Triumphrat

tstacy · 03-28-2006

I have an '03 S3 and here are symptoms:
While at a pretty good lean, the bike will suddenly dive further in to the corner, in a bad, scary kind of way.
Also, between approx. 30 and 40 MPH the bike does not track straight and I experience a slow weave.
I checked tire pressure and suspension settings (stock). Both are fine. Tires are in good shape.
I also have a leaking fork seal.
Could i be experiencing a spent headstock bearing - and could this be the result of some rough wheelie landings (by prior owner - not me)?

corners · 03-28-2006

Quote:

On 2006-03-28 13:04, tstacy wrote:
I have an '03 S3 and here are symptoms:
While at a pretty good lean, the bike will suddenly dive further in to the corner, in a bad, scary kind of way.
Also, between approx. 30 and 40 MPH the bike does not track straight and I experience a slow weave.
I checked tire pressure and suspension settings (stock). Both are fine. Tires are in good shape.
I also have a leaking fork seal.
Could i be experiencing a spent headstock bearing - and could this be the result of some rough wheelie landings (by prior owner - not me)?

It sounds like there might be more than one problem. The first and MAJOR problem is that if you folk seal is leaking it is blown and needs to be replaced (do both and not just the one). That in its self will cause the bike to handle bad. The second problem could be that the front tire is "cupped". That means the cords in the tire are coming seperated. The most commom way that happens is lot and lots of wheelies, or very rough roads/potholes or running to low of air pressure.

TonUp · 03-28-2006

One quick way to check the head bearing for damage is to listen for a slight CLUNK noise when applying the front brake during a normal stop. If it's that loose you will hear it right away.

I agree with corners, replace both fork seals, which seal is leaking? Right side? sometimes if your bike sits for long period of time leaning right on the side stand this symptom will occur. I would try a center stand or a Pitbull stand, someway to equalize the pressure on both seals.

Most likely it was the previous owner, that bastard wheeling popping animal!!!! LOL!

Ton Up!

kuhlka · 03-28-2006

Heh, sounds like a good excuse to do a USD fork swap, hehe.

Geof3 · 03-28-2006

I would disagree with the cupping thing... Cupping a pretty normal overall and if severe, the Corners is right. If it is severe you have some serious tire issue. Cupping is generally caused by braking style and how the tire deforms under braking loads. I digress...

The fork you are running is shot. ALL of the sysptoms you describe are that of a shock that is blown. Needs fixed ASAP... And yes, wheelies with a hard come down can definately blow a fork.

RbtWbbr3044 · 03-28-2006

Last time i checked.......yep the kickstand is still on the left side :hammer:

tstacy · 03-29-2006

So, i should move the kickstand to the other side? lol
Thanks for the input folks...

Let it be said I have nothing against wheelies... just poorly performed wheelies on MY bike. But then again... i went ahead and bought the thing anyway...

I've cupped many things in my day and some of those things were tires - this tire is worn beautifully and remains un-cupped. Nor is it particularly squared off.
BUT - I'll replace both fork seals and continue futzing with the head bearing. For the record, it is the fork seal on the opposite side of the kickstand (left or right, depending on where you're looking at it from)

Shot Forks though? Fooock...

TonUp · 03-29-2006

Quote:

On 2006-03-29 08:31, tstacy wrote:
So, i should move the kickstand to the other side? lol
Thanks for the input folks...

Let it be said I have nothing against wheelies... just poorly performed wheelies on MY bike. But then again... i went ahead and bought the thing anyway...

I've cupped many things in my day and some of those things were tires - this tire is worn beautifully and remains un-cupped. Nor is it particularly squared off.
BUT - I'll replace both fork seals and continue futzing with the head bearing. For the record, it is the fork seal on the opposite side of the kickstand (left or right, depending on where you're looking at it from)

Shot Forks though? Fooock...

If you live in Vermont it doesn't really matter what side it is on!

I will explained my theory to you in person next time we meet! It does make a difference.

Ton Up!

miker · 03-29-2006

It could be your head stock bearing, but something else you may want to check is the swing-arm bearing and all the associated connections to the frame for the swing arm. Get a good grip of the rear wheel and shake it, see if it moves or clunks.

Might also want to check the run out of the wheel bearings, hard landings may have worn them prematurely.

I doubt it's your fork seal.

Mick

Geof3 · 03-30-2006

Quote:

On 2006-03-29 20:40, miker wrote:
It could be your head stock bearing, but something else you may want to check is the swing-arm bearing and all the associated connections to the frame for the swing arm. Get a good grip of the rear wheel and shake it, see if it moves or clunks.

Might also want to check the run out of the wheel bearings, hard landings may have worn them prematurely.

I doubt it's your fork seal.

Mick

Mike, he's got a leaky seal at the minimum. Depending on how the thing was set-up, the fork could have a blown cartridge or something. Given the way his fork is NOT operating, I would guess the fork has some problem. The wheel bearings are definately worth looking into as well.

If the headbearing were THAT shot you would be able to make it slap around by simply putting on the front brake and rocking the bike back and forth.