Wobble on 2006(a)

[paste007]

Just picked up my 2006(a) from the local Yamaha dealer after having my 16k mile service and installation of the new Heli triple clamp and a new set of Avons.

I've never experienced any kind of wobble with the original Metzlers or the replacement Michelin's.

I'll be taking the bike back to the dealer tomorrow, but, does anyone have an idea of the cause, before I turn the mechanic loose on my dime to determine the culprit?

I first noticed it at low speeds, however, not noticeable at freeway speeds. When slowing down in 4th or 5th, it became noticeable at 45mph and gained in severity at around 40mph.

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[Go Far]

My guess is an out of round tire on the rim. Spin the tires on the centerstand and look for an oscillation.

I had an oscillation on my K1200RS and the culprit was a new tire that was not fully seated on the rim. :angry:

By the way, I just installed the Heli's on my '06 and tested it out and no sign of wobble decelerating thru those speeds with the hands lightly off the bars. :yahoo:

Just picked up my 2006(a) from the local Yamaha dealer after having my 16k mile service and installation of the new Heli triple clamp and a new set of Avons.I've never experienced any kind of wobble with the original Metzlers or the replacement Michelin's.

I'll be taking the bike back to the dealer tomorrow, but, does anyone have an idea of the cause, before I turn the mechanic loose on my dime to determine the culprit?

I first noticed it at low speeds, however, not noticeable at freeway speeds. When slowing down in 4th or 5th, it became noticeable at 45mph and gained in severity at around 40mph.

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[twowheelnut]

Common comment for Avon's... I would have the dealer check it out, but also the steering head and wheel bearings. Barring that, I would suggest that the geometry has changed a bit and may be inducing the wobble. Get more weight on the front wheel by adding preload or adjusting the front tubes up a bit.

 

[paste007]

Status update.

Checked with SW Moto Tires, from whom I purchased the Avon's and they offered three options. First, I could have them ship me a new tire and credit my card when I returned the blemished tire. Second, I could return the blemished tire and then they'd send a replacement. Third, to save the shipping cost (not included in Avon's warranty), I could call Avon direct (at the number provided by SWMototires) and they might ship a replacement without a freight charge.

I took the third option and was pleasantly surprised at how agreeable the Avon rep was in sending me a new tire, via my local Yamaha dealer, who'd performed the installation. Should have it by Wednesday.

Can't gripe about the service. Now, if the replacment is sound, I'll be a happy camper. I was surprised at how deep the grooves were on the Avon, compared with the Metzler and Michelin, that I previously had. Maybe that's why it's supposed to be good in the rain?

ALSO, installed the Heli triple clamp on my '06 and am pleased, although it wasn't as radical a change as I'd anticipated.

Lastly, when doing the 16k service, the Yamaha dealer's mechanic said that there was evidence of a little more metal than he'd liked to have seen in the rear differential. He just suggested keeping an eye on it, at the next 8k mile service. Have any of you experienced this?

 

[stryg8r]

Welcome to the Avon wobbles club.

I had the same experience with a set Avon's, only mine would start to oscillate at a steady speed, most noticeable between 40 and 50. No problems with the original tires or a set of Pilot Roads. Steering head bearing was retourqed, tire pressures varied, suspension tweaked, but did not fix the problem. I fixed the problem by mounting a set of Pirelli's and the wobble disappeared. Given what I've read it seems that some bikes are just more prone to this effect than others. One thing I noticed is the wobble effect was more pronounced when I had my fuel cell mounted and filled, so it does seem to be somewhat related to weight distribution.

I really want to like the Avon's due to their excellent grip and long wear. If your replacement tire doesn't wobble I may try another set, but I guessing you'll experience the same wobble with the new tire. Let us know.

Derek

 

[mehaffydr]

Ive had two sets of Avons the first were fine but the second set has the wobble. Woukd you like to share that Avon phone number I would like mine replaced if that is an option.

 

[SkooterG]

Ok, I don't get it.

Now most of the several front Avons I have had did not wobble, but I did have two that exhibited that trait. One started after 12,000 miles of wear, and the other wobbled from the start for it's whole life at 45-50 mph.

My point is..........so what? The front only wobbles if your hands are off the handlebars. Hands on handlebars, no wobble. And even with the hands off the bars and getting the wobble, it maxed out at a certain oscillation and didn't get any worse. Big deal. No other abnormal handling characteristics of the tire

So why is the wobble such a horrible thing?

BTW, ions ago when I replaced some model of Michelin tires on my old Concours, the Avon actually got rid of the wobble. Remember, there is a lot of stuff that contributes to the wobble. Tires are only one factor of many.

 

[Scab]

I too had the Avon wobble on decel at a touch over 45, disappearing by 40. It was not noticeable unless I really loosened my grip or removed my hands. So, I tried to accelerate as much as possible. And like the Skootmeister said, it just wasn't a real big deal. Now, I have the Pilot Roads. No front wobble, but straight line handling in any kind of wind sucks ass. In hindsight, I would take the decel wobble. That Avon held a line like it was on a frikin' rail. The tire never left me wondering where it was going.

 

[GunMD]

I've had the wobble on every set of tires that I've had on my '05. Avons, Dunlops, Bridgstones, Pirellis...all of them. Least noticeable...Pirelli Diablo Strada. Most noticeable...Avon Azaro.

Skooter, I'm with you. I know it's an issue so I don't take my mits off the grips at 42-46 mph...problem solved. Microsoft calls that a "work-around" solution.

 

[mrgrease]

I too have the decel 40-45 mph wobble, keep...hands.....on...bars....no wobble. I will put up with a bit of wobble, as a trade off for the traction I get, did some very spirited riding last week in VA, NC and TN in the rain, the avons instilled confidence. wobble smobble!!!!!!!

 

[stryg8r]

This thread is starting to remind me of the old "heat" "no heat" threads. <_<

The head shake inducing tendency of the Avon's' is more noticeable and troublesome for some individuals. If it doesn't bother you that's great. Buy all the Avon's you want.

The point is it does bother me. If it was only inducing a head shake when decelerating through 40 mph then it probably wouldn't bother me, but my experience was much more than just a slight annoyance. I could feel a slight shimmy leaned over in high speed sweepers. If I pushed it over much over the ton the front end would start to wobble WITH my hands on the bars and a firm grip was required at 75-80mph.

Derek

 

[mehaffydr]

I didnt really elaborate on mine but I do only have the slight wobble at about 45 mph It is not really a problem for me more of an annoyance than anything and because my bike is rarely going that slowww its not that big of deal.

 

[SkooterG]

I could feel a slight shimmy leaned over in high speed sweepers. If I pushed it over much over the ton the front end would start to wobble WITH my hands on the bars and a firm grip was required at 75-80mph.

That's not the typical Avon *wobble* or headshake. That is something seriously wrong with that tire (or other components). And it should be replaced ASAP.

 

[stryg8r]

That's not the typical Avon *wobble* or headshake. That is something seriously wrong with that tire (or other components). And it should be replaced ASAP.

Your right Scooter. I realize my problem was a little more severe than the typical wobble. And under different circumstances I would have probably take steps to get it replaced.

As it was this tire was put on right before a 5,000/5 day trip during which I discovered the problem. On top of that this was a free tire I'd won at last years CFO and was shipped to me directly from Avon. AND I was the one who had arranged the door prize with Avon. So I didn't feel comfortable calling up Avon and saying, "I've got this free tire you guys gave me with 5,000 miles on it and its causing my bike to develop a headshake if I take my hands off the bars. Can I get another tire?". So I decided to suck it up and just wear it out.

 

[SkooterG]

So I decided to suck it up and just wear it out.

Ahhhhh............a true Iron Butt'r.

:clapping:

BTDT.

 

[vtcornercarver]

Just picked up my 2006(a) from the local Yamaha dealer after having my 16k mile service and installation of the new Heli triple clamp and a new set of Avons.I've never experienced any kind of wobble with the original Metzlers or the replacement Michelin's.

I'll be taking the bike back to the dealer tomorrow, but, does anyone have an idea of the cause, before I turn the mechanic loose on my dime to determine the culprit?

I first noticed it at low speeds, however, not noticeable at freeway speeds. When slowing down in 4th or 5th, it became noticeable at 45mph and gained in severity at around 40mph.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Avon tech rep said to me that the rain "groove" in the center of the tire is very back and forth, and when going at slower speeds ie. 50 or less, the bike will try to follow the tread pattern, therefore tracking in a back and forth manner. Bikes with steering dampers dont feel it, and you won't either unless you let go of the bars. It's an Avon thing, and won't hurt anything. VT

 

[terrebandit]

Mine wobbles between 40 and 50, on accel or decel. Its a PITA. I still have the stock bridgestones with about 6K miles on them. I've check steering head bearings, wheel bearings, fork clamps, just about everything except replacing the tire.