shaking

[preacherman]

When I take my hands off the handlebars at low speeds the front end shakes pretty bad. CHecked air pressure ok, tire fairly new what else should I check.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Don't know what year your bike is, but give the steering head bearings a look. Other than that, depending on the tire brand a slight bar shake is pretty common. If you have a OEM 021 'Stone or an Avon that could definitely contribute to the problem.

--G

 

[Panman]

Does it happen going down a hill, mine will shake at twenty five or so coasting down a hill with my hands off. I figure the forks are compressing a little and it doesn't like the rake and trail at that point.

 

[user 213]

When I take my hands off the handlebars at low speeds the front end shakes pretty bad. CHecked air pressure ok, tire fairly new what else should I check.

Lack of info.

What air pressure are you running and how much do you weigh in gear?

What speed is "low speeds"? Accel or decel and/or steady?

What's "fairly new" in mileage? Brand/model of the front tire.

Miles on the bike? And have you adjusted the suspension?

Firming up the front end preload and compression dampening may help, baring other issues.

And then there's the age old, "don't do that". Works every time.

Maybe 80% of the time this behavior is just tire wear. Often more pronounced on decel just under 50 mph. Or - tire design, at very low speeds, I.E. walking speeds, or sub 10 mph.

 

[Intech]

It is designed to do that to remind you that you are not supposed to let go of the handle bars!! :grin:

Probably tire or suspension related, however road condition could contribute too. Unlikely, but possible, is the steering head bearing.

 

[RacinRay]

When I take my hands off the handlebars at low speeds the front end shakes pretty bad. CHecked air pressure ok, tire fairly new what else should I check.

I have the same issue with my '06. The head shake goes away with a new front tire but it always returns. The time it takes to come back and the severity of the shake depends on the tire brand. I'm running Continental Road Attacks right now. I love the tire in all areas except for the head shake. Seems to be one of the worst in that area.

I'm thinking of getting a fork brace.

 

[ZOOOMM]

Who balanced your front tire? A lot of wear on the front tire will cause that shaking. Just a couple of thoughts.

 

[preacherman]

When I take my hands off the handlebars at low speeds the front end shakes pretty bad. CHecked air pressure ok, tire fairly new what else should I check.

Lack of info.

What air pressure are you running and how much do you weigh in gear? I weight about 200 lbs in gear 42 lbs air pressure

What speed is "low speeds"? Accel or decel and/or steady? Decel 25 mph

What's "fairly new" in mileage? Brand/model of the front tire. Tire has about 2k on it showing very little wear.

Miles on the bike? And have you adjusted the suspension? 14,500 no I have not adjusted the suspension

Firming up the front end preload and compression dampening may help, baring other issues.

And then there's the age old, "don't do that". Works every time. You are right that does work

Maybe 80% of the time this behavior is just tire wear. Often more pronounced on decel just under 50 mph. Or - tire design, at very low speeds, I.E. walking speeds, or sub 10 mph. I have an Avon tire I changed it because of the shaky front end.

 

[user 213]

What air pressure are you running and how much do you weigh in gear? I weight about 200 lbs in gear 42 lbs air pressure
What speed is "low speeds"? Accel or decel and/or steady? Decel 25 mph

What's "fairly new" in mileage? Brand/model of the front tire. Tire has about 2k on it showing very little wear.

Miles on the bike? And have you adjusted the suspension? 14,500 no I have not adjusted the suspension

Hmm, I would agree that your tire pressure is fine for your weight and at 2k wear should not be a significant issue, (though it still could be). Decel 25 mph is not the 'common' speed zone for this issue.

While it could be a tire balance or bent wheel, the simple and perhaps most easy to check issue would be suspension. Try firming up the rebound(?), (top knobs, turn clockwise) and pre-load, (bottom nut like adjusters) a few clicks each and see if it has any impact. Sorry, I'm not much of a suspension wiz. A search should find some better instructions on setting up the forks.