I have had a real problem with my GS' front end. On the freeway over 75mph or so, I get a VERY unsteady front end. I had always thought it was due to a leaky fork seal (low fork oil on one side...). I replaced the fork seals this weekend and put in 20wt oil. (REALLY EASY JOB, by the way... thanks for the write-ups everyone...). I can feel the front end being more planted, but at higher speeds I still get a really bad front end wobble. I'm hopiong someone may have some insight into what would cause this wobbling?
I have a Katana shock on the bike with the pre-load adjustment as well as a little 3position dial on the top of the shock that I have always left set to 3 (which seems to be the softest setting) - setting it to 1 makes the rear end way to stiff.
For preload settings - would a heavier rider call for MORE or LESS preload than a small rider?
Thanks.
Rolly
could be worn steering head bearing.
And/or slide the forks down in the triple clamps.
The top of my forks are even with the top of the triples... so move 'em down further into the triples? Would lowering my pre-load in the rear have the same effect? I'll give this a shot and see how it goes...
Thanks.
Rolly
Lowering the preload on the rear increases the rear sag, making the back of the bike sit lower than the front and increases the trail on the front end. If everything on the front end is fine, this should make the bike more stable at speed and slow down its turning.
You can try this because its free and should be safe. But I would bet the problem is in the front. Has the bike been crashed as far as you know? How old/worn is the front tire? Have you checked the fork stem bearings?
I've not checked the front end bearing yet... I know the bike was crashed before I got it... seems it slid along the right side... think the forks could be bent?
Oddly enough - I've always felt my handlebars were a little askew, but I never really looked into it too deeply and assumed I had a problem with my "line of sight" measuring method...
How would I check the front end bearing... just follow the manual?
I'll try lowing the preload in the rear and then see how that feels. Guess I should check the steering stem bearing as well.
Thanks again.
Rolly
Rolly
Front end bearing check:
Put bike on rear stand. You can either hoist the front by the frame or otherwise tilt the bike off its front wheel or just grab the forks and tilt it back yourself. Try and pull and push the forks back and forth and try to twist them side to side. Any movement or looseness means either bad or loose bearings.
You should try that before riding it again.
Hmmm - sitting on the bike, if I pull the bars or push them - they move. Not a lot... but they move. Almost as if the topclamp is rubber mounted or something. It's done this since I got the bike, but then again, it's had an unsteady front since I got the bike too...
I'll try your method (bike on centerstand with front end lifted...) and see if I get any results I've not noticed before...). I've always noticed the handlebars being "loose" but I thought this was cheap workmanship on Suzuki's part... :dunno:
I'll look through my manual and look into checking the steering bearings.
Is this an at-home repair or shop work?
Rolly
Don't forget to check the ovious... I had that problem for awhile, and it ended up being low front tire pressure. :lol:
Prolly not the case here, but just thought I'd mention it.
Absolutely, obvious first, tire preasure (33?) and a general tighten-up
I've checked tire pressure - it's good... I'm thinking it may be a loose steering head. I don't have my manual in front of me (I'm at work)... anyone have a simple method for tightening the steering head? I'll look through the manual when I get home, but just thought I might get a few ideas before I get home today...
Thanks for the input everyone!!!!!
So, I've looked at the schematics for the steering stem at bikebandit.com.
I know I should be reading the manual, but I'm wondering - what part am I looking to tighten on the steering stem?
Here's the diagram:
http://houseofmotorcycles.bikebandit.com/partsbandit/oem_schematic_view.asp?mscssid=F2X3T76R79D08P13CDD6PDX4JBW2BPB8&schem_dept_id=723996&section_dept_id=1&section_dept_name=OEM+%28Stock+Parts%29&dept_type_id=2&model_dept_year=1991&model_dept_mfr=Suzuki&model_dept_id=703248&model_dept_name=GS500EM
Rolly
After finishing with the fork seals and after putting everything back together... I'm becoming a bit paranoid that maybe my forks aren't back on straight... just an idea.
The top portion of the fork is easy... but is the only thing lining up the lower portion that fork brace and the axle bolt?
I did take the bike for a 80mile ride through twisties and a 30mile run at 75 on the freeway and I'm still alive, so I guess it can't be THAT off, right?
Rolly