Triumphrat

09-20-2005

Smooth road, decelerating on downgrade at 55mph, one up, 3 bags(loaded),tank bag, new rubber and new rear brakes. Bike went into a progressive tank slap- tossing me. Bike slid to a stop neither of us striking objects. Damage was minimal and I am now in the process of having it repaired. Dealer found a top right tripple clamp and lower left clamp loose but could not tell if this was the cause of the head shake as the loosening may have been caused by the wreck. As I don't wish to repeat this maneuver I would like to install a damper but can not find much info about an installation on a newer trophy. Anyone else had this problem or am I the only lucky one?

trophyrider00 · 09-20-2005

First off Charbuild, I am glad you are okay. I only had one experience with a tank slapper on an old Harley I had where one of the motor mounts had broke. I have never had one on my Trophy and I have actually had my hands off the bar while slowing down to see if one would start. I have ridden many time like you, all three bags full, tank bag, and one up. When I saw you posted you had new tires, my thinking went to there as the probable cause. Were the wheels balanced?

09-22-2005

Mine caught me off-guard once too. Luckily I didn't go down, but it sure got my attention. I was slowing down, going like 30 MPH, and took my hands off the bars for a second. Shook like a bastard...

At the next service, I asked them to check the triple clamps and wheel balance. All checked out fine. They did suggest a new tire, since nothing else seemed to fix it. Sometimes a belt within the tire can break and cause head-shake.

Sure enough, replaced the tire, and the shake is gone. I don't know if the same problem can happen with a brand new tire, but it might be worth checking - maybe they can replace it on warranty.

HMS1 · 09-26-2005

I found that the trophy has a tank slapper tendency around 40mph. I know a few people that own these and they all have the same oscillation on the bars around 40-50mph. I found that putting on the Metzler Z6 tires got rid of a bunch of it. Previously I have used Batalax 010, 020, and Dunlop 220 and they in my opinion suck. THe Z6 really smoothed out the "vibrations" at the bars. Happy to hear you are ok.

HMS1

birdwh · 09-26-2005

I wonder if some of that vibration may come from the excessive cupping on BT010/020's? Perhaps other brands as well.

I found Metzler Z6's and Avon ST45/46's cup only slightly and even then only after 6k+ wear, thus much less vibration especially in low speed sharp turns.

narrowminded · 01-10-2006

Tires, tires, tires. Try the Metzlers.

Tooth · 01-10-2006

Once again I must show my ignorance....what is a tank slap vs dumping the bike?

:???:

porsche996 · 01-10-2006

tank slap is when the handlebars start to jerk side to side, for no apparent reason. Can be violent enough to toss you.

My 900 has a slow speed zone, where if I'm down to below 20 mph or so, and take my hands off, it will slowly start the fun. But it's not consistant. I've never had any problems at speed, though, thank goodness.

bigern2300 · 01-10-2006

My '95 showed some signs of tank slap coasting down from about 45 mph. In the long run, i snugged up the neck bearings and never had the problem since.

Tooth · 01-10-2006

I developed a very pronounced shimmy to an out right wobble on my Kawasaki at 40-45mph when I take my hands off the bars. I have also noticed the same on the 03 Trophy. Are you talking about tank slapping with good control of the bars or just and out right sudden loss of control. :cry: