Slow speed severe weave

[purplepeopleeater]

Hi all
Got my new(ish) bike today, didn't test ride prior to buying as from reputable shop. Good condition all round for a 97 bike except front end weave is bad at slow speed - maybe sending me a foot either side on the road up to 30mph. Any suggestions please, probably been robbed again?
Cheers

[bassmechanicsz]

Is the front wheel on straight?

Something is definitely wrong as the bike should def not weave like that.

[Roadstergal]

Make sure your tire is inflated to something in spitting distance of the right pressure.  Check that the front axle is tight and the forks straight in the triples.  Pop it on the centerstand and move the steering lock to lock, make sure it's smooth.  Those are the first things that pop into the head of this lazy person.

[Big Shot]

I'd take it back to the reputable shop and say, "WTF?"


Literally - Bob!

[JEREMY JOCK]

I'd take it back to the reputable shop and say, "WTF?"


Literally - Bob!

+1.

[the mole]

I'm with them ^.

My money is on bad steering head bearings, or they're adjusted too tight but that's not your problem, take it back to the shop!

[kml.krk]

+1 on back to shop!

[mister]

Purple.... two things....

Thing # 1: Pics of the bikes thanks. Pics or it didn't happen.

Thing # 2: Why is this even a question? How did this even manage to get home. SHOULD have been... ride out the lot, down the road, notice weave, right back to shop.

Ok. So you took it home. Now take it right back to the reputable shop.

But I know what you're thinking.... if it's something small like loose wheel axle nut or something, then a quick tighten and she is sweet without spending more time to the shop. And without shop saying, "Hey bubba. Not our fault. It was fine when you left, you've had it a while now and musta did something."

Take it back anyway.

Michael

[lamoun]

At what speed range does this happen. What about 2x speed?

[Roguesuzuki]

Seems to me it might be on consignment, if so, no warranties, no worries. Have the shop look at it...

[ohgood]

used bike = no warrantee, no guarantee, no ifs ands buts.

just like buying from a individual. the bourdon is on your to find out before buying.

BUT

to find out just how reputable the shop is, take it back and ask for a free look-see/fix. if they refuse, you know how reputable they really are after all.

at least you learn this lesson on a really cheap gs instead of a 1 1/2 year old beemer that just cost $12,000

GOOD LUCK !

[purplepeopleeater]

Thanks for all advice
I didn't take the bike back there and then as i thought what Mister says - prob loose axle or something, also had no sleep and been on nights so wanted bed.
Anyway, the shop, 30 miles away, will have a look anytime but i did some tinkering over the weekend:

Front tyre pressure increased to 33psi, was 30. Rear was ok.
Adjusted rear wheel alignment - looked ok when got it home but used a slide rule to measure from centre of axle nut to end of swingarm (each side) - now adjusted.
Loosened top yolk bolts on forks and pumped front end.
Loosened front axle nut and torqued back up. Was tight anyway.
Bolt missing on fender brace so stuck one in.
Decided against checking fork oil levels as too knackered and probably end up breaking something.

The bike is now 90% good,  not tested fully as can't concentrate properly due to nightshifts. Some slight pulling to left when breaking but acceptable, weave has gone.
Done 70mph and no probs. Still to get it looked over.
It's got AVON roadrider tyres which i've never had, always been battlax. Maybe this could have contributed too, anyone?
Cheers

[bill14224]

The missing bolt on the fork brace probably caused the weave.  I dunno if a reputable shop around here would sell a bike that was weaving a foot at low speed.  That's a lot.  They generally ride them before selling them, at least I would assume so.  Better go over everything if you haven't already and make sure everything's tight and straight.  If the bike is pulling to one side while braking, that's not good.  That means something's out of alignment, like the forks, rear wheel, worn swingarm bushings, or worse, a bent frame.