above 80 MPH, and on windy days, I get severe steering wobble (left to right motion of the handlebars).

It is my conclusion that it's being caused by wind turbulence from the factory front headlight cowl that came with my '95 (but is somewhat rare among the GS produced).

Anyone else have this issue, or think otherwise?

Not a vibration like unbalanced wheels.  My other hypothesis was bent forks, or that it is being caused by my oversized rear tire combination (see signature below). However, I've only experienced it on windy days, and with the front cowl installed.  And it is not limited to turns, I experience it while driving straight ahead as well.

light bikes don't like wind.  get a steering damper.

I have no such problems at any speed.

How confident are you in your shop?

Sounds vaguely like an RFV (Radial Force Variation) problem, and not all tire machines can test for that.

Quote from: makenzie71 on July 16, 2007, 05:29:18 PM
light bikes don't like wind.  get a steering damper.

i know i am going to get heat ovefr this but i can't let this pass....steering damper on a gs is like puting a silk dress on a pig 

Time to check the bearings ?

steering dampers should be on every bike.

By wobble...are the bars moving or is the bike wobbling with the bars perfectly still?

Quote from: makenzie71 on July 16, 2007, 06:08:54 PM
steering dampers should be on every bike.

By wobble...are the bars moving or is the bike wobbling with the bars perfectly still?

being a smarty pants aside i agree...they should be stock

Quote from: krypto35 on July 16, 2007, 05:27:25 PM
above 80 MPH, and on windy days, I get severe steering wobble (left to right motion of the handlebars).

movement is in the handlebars, frame and trail are steady - which is why I somewhat ruled out alignment or rear tire problems.  Isolated to front end.

Just a characteristic of the lightweight bike.  Get a damper.

makenzi71 said:
Just a characteristic of the lightweight bike.  Get a damper.

That's too much of a generalization imho.

I've enjoyed a wobble-free gs for >16,000 miles now, and only felt a very minimal wobble at speeds in excess of 90 mph, and only barely perceptable.

I really hope folks aren't neglecting things that are important (SAFETY) and just slapping on steering dampers when things go weird on their previousely fine ride.

Check the bearings, tire preasures, alignment and if you can't find a cause, take it to a pro.

A wobble can turn into a handshake with Mr. Death.

+1 ohgood

Always check tire pressure first!  It is very easy to do, and if it's low it can cause the symptoms you're discribing. 

Steering damper?  If if were absolutely necessary, I think the bike would have one stock.  I agree that it might be a nice addition, but it shouldn't be required to make the bike operate normally in normal conditions (windy at 80 mph is pretty normal, not legal in most states, but normal).

To check your steering bearings, put your bike on the center stand and grab your front wheel, and try to move it forward and backward.  If there is any play, then your bearings are probably bad.  You could also check your fork brace bolts to make sure they are tight.  That has caused a little shimmy for me in the past.  Mostly, for me, it's been tire pressure.

Headshake at 80MPH means something is wrong, steering damper are not meant to correct for issues with handling at moderate speeds, and yes 80MPH is a moderate speed.

CHeck the steering head bearings, get the front wheel off the ground and support the bike securely(do a search and you will find a multitude of ways) and pull and push on the frok stanchions, it should not have any play.

Also turn the forks left to right and feel if it has free movement or does it have some places it catches.

Check tire pressure both front and rear.

Check the wheel bearings by pulling off the wheel and rotating the inner portion of the bearing. IT should turn smoothly and should not have vary much axial play.

What type of tires do you have?

I took my 89GS to 110 mph in a steady cross wind with no shake.Felt solid and stable.To day I braved 15mph wind gusts at 75 to 80 mph,no shake.The wind did push me around a little.I would think head bearings or possible wheel bearings getting loose.Have you checked the front axle bolt and spacers?Just tossing out some ideas.

Try relaxing the death-grip. I have the same problem occasionally and relaxing a bit always solves the issue.

I should also add that keeping your forearms parallel to the ground when riding helps quite a bit too.

it's NOT my grip - my first thought was the relax on the handlebars when i feel the shake... i've even been daring enough to let go of the handlebars - even that doesnt remedy the situation.  In order to stop the wobbling I grip the tank full force with my knees and pull back or push forward hard on the handlebars to steady them.

Everyone who is mentioning that they are not feeling anything from wind...... are you riding WITH a front cowl on your headlight?  Please note that my original post was about the turbulance concerns of the headlight cowl.  I doubt many folks have them on their GS as I have been told they are pretty rare -- barely ever spot them on eBay, thats for sure.

I have an upper and lower targa faring and it just sends the wind into my chest.

well i got an 06 and i have had the same problem since i bought it new at like 85 to 100 the front will shake and i to have thought of a dampner but dont know what would work on it

Quote from: ben2go on July 18, 2007, 09:45:29 AM
I have an upper and lower targa faring and it just sends the wind into my chest.

But it actually looks good, unlike the Vader-helmet style headlight on the GS500F!

-b.

hmm, sounds like another one not going for the root of the problem. the bike should not wag or wobble at any speed. yes, if it were towed up to 200+ mph the tires would desentigrate and the bearings explode, but i doubt a wobble.

ignoring a wag or wobble and putting on more parts just doesn't make sense.

please take the bike to a competent pro with bonefied insurance.

ride safer

How many miles are on that front tire? I don't really have this problem on my current bike, but I have run into it several times on other bikes and it was always just a worn out/out of balance front tire. They have a tendancy to lose their perfect balance before they wear off their tread. If the front tire has some significant milage but is still usable, take it in and have it re-balanced... i bet that cures your problem....