New bike and slightly concerned

[Amd1229]

Hi all. I recently picked up a beautiful 2011RT with less than 10k miles. Last night was the first time I got it up to highway speed (65mph+) and I noticed a very disconcerting "dancing" from side to side of the front end. It's not a wobble but more like if you've ever gone over a steel grated bridge, it's that feeling. The tires have lots of life left in them and are both Metzlers. I'm sure this isn't normal so I wanted to throw it out there to see if anyone had any thoughts. Other than this, the bike is incredible. But like I said, it's a real concern.

 

Thanks and this is a great place!!!

[mneblett]

What air pressures are you running -- front and rear?

[Amd1229]

According to the TPMS it is 36 front, 41 rear

[biometrics]

BTDT. Sure sounds like low tire pressure to me too Mark!

 

I recommend trying 40 front and 42 rear and then run the same roads where you experienced the wobble to see if there is a difference. 36 is definitely too low.

[Amd1229]

Excellent. Thanks for the responses guys. Will adjust and report back. Again thank you so much. I really do learn something new here everyday. Looking forward to paying it back someday.

[6speedTi]

Check and adjust your pressures cold. Do not rely on the tpms to give you accurate readings. It is a good system but works differently than what we expect.Check your front tire in detail and see if you have some cupping wear just slightly from center. Different tires wear differently. I have a 2012 and used Bridgestone tires since new. My original was a 021. Bad tire as far as wear goes. I'm running the 023 and it is much better. I'm running 38 front and 42 rear.

[dirtrider]

Afternoon Amd1229

 

To me it doesn't sound like an air pressure problem (I have ridden the new 1200RT's with low tire pressure & never found the front end to oscillate. (slow handling & slower reaction but no wobble)

 

To me it sounds more like either a worn tire (they can stll look OK) or a bent front wheel.

 

So start by putting the bike on the center stand-- then either jack the engine up or put a lot of weight on the rear (so the front wheel is off the ground) then give the front wheel a spin.

 

Or run a steel rod through the front axle then lift that rod onto jack stands. (then give front wheel a spin)

 

Also when the front tire is off the ground, run you hand over the tire as you spin it slowly looking for bulges or odd feeling tread areas.

 

Even a tire worn flat in the center can cause odd tracking issues as the bike tries to self correct itself.

 

10K on a front tire is a lot for most riders so if that tire is original it might be time for a replacement.

[duckbubbles]

If it is still the original tire, I would seriously consider changing it for a new one if tire pressure doesn't help much. You could be experiencing age hardening of the rubber.

 

Frank

[mneblett]

To me it doesn't sound like an air pressure problem (I have ridden the new 1200RT's with low tire pressure & never found the front end to oscillate. (slow handling & slower reaction but no wobble)

 

To me it sounds more like either a worn tire (they can stll look OK) or a bent front wheel.

Certainly possible, but I always check the easy stuff first. Once TP is verified, the hunt will be on!