My wife had been riding a gz250 for the past 6 mos. We recently bought her a '04 gs500f.

Granted at this point she only has 140 miles on the GS. She has been complaining the the bike "wobbles" at around 55-60mph (don't ask me for more specifics about the wobble 'cause she doesn't know either!) A bit concerned, I took the bike out. It felt fine and straight as an arrow at 70. Even at 70 in a sweeping turn felt fine. The only thing I noticed is that the GS is a bit more sensitive to "body movements" than my Duc M620. I figure it is the difference between the narrower 130 tires on the GS compared to my 160's. But still no sign of a "wobble".

I figure that it may be that she is used to the lower center of gravity (COG) on her GZ compared to a sportbike. (i'm not sure if the gz had wider tires or not.) I don't have a problem cause I am used to the sportbike "COG"... I am hoping that she will eventually get used to the bike and how movements on top of the bike can have a bigger influence on the bikes reactions.

Any thoughts on this?? :dunno:

OK no one will back me up on this ... ever I am sure ... but small cruisers are really cool to throw into corners ...their low COG and the good chassis and long wheel base makes it stable far past the point of grinding off things ... my virago 535 I had to have zip ties on my foot pegs and have them sticking out an inch or so ... so I know when they will start to hit the ground ... absolutely rails through corners ... no surprise... good as a GS is ... its just not going to be as stable as a GZ ... a little time and probably she'll feel it works well... Of course check tires,and brajkes and everyhting just to make sure.
Cool.
Srinath.

Hmm, srinath, odd.  My Savage and the F650 feel as stable as the GS going straight ahead.  But going into corners, although the Savage and F650 will toss right into them and lean over delightfully, the handlebars wobble just a little bit in a vaguely worrisome fashion.

Anyhoo, part of this issue might be the difference in position in the GZ and GS?  The GZ is pure cruiser stance, all of the weight on the butt, while on the GS (at least, for a short person) if you don't hold yourself up with your legs, you'll have a lot of weight on the handlebars via your arms - might that be contributing to wobble?  She might not be used to holding herself up by her legs squeezing on the tank.

Soounds like her arm are rigid???
Have her bend her elbows and relax on the bars. I have noticed that the gs is very "wobble" prone when I am not relaxed, or have a death grip at the bars...

Dunno, just an idea.

Srinath...

Thanks for verifying my thoughts. ( I think you verified them...)
Yes.. I checked the tires and shock dampening, both are good overall.

BTW... she is not the adrenaline addict I am and doesn't like to "lean" as much. I thought that may be part of it. (trying to "steer" the turns rather than lean into them) But the "wobble" is on the straights....

Anyone else thinking the same thing? (my wifes problem, not Srinath's opinion on cruiser's stability on turns!)

Good point Dragonfly and RoadsterGal.... I'll see if she can make sure she is relaxed on the bars... (this will probably come with time also as she gets used to the bike)

Quote from: DragonflySoounds like her arm are rigid???
Have her bend her elbows and relax on the bars. I have noticed that the gs is very "wobble" prone when I am not relaxed, or have a death grip at the bars...

Dunno, just an idea.

I agree, that has been my experience in the past as well

Quote from: cujosocalAnyone else thinking the same thing? (my wifes problem, not Srinath's opinion on cruiser's stability on turns!)

Good point Dragonfly and RoadsterGal.... I'll see if she can make sure she is relaxed on the bars... (this will probably come with time also as she gets used to the bike)

I, too, agree that the GS is showing something of a riding error. Since she is used to a cruiser, which does not put a lot rider's weight on the bars, it may be the fact that she is not used to the riding position on the GS. Teach her to grip the tank with her knees and flex her back to take the weight off the bars.