearings.........

dave

 

+1

I have a scalloped tire to prove it. Tire no longer in service!

Try a low speed (<5mph) circle turn in a parking. If you feel a wobble if the steering. The bearings are history.

Ghost

 

Will have to check out steeing stem bearings. The forks have fresh fluid when i did seals near the end of last summer. The bike has 11000 on it

 

Lots of other possibilities too:

-Front wheel bearings

-Worn out rear shocks

-Swingarm bearings/bushings

 

Is your wheel balance weight still attached? My Seca had a slight wobble that appeared right around 40mph, and then around 80mph, at about twice the frequency. It disappeared after I had the front tire replaced.

 

Good point, my speed wobble was induced when I had a luggage rack on the back. I'm sure their was an underlying issue, but just proof the rear can induce a wobble.

 

Easy check for steering head bearings:

See this post, and scroll down to MiCarl's response...

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=3 ... obble.html

(fat chick interchangeable with other heavy items)