Bike wanders in riding lane with cage "ruts"

Hey everyone. The other day while I was riding home from work I noticed that my bike was wandering a bit. Thinking that I drank too much coffee at work, I kept riding and over a couple days finally figured it out (at least was was causing it). I thought maybe it was a loose front tire bearing setting since I just did a fork swamp not that long ago, but after tightening it up one notch, nothing. I still need to check the tire pressures, but I am assuming that it is one of the following:

1. Wheel bearings need replacement
2. Triple tree bearings need replacement/setting
3. Swingarm bearings need help
4. Not sure...

So, has anyone else noticed the wandering? It feels like the bike moves side to side under me so it isn't like the wind is trying to blow me over. It doesn't happen on concrete pavement or new asphalt, just on older roads with cage ruts. Now that I know what causes it, I can avoid it by riding in the lane or in the center, but that isn't the permanent solution. Any ideas?

 

if the cause is axclusivly ruts, than there will be no solution for the problem, other than to ask for road renovation at the authorities...

some times, riding on the low side of the trail helps, sometimes on top (center of the lane)

Probably, with a little more speed the problem will be less noticable.

 

The funny thing is that I never noticed it before this week so I am wondering if I hit a hard bump that might have jarred something. The wandering is like a slight swerve back and fourth in the lane, that is what concerns me the most since it is a bit of an uneasy feeling.

 

When you're in the "dip" of a rut, if you go left a bit, the road contacts the left of your front tire, you're bike "thinks" it's turning, steering the bars left, which you naturally resist to continue straight.

You're just fighting the road. Ride the "oil slick" in the center.

 

Mine does exactly the same thing. Just kinda sways back and forth under me a little bit.

It also likes to follow tar "snakes".

Doesn't like to cross expansion joints between the lanes.

It's the nature of the beast.

Wait until you encounter rain grooves. You're in for a real treat.

 

Thanks guys! I didn't really think it was mechanical so much since it comes and goes and wasn't dependent on speed. Everything feels nice and tight so I'll just continue riding her and keep your thoughts in mind.

Thanks again!

 

if after you check all those things and nothing helps consider new tires
does the back have a round profile or is getting flat in the center?

 

Back is a brand new Chen Shin (sp?) with less than 1000 miles on it.

 

I hate the tar snakes the most. Slippery little devils on the turns in the rain.

 

well that shoots that idea
i had a kz550 kawasaki that was down right scarry to ride over steel grate bridges, then one day i went thru a area that was getting paved and the blacktop was ground of, leaving rough textured surface
i had to ride the berm, it was uncontrollable at 15 mph, i couldn't believe it
steering head bearings fixed it right up

 

Me too.
As MiCarl said the bike follows them.

 

Nothing to add on the possible causes, but wanted to add that anyone working on bikes, especially as old as ours, NEEDS to invest in a torque wrench and use the proper settings. This will ensure longevity of parts and perhaps even the rider.

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