Triumphrat

STcharlie · 05-08-2007

Hi Gang,
My scooter picked up a nasty habit...the front end gets a little squirrelly especially when a big wind blast hits it. This new sensation started late last year, and I felt it again over the weekend. It's not tires as those have been changed. I'm going to check the head bearing and the tension on the head nut (no, not mine, the bikes). Any suggestions for procedures here and tension settings on the head nut (again, not mine...).

Thanks,
Charlie...

kwellzz · 05-08-2007

I am having the exact thing happen with me...Seems like around trucks I start to get speed wobble when going above 75. I dont notice any wobble but have yet to do the real check. I also have new tires so i know that isnt the problem. Today I am going to see if it can be tightened.
Haynes says to put front wheel up on stand. Grasp Fork sliders and push them forward and back. Looseness will be felt in this direction if head bearings need tightening or replacement.

MVP44 · 05-08-2007

This could also be a result of running tire pressure up just a wee bit. Try taking say .5 psi out just to increase the contact patch a hair and see if the instability improves - this is a quick check before looking elsewhere. Just a thought

kwellzz · 05-08-2007

you might be right about pressure. I dont have a pressure tester but will check that today. I did notice a couple issues in doing the head bearing tightening. 1. Getting the front wheel up. I put it up on the centerstand and used a ratchet tie-down strap connect to the luggage rack and ran it to my car. Simply ratcheting it down raises the front wheel securely. 2. The adjuster nut is very skinny and without completely taking off the yoke I was unable to get to it. A skinner spanner tool would be able to get this.
I did not feel any play in the head bearing when pulling front to back on the front end so I think it may be the tire pressure.

oldndumb · 05-08-2007

kwellzz, you gotta get a tire gauge and use it regularly.

chiefsr · 05-08-2007

I have been using Roadgear's digital pressure tester for 3 years now and I really like it. It's easy to get a seal and the gauge is sized well. Two guys I ride with also use them.

http://www.roadgear.com/catalog/detail.cfm?Prod_ID=196

RoadGear Gauge

[ This message was edited by: chiefsr on 2007-05-08 12:54 ]

kwellzz · 05-08-2007

I had 2 but my car got broken into and they friggin STOLE IT...how lame is that. Will get another today

kwellzz · 05-08-2007

oh yeah, what pressures are most running? I was thinking of 38/42 but that might a bit high.

chiefsr · 05-08-2007

I run 36/42

cricket1 · 05-08-2007

I run 33F/36R

36/42 is a MAX pressure. I would only use that if riding 2 up, with luggage at 80MPH on the freeway, in July! Way too high any other time.