HEAD SHAKING GS

[litestuf]

My new 2004 GS500F has a tendancy to shake it's head a little on our bumpy third-world roads here in communist Quebec.

I am wondering if I should replace the front fork springs with "Progressive" springs, OR buy a steering damper, OR both. Maybe a GSXR600 fork set-up.

Any suggestions ?


Tnx

John

[GRU]

progressive springs are a must for most of GS500 riders here...it's one of the first mods to do

[newtonent]

Three chrome washers on top of each spring costs $1.20 and works. You can buy them from hardwear store. There is no modifications neccessary. Take the cap with you and buy ones that are a little smaller.I have been doing this on GSs for years.

[scar_ace]

This also happens to me, but I really think the problem isn't to do with the front springs. I mean the head wobbles when I ride and is really loose, and got like this after about the first 5000km. Is there like a steering head bearing or something like might of got worn or need tightening or something? I hope someone knows what I'm on about.

Thanks guys

[70 Cam Guy]

new springs and oil do wonders.  The little pogo thing the front does hasn't happened to me in months.  I also believe it has a lot to do with my seating position and riding technique as I gained miles/experience.

A katana rear shock made another world of difference on my bike.  I think my old, stock shock was totally wasted but thats besides the point

I used to get that shake on freeway interchanges but I noticed one day that it was all me putting too much of my weight on the bars.  Get in the habit of gripping the tank to support yourself better and take weight off the bars.  Bumps can create some weird steering inputs if you are leaning on the bars.

[JamesG]

head shake, tank slappers, etc aren't caused by too much weight over the bars, they are caused by too litle.  Doesn't have anything to do with fork springs either.

On a nearly new F, I would try adding preload on the rear shock first and suspect that maybe the steering stem nut wasn't torqued to spec at the factory (happens).

If playing with the rear spring doesn't make the problem go away, take it to the dealer. It should still be covered under warrenty.

[70 Cam Guy]

head shake, tank slappers, etc aren't caused by too much weight over the bars, they are caused by too litle.  Doesn't have anything to do with fork springs either.

I should clarify.  I mean resting your body weight on your wrists/forearms.  From my own experience, hitting bumps while I was sitting this way caused some funny wobbles.  The bump would just be transfered to the bars as funky steering input.

In horseback riding, there's something known as having "quiet hands".  If you're trotting along and your hands are bouncing along with it, the horse can get confused from the funny inputs through the reins.  I'm just saying be aware of what your hands are doing

[newtonent]

It has been my experence with the GSs that the springs are just to soft and over bumpy roads it will induce headshake. Increasing spring preload in the rear will stabilize the bike if the rear shock is worn.If not it just rides harder.Tightening the steeringhead bearings outside of manufacturing specs can put you in a tank slapper like you have never seen before.(I've seen some bad ones at 100mph.)