Anyone help diagnose this problem?

[Brayden]

So took the bike out on the motorway for the first time since its been fixed today. Unfortunately I've noticed a bit of a problem and it's kind of scaring me quite a lot.

If I'm riding on the motorway and leaning into a turn at speed, if I go over a bump the bike will wobble from left to right for a second. It feels like something is very out of balance between the front or right or in the steering or something.

For example if I'm leaning a bit to the right and hit a bump, the bike will wobble left to right like the frame is warping left to right like a flexi ruler. At one point it was wobbling so badly after I hit a bump (at quite a high speed) that I had to let off the accelerator as it felt like it was gunna get worse and fling me off the bike.

The faster I go the worse it get's.

Also not sure if this is related but I've noticed a strong bumping sound from the front forks if I go over a large bump such as going onto a drive way etc, almost like the forks are bottoming out?

Didn't have these problems before and it's kind of scaring me as I think the crash I had might have seriously fucked my bike. I recently also got my front wheel straightened, could it be off and cause this wobbling after the bump?

Help appreciated.. Cheers

[slofox]

Sounds a little like a tank slapper (the wobble bit)...

Wheel alignment? Steering head bearings all adjusted correctly? Frame not bent?

[KoroJ]

Your bump on the front shocks tends to indicate that that's where the problem is.

Cornering like a fish can be due to soft suspension, broken spokes, bad load balance (eg some pack-racks put the load high and behind the rear wheel) or dodgy swing arm bearings.

Sounds like you need to have the front shocks checked.

[Brayden]

Goddamnit this bike is turning out to be a pain in this fuckin ass.. Maybe I should sell for parts and get my car license.. Bikes are too damn expensive!

Mind you if I had ridden with a WOF none of this would have been a problem......

[slofox]

Mind you if I had ridden with a WOF none of this would have been a problem......

You said it kiddo...

Besides, it might still have happened - depends on what exactly the problem is.

[DrunkenMistake]

Slow down then Rossi..

Nah just pulling ya leg,
Will be caused by the suspension, could possibly need new springs in the front and maybe put your rear shock up a few more clicks on the preload

[Brayden]

You said it kiddo...

Besides, it might still have happened - depends on what exactly the problem is.

Yeah except the insurance company would have payed for the repairs, not me

[Pussy]

Might be something as simple as an under-inflated front tyre.
Checked your tyre pressures?

[boman]

Might be something as simple as an under-inflated front tyre.
Checked your tyre pressures?

Yup check this first. Also do one thing at a time, not a whole lot. Then you will slowly eliminate the problem. Fix something, take for a ride. IF no improvement, check something else. If you do end up at a shop, then you can tell them what has been done. Saves you money, and saves them doing the same things you have already done.

[bogan]

You have a center stand? Put it on that and get a mate to lean on the back so the front wheel is off the ground. Check for movement from the headstock bearings, check for play in the wheel bearings, check for play in the forks themselves, spin the wheel and make sure it is running true. Put front down and repeat tests for the rear. Post up results.

Probly check the tyre pressure as Pussy says first

Also, what was your crash? and what work was done to fix it?

[Mom]

Check your tyre pressures. Be the most likely thing causing the problem. You would be amazed how much an under inflated tyre makes the front end wobble.

[Paul in NZ]

Happy to take a squizz at it. We are in kapiti though....

[slofox]

Yeah except the insurance company would have payed for the repairs, not me

Ahhhh..rrrright. You have a point!

[Brayden]

Was gunna actually check the tyre pressures today but forgot. Will fill em up tonight and report back, I'll laugh at myself if this is the actual problem : DD

[Metastable]

I'd start off with the tires. Then go to a flat empty area and take your hands off and see if the bike pulls. That might give you a little insight. If the easy to check stuff doesn't do much, make sure your frame isn't cracked.