Since I've never been on another GS, I really don't know if this is normal, but I notice when I ride and the smallest bump I go over, the handle bar shakes where it feels like something is lose and it's about to fall apart of something. Kind of like when you're driving a car that needs the tires balance and when you drive over a bump sometimes the stearing wheel kinda turns and you have to hold the stearing wheel firm for it stay straight, now I had a 1990 kat before I didn't really get to ride it much and I don't remember going over any bumps but it never felt like that before. I have the bike at a shop right now for a tune up and I told him about it and he told me that's how the bike is, he said the only thing I could do was to put something on it "sorry for the spelling" I think he said it's called a dapner or dapiner he said it would be like 250 and he didn't recommend it. what do you guys think? ever since that happen I've been holding on firmer but it still happens and I swear this wasn't happening before I took it into different bike shop 1st when I had a oil change and the inspection

a steering Damper , the gs doesnt need it , if there not clip ones , maybe check the bars are on tight?

if your mechanic suggested a steering damper instead of servicing your steering tube bearings, get a new mechanic. no, really.

the gs has no use of a damper. the steering tube bearings (head tube bearings, whatever) wear over time, and need grease plus an adjustment. not doing it soon enough destroys the bearings, and finally the steering tube (FRAME). it starts as a 'TINK' when you apply the front brake hard, then works it's way to a 'CRUNCH' or what you have now.

or:

you have a loose connection somewhere between the bars and your front wheel. your fender may be loose, but it will just make a rattling noise. easily fixed, with the front wheel off.

i'm betting on your steering tube bearing, and it's a pretty dangerous thing to lock up mid turn.

get it checked out by a competent mechanic. good luck.

thanks! it's hard to find a good mechanic, I get I have to take it 45 mins out of my way to have someone else check it, thanks

Put the bike on the center stand,set on it like you're riding,push the bars back and forth.If they move the head bearings need to be serviced.Also check your front tire and make sure the tire pressures are correct.33psi front and 36 rear riding solo.

Well I found out the problem and I can't believe I didn't notice this before now I can't figure out if it was like that when I bought it or if it happen when I 1st took it to a professional bike shop.

In the 1st picture you will see the metal part of the handle bar that split and because of that it's causing the gauges to shake which is what's also making the clinking sound that I hear everytime I ride over a bump



there seem to be some room here because I can move it up and down w/ my hand


since this is a custome handle bar i'm not really sure where to go since. I'm not close to any really good shops, how do you guys think I can correct this problem?

Yeow ... Someone removed the handle bar top plate and made a hack job of the das mounts.
BTW a GS , steering damper ... it does not ever ever ever need.
I recommend you try either 89 clip on's or the stock GS bars and get rid of this crap. Guages are meant to be fitted on a good solid surface with the meaty grommets ...
Anyway, I'll almost bet your neck bearings are a bit loose. Why ... you see, the adjuting nut is right there under the black triple, and someone did mess with it.
Anyway, I have a 89 clipon assy for $100, and a katana FE with new bearings for $450. Thjey will both take the GS guages as they were meant to be fitted. Grommets on the triple.
Cool.
Buddha.

I'm still learning the parts on bikes and meanings, I want to know if you or anyone have a picture or a link where I can see what you're referring to by "89 clipon assy" also is this something I would have to get a pro to do or should I be able to fix it on my own w/ the assey? from what you wrote, I don't need both but I can either go w/ the clipon assy or the katana FE right?

If I think this is something I can do then I would try to get it from you, but I will have to see what it looks like and find out what's involved, if not then I will have to get it from a bike shop b/c the couple I have in my area only want to make you spend more by not using something that they didn't sell you b/c then they give that BS about they can't guarantee the work b/c it wasn't their part.

OK you're confusing 2-3 issues here.
The clip on assy is to  run your handlebars and dash the proper way. Your bike is missing the top handle bar plate and the dash bolts to it. So do the clip on bars. basically you will get it to be similar to what it is but it will be stock like.
The Kat FE will give you a lot better Front end, and I have new bearings with it. You will have to install it. Now that is harder than fitting clip on's and adjusting your neck bearings if that is indeed the problem.
However if your neck bearings are gone, you will be doing the same amount of work either swapping to the Kat or just replacing the neck bearings.
I'd say you should be able to fit the clipon yourself. I'll send you pics if needed.
Kat FE - someone with experience with such a swap is needed. And regular shops suck. I'd suggest you adjust your neck and try the thing, and decide if you want to fix the dash wobble. Then decide if you want clip on's. GS non clip on's prolly are cheaper.
Cool.
Buddha.