Triumphrat

Just picked up a 97 Trophy 1200 yesterday and went for a 200 mile ride. My concern is that something on the bikes chassis is not straight, After the first half of the journey we were looking round the bike and noticed deep score marks on the right hand eccentric at the back of the swing arm, after further investigation we noticed that the right hand exhaust is rubbing on this causing the marks. Looking on the other side the left-hand pipe clears the arm by about 3/4 of an inch, but the mounting bracket for the right pipe doesn't look bent at all??? I also noticed when riding the bike on the motorway at 85+ the front of the bike seem to wobble every now and then which is quite unnerving, it seems to get worse the faster you go. The strange thing is the bars fell solid and don't seem to move when the bike wobbles its just like the wheel is moving around beneath me. I did a history check on the bike before I bought it but it does not show up any crashes in its life but that doesn't mean it hasn't had any. Any ideas??

SoCal

The exhaust is quite easily rotated away from the swingarm, just loosen the clamp and twist the can. Mr right hand exhaust can has rubbed at some point in it's life as the marks were there~

I am not sure about your wandering issue, it could be a lot of things aside from alingment- I would check the tires & tire pressure first.

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SoCal

Seeker

RE: Front wobble...

Possibly an unbalanced front wheel/tyre combination? The wheels/tyres need to be dynamically hi-speed balanced at a bike shop to get them perfect.

Thanks for the replies, I'll have a go at twisting the can round next time I'm there, I haven't checked the pressures yet and I don't know if the wheel has been balanced but it is close to needing two new tires anyway so I'll get that done then. I'm guessing that the bike should be stable at 85+ but I do have full luggage on (2 side 1 top) and the manual says it should not be ridden over 80 with the luggage attached!? But how it handles at the moment, my BMW F650 feels far more stable at 90.

sailfish

Dr Nick,

The suggestions of looking at the tires are right on. One other thing that affects handling is the tension of the the bearings in the triple tree. It probably isn't that but keep it in mind.

Since you are the new owner of this bike you really need to preflight check it. Look at everything, all fluid levels, chain tension, rear wheel alignment, brake pads, all lights, and especially the tire pressures. Tire pressures really should be checked before every ride, at the very least weekly.

Regarding high speed stability with bags, I ride a Sprint Executive and have done 115 mph (calibrated, not "indicated") with a tall windshield, all three bags on and a duffel on the pillion seat with no stability issues. The tires were Avon Azaro IIs.

stevent

I also think the tires are the problem, when fronts, especially Dunlops get worn out they will set up a wobble and vibration. My Trophy is stable up to 120 indicated with the bags and box on.

You need to go over the bike with a fine tooth comb anyway, but I'd bet new tires will take care of things. My swingarm also has scuffs from the right side muffler from the first time I had it off, you just have to hold it out in place as you tighten the clamp and bolt.

They're really fun bikes, I'm sure you'll enjoy it :-g :-g :-g

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stevent....."May the Goddess turn the hearts of those who hate us, if not their hearts then turn their ankles so we'll know them by their limping..."

My old Concours would wobble if the tire pressure fell 3 or 4 lb below the correct amount. If your tires are getting low on tread, check to see if they are also cupping. Both could easily cause your problem.

Since the tires have obviously been on for some time, balance should not be your problem unless you lost a weight.

If your bike has some high miles on it, the head bearings could also be a factor. If you put the bike on the center stand and sit on it far enough back to cause the rear wheel to be on the ground, swing the handle bars hard to either side and let go. If they hit the side you sent them to and started to return, you may suspect the bearings as well. They could need tightening or replacement.

Replacement of the bearings shouldn't be a concern until you have over 50 or 60,000 miles on it (a little less if it's been ridden hard).