is the steering head bad when the front wheel and handle bars go nuts at around 45-50 mph?

Not always ... start with the tire and look for lop sided wear, pressure to be in range, then wheel bearings, then maybe wheel alignment and then steering neck bearings.
Start with easiest first, that way you're not busting your ass when you could have filled air and run better than ever ...
Cool.
Buddha.

Quote from: The Buddha on November 02, 2008, 06:25:57 PM
Not always ... start with the tire and look for lop sided wear, pressure to be in range, then wheel bearings, then maybe wheel alignment and then steering neck bearings.
Start with easiest first, that way you're not busting your ass when you could have filled air and run better than ever ...
Cool.
Buddha.

the tires are somewhat cupped.  they are avon roadriders with about 12.5k on them.  could be the tires.  when i hold the handlebars there is no sign of wobble, only when i let go at mid 40's. 

12.5K on 1 tar ... forget it, time to get a new one ...
Cool.
Buddha.

there you have it, tires are the problem.    solution:replace worn cupped tire with new not cupped and unworn tire.  also check the steering head for freeplay while the front is off the ground. it cant hurt to inspect it anyhow.