subtle weave

[tstacy]

Hi- My '03 has a subtle tendency to weave at lower speeds.
It is very difficult to track perfectly straight until I'm over 40MPH. The sensation is not one of cathing my balance but more gyroscopic, as though the bike were countersteering by itself.
This morning in the twisties I thought, for a second, that I felt it while leaned over. It was an unwelcome sensation.
Any one else experience this?

[tstacy]

Hi- My '03 has a subtle tendency to weave at lower speeds.
It is very difficult to track perfectly straight until I'm over 40MPH. The sensation is not one of cathing my balance but more gyroscopic, as though the bike were countersteering by itself.
This morning in the twisties I thought, for a second, that I felt it while leaned over. It was an unwelcome sensation.
Any one else experience this?

[kuhlka]

Wow, I'd first check the tires for any uneven wear. It makes a huge difference if you've got a cupped front or rear tire or a flat spot that is wearing more on one side.

Next I'd check the front suspension and make sure both forks are set the same.

Last I'd check the chain and sprockets in case it is getting bound in a link or two and causing a 'lurch' when it hits that spot. I've got a horribly whipped out chain from too many wheelies and not enough lubrication and get a consistent surge every time the tight spots are forced around the sprocket. The chain does alright after a good spray down with chain cleaner and lube, but after a little while goes right back to sucky.

I'm leaning toward it either being tires or chain issues that are causing your 'wobble'.

How many miles are on your tires and how often do you grease up your chain?

[kuhlka]

Wow, I'd first check the tires for any uneven wear. It makes a huge difference if you've got a cupped front or rear tire or a flat spot that is wearing more on one side.

Next I'd check the front suspension and make sure both forks are set the same.

Last I'd check the chain and sprockets in case it is getting bound in a link or two and causing a 'lurch' when it hits that spot. I've got a horribly whipped out chain from too many wheelies and not enough lubrication and get a consistent surge every time the tight spots are forced around the sprocket. The chain does alright after a good spray down with chain cleaner and lube, but after a little while goes right back to sucky.

I'm leaning toward it either being tires or chain issues that are causing your 'wobble'.

How many miles are on your tires and how often do you grease up your chain?

[trypcil]

Yes, what tyres are on her, and how are they worn. This happened with bt010 after a few K, an odd wear pattern started which only reared it's wobbly head in that 30-40mph bracket. I understand that there may be an inherent instability in that speed range on many bikes - which normally is hardly noticeable - but will under certain circumstances become apparent. I suppose the wheels are aligned correctly and the chain is of correct adjustment, then assuming that the camber of the road is not the issue apart from wearing the tyre oddly - that you have worn tyres! Or the forks might be raised to much thru' the triple tree, creating a quickened steering. Perhaps a combination of tyre wear and poor suspension set up - check the tightness of the headstock bearings, which also can create a wobble! :hammer:

[trypcil]

Yes, what tyres are on her, and how are they worn. This happened with bt010 after a few K, an odd wear pattern started which only reared it's wobbly head in that 30-40mph bracket. I understand that there may be an inherent instability in that speed range on many bikes - which normally is hardly noticeable - but will under certain circumstances become apparent. I suppose the wheels are aligned correctly and the chain is of correct adjustment, then assuming that the camber of the road is not the issue apart from wearing the tyre oddly - that you have worn tyres! Or the forks might be raised to much thru' the triple tree, creating a quickened steering. Perhaps a combination of tyre wear and poor suspension set up - check the tightness of the headstock bearings, which also can create a wobble! :hammer:

I just put another 350km on my o5s3 today and had the same experience at lower speed.
feeling like not really controlling anything.
handles fine at grater spedd though :razz:

I just put another 350km on my o5s3 today and had the same experience at lower speed.
feeling like not really controlling anything.
handles fine at grater spedd though :razz:

[tstacy]

Thanks for the input
I just put on a new BT010 on the rear (110 miles on it), have what appears to be an evenly worn BT010 up front with 3500 miles on it. I check the tire pressure every time I gas up, I run 38 PSi up front and 40 PSi rear. No apparent cupping.
I lube the chain roughly every 300 miles with a wax based lube. It does show a little rust, came that way from prior owner. The RPM seems have no effect on the wobble - which makes me think its not the chain/sprocket.
I'm thinking I'll start with the suspension set up. Anyone know what the most neutral setting is, as a starting point?

[tstacy]

Thanks for the input
I just put on a new BT010 on the rear (110 miles on it), have what appears to be an evenly worn BT010 up front with 3500 miles on it. I check the tire pressure every time I gas up, I run 38 PSi up front and 40 PSi rear. No apparent cupping.
I lube the chain roughly every 300 miles with a wax based lube. It does show a little rust, came that way from prior owner. The RPM seems have no effect on the wobble - which makes me think its not the chain/sprocket.
I'm thinking I'll start with the suspension set up. Anyone know what the most neutral setting is, as a starting point?