Triumphrat

twstm · 05-24-2007, 03:12 PM

I posted something similiar in the twins forum a while ago, but wanted to get some more suggestions since I still have the problem.

I get a shake on my '06 Scrambler around 50-55mph, more noticeable on deceleration....enough to shake the handlebars pretty good with my hands off them.

I have adjusted and re-adjusted the steering head bearings, set the fork tubes flush with the top of the triple clamp, made sure tire pressure was correct, removed the front wheel and had the balance checked but still have the shake.

Maybe it's my imagination but I swear I can feel it more in right hand sweepers around 50-55mph.

Anybody have ideas of other things I can check? The bike is still under warranty, I just don't want to take it to the local dealer...I don't really care for them and the dealer I do trust is an hour and a half away.

trypcil · 05-29-2007, 08:09 PM

Should the forks be flush with the triple clamps - perhaps not!? Many bikes have a mildly discernible wobble in the 30-40mph range which goes unnoticed largely. But try raising the forks a little, maybe a 1/2" or more - this will alter slightly the geometry of the bike putting a little weight on the front, which might be all she needs. :razz:

twstm · 05-29-2007, 10:19 PM

Quote:

On 2007-05-29 18:09, trypcil wrote:
Should the forks be flush with the triple clamps - perhaps not!? Many bikes have a mildly discernible wobble in the 30-40mph range which goes unnoticed largely. But try raising the forks a little, maybe a 1/2" or more - this will alter slightly the geometry of the bike putting a little weight on the front, which might be all she needs. :razz:

That's what I've been trying to find out. I have had them adjusted from 8mm above the triple clamp to flush and I still have the wobble. I swear it seem worse on right hand sweepers. The tire seems to be cupping slightly also, but I had the balance checked and it was OK.

trypcil · 05-30-2007, 03:04 PM

Perhaps some set up of the suspension is required!
http://www.gps-suspension.com/tuning_guide_offroad.htm
I'm not sure as to the adjustability of your bike's suspension - but would imagine that's where the problem is.
The cupping of the front maybe indicative of poor set up, I feel your pain. As the bike is still under warranty, what does the dealer say and has this issue been brought to Triumph attention even ? I would be getting a little upset by now or at least a little assertive with the dealer! Do a google, you may find some input. Keep us posted please. :razz:

DEcosse · 05-31-2007, 05:05 AM

Quote:

On 2007-05-29 18:09, trypcil wrote:
.... But try raising the forks a little, maybe a 1/2" or more - this will alter slightly the geometry of the bike putting a little weight on the front, which might be all she needs. :razz:

Raising the forks in the clamps will make the trail shorter, thus exacerbating any tendency towards instability. That's the last thing you want to do.
This could be as simple as wheel balance (or bent) - have the wheel checked out.

[ This message was edited by: DEcosse on 2007-05-31 03:06 ]

trypcil · 05-31-2007, 09:34 PM

What you say may be true for the newer S3's certainly for the earlier S3 it improves handling and stability - this I find true for Sprints of that era too. His wheel as per the post has been checked out it seems and all is OK. Empirical principles applied to finding out for your self is usually a Shade tree mechanics 1st port of call - I doubt a little experimentation (1/2") is going to be catastrophic - unless he's going to put USD forks on his steed, which is where I suspect you are coming from. :-D

twstm · 06-01-2007, 12:21 PM

Quote:

On 2007-05-30 13:04, trypcil wrote:
Perhaps some set up of the suspension is required!
http://www.gps-suspension.com/tuning_guide_offroad.htm
I'm not sure as to the adjustability of your bike's suspension - but would imagine that's where the problem is.
The cupping of the front maybe indicative of poor set up, I feel your pain. As the bike is still under warranty, what does the dealer say and has this issue been brought to Triumph attention even ? I would be getting a little upset by now or at least a little assertive with the dealer! Do a google, you may find some input. Keep us posted please. :razz:

The Scrambler front forks are non adjustable, however the previous owner had Race Tech springs installed so I don't know what was really done.
I'm starting to suspect the suspension because I think I feel the oscillation more in right hand turns.
I don't know if the Triumph dealer will warranty anything once they find out the suspension ahs been messed with.

DEcosse · 06-01-2007, 05:24 PM

Quote:

On 2007-05-31 19:34, trypcil wrote:
I doubt a little experimentation (1/2") is going to be catastrophic - unless he's going to put USD forks on his steed, which is where I suspect you are coming from. :-D

1/2" is a LOT regarding the resultant effect on the trail, especially when going the 'wrong' direction.
This has nothing to do with my favoured choice of USD forks either & I am not promoting that here - conventional or otherwise, the same priciple applies - raising the forks in the clamps will reduce the trail & can only have a negative effect on what is already a problematic situation for this user.
Experimentation is fine when in the direction of addressing the issue - if anything the forks should be dropped for their maximum length to increase the trail (but normally would come this way from factory)) - if the forks have indeed possibly been raised by PO (sounds like case of an amateur tuner at work doing mods without really understanding the principles - heavier spring & oil must be better, right?), then reset them to the max length (nothing showing above the clamp).
Now - since this is not widely reported as an issue, there is something wrong with this particular set-up.
Since the springs have been changed (possibly oil weight/level also) then this could be the source of the issue. As the spring unloads while in a turn it can cause this effect, then is self perpetuating if the damping does not inhibit it. Since there is no adjustable damping, it will be a result of whatever oil the PO has used. Regardless, raising the forks will again only amplify this effect.

idjk · 06-02-2007, 12:55 AM

Is it possible that the fluid in the forks is not at the correct level in both or more likely one of the tubes?

OGSpeed3 · 06-02-2007, 10:32 PM

One thing that you can check,,if you haven't already,,,,is disc balance,,,,your rotors can be unbalanced,,,I have never heard of this on a motorcycle,,,but it happens on cars,,,,they make weights for them,,,,just might be something to check