Triumphrat

delta2565 · 09-29-2007

Just a theory in re: to my Trophy when I found I had some handlebar shake with hands off.
I put an upgraded Hagon shock on the rear to handle my size and two up riding and 1KG Race Tech springs in the forks (didn't even change the factory fluid) after which I have not had one incident of bar shake.
I believe in my instance that my wt. plus my rider's, changed the geometry of the of the head which was causing the bar shake.
I also agree that keeping at least one hand on the bars helps, because I allowed the bike to get to the "tank slap" shake a couple of times to see how it would respond and found that just a firm grip on the bars stopped the shake w/o any undue force needed.

tobyone · 10-07-2007

Well it wasn't the bend in the wheel,although framestraightsystems.com did a great job on it. Next up a new tire and recheck the head bearings,rear wheel alignment i guess.Maybe replace the front springs last. Like i said it only shakes at 45 and below.

ervdrvr1 · 10-07-2007

You can also change the fork oil to SAE15 and add an appx 1/2" to 1" preload spacer and that will help alot untill you replace the springs.
Erv
Deep in the Heart of Texas!

Xbubblehead · 10-08-2007

I bought my 01 1200 with 4800 miles on the clock, still has the original Bridestone factory tires on it. I've put about 2500 miles on it this summer. I've noticed the shimmy more and more lately.

I'm starting to buy into the tire issue, although, it only does it when you decel not when you're coasting through 40-50 mph. I would think if it's a tire imbalance it would occur on a coast down also. I shifted into Neutral on a coast down (I don't recommend it, it's not very gentle on the trans.) and let go of the handlebars with no shimmy at all.

I'm wondering if it's some sort of engine harmonic? Has anyone paid attention to what gear you're in and RPM's. I'm curious if it does it at different combinations. If it does then I would say that's not it.

My 2 cents.

Xbubblehead · 04-08-2008

Well, a little update on my front end shimmy.

Two weeks ago I put new tires on my bike (Bridgestone B021) and of course balanced. The 40 mph decel shimmy is now gone. I hope it stays gone, it's a nice smooth ride again.

narrowminded · 04-09-2008

My 900 did the same thing. It's always the tire! Don't waste the time elsewhere. IMHO.

tobyone · 07-01-2008

Sorry i have not gotten back earlier.....Although I had the head bearing checked,we tighten it up some and that has eliminated most if not all of the shimmy. I would still like to up grade the forks and shock after my last 3 day ride to N. Georgia left me wanting a little better handling. I guess it will never be as good as my BMW S in that department

Leftlane_Rider · 07-07-2008

My 02 1200 did the same with the original Bridgestones from 11K to 13K miles. (I know that's alot of miles on a set, and you could actually see thread in the rear tire!). Replaced the tires with Michelins Pilot Road and the problem is gone. Can't tell you if the mechanic did anything to the steering head, but I doubt it since I wasn't charged.