Dodgy front end?

**BuzzardNZ** · 25th March 2014, 17:16

I was coming to a slow stop and gently braked and my front end almost washed out.

Dry conditions and there was no oil that I could see on the road and it felt at the time like the front tyre was flat. It also kind of felt like one of the forks got stuck as it lurched to the left. Tyres only have around 3000k on em and look to be in good shape.

I later checked the tyre pressure and it was just a tad under, nothing too bad. I also pushed the front suspension up and down a few times to see if it was sticking, it wasn't

I took it out after I checked tyre pressure and it still feels off.

Same thing has happened about a month ago, but not nearly as bad as last time. I was glad I didn't drop it as I seriously thought I was gonna hit the deck!

Anyone had anything similar to this and/or know what might be causing it? Was thinking steering head bearings perhaps? Only has 20,000km on it, so I'd think they'd still be good?

**frogfeaturesFZR** · 25th March 2014, 17:22

Turn the bars full lock side to side. If it feels notchy its steering head bearings

**Big Dog** · 25th March 2014, 23:59

Vague feeling at the front is usually a good time to check:
Bounce test the forks.
Head bearings
Fork seal for oil leakage
Front axle is secure
Rotors are true and brake pads a good.
Tyre is in good shape and has plenty of air.

And then the surprising part. Vagueness at the front is often caused by issues out the back.

Check:
Shock is in one piece
Seals are intact
Tyres are in good shape and correctly inflated
Swing arm is not loose ( lift back wheel and see If here is any lateral movement, one of my old bikes crushed the bearings in here leaving me feeling like the front was all over the show. )
Rear axle is snug and chain is properly adjusted.

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**Big Dog** · 26th March 2014, 00:01

Can't find the source of your plight? Ask for a quote to repair from a reputable dealer. Then decide is this something you can fix, live with or are happy to pay to resolve. It might be time to upgrade your wheels but it also could just be a loose head bolt or similar. Until you know you will always assume the worst.

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**BuzzardNZ** · 26th March 2014, 06:33

Thanks for the replies lads.

I'll take it into Wellington Motorcycles soon and hopefully they can sort it out.

**mulletman** · 1st April 2014, 05:37

Maybe time to give the brakes a stripdown and clean, fork oil changed and put some linear springs in,
while at it give the steering head bearings a grease.

**nzspokes** · 1st April 2014, 06:11

Originally Posted by BuzzardNZ

Thanks for the replies lads.

I'll take it into Wellington Motorcycles soon and hopefully they can sort it out.

I was going to rant about taking it to get checked, but your on to it.

With the spate of current crashes we dont need another one. Im sure Wellie MC can sort it. Or upgrade you....

**BuzzardNZ** · 1st April 2014, 10:22

Originally Posted by nzspokes

I was going to rant about taking it to get checked, but your on to it.

With the spate of current crashes we dont need another one. Im sure Wellie MC can sort it. Or upgrade you....

Thanks. It's booked in for the following Friday.

The special they have on at the moment for the 'new' 2011 GSXR 600's is tempting, but like I saw you post on another thread, it's the 750 I'd really only consider upgrading to.

Still, I'd rather upgrade to a late model jap sports litre V twin with decent components ( brakes and suspension ). Only problem with that is... there aren't any

**SMOKEU** · 2nd April 2014, 14:37

Originally Posted by BuzzardNZ

Thanks. It's booked in for the following Friday.

The special they have on at the moment for the 'new' 2011 GSXR 600's is tempting, but like I saw you post on another thread, it's the 750 I'd really only consider upgrading to.

Still, I'd rather upgrade to a late model jap sports litre V twin with decent components ( brakes and suspension ). Only problem with that is... there aren't any

If you want a big, modern twin have a look at the Ducati 899. It seems that modern Ducatis have pretty good reliability and low maintenance costs compared to the older models.

**imdying** · 2nd April 2014, 16:52

Originally Posted by SMOKEU

If you want a big, modern twin have a look at the Ducati 899. It seems that modern Ducatis have pretty good reliability and low maintenance costs compared to the older models.

When the 1098 came out, they doubled their service intervals. The local Ducati mechanic reckoned any sane person would ignore that and follow the previous intervals. If he as the man at the sharp end doesn't believe it, why should you?

**SMOKEU** · 2nd April 2014, 17:10

Originally Posted by imdying

When the 1098 came out, they doubled their service intervals. The local Ducati mechanic reckoned any sane person would ignore that and follow the previous intervals. If he as the man at the sharp end doesn't believe it, why should you?

I was meaning the relatively frequent and expensive belt replacement on the 1990s Ducatis. The modern ones don't seem to need that done as often.

**haydes55** · 2nd April 2014, 17:13

Originally Posted by imdying

When the 1098 came out, they doubled their service intervals. The local Ducati mechanic reckoned any sane person would ignore that and follow the previous intervals. If he as the man at the sharp end doesn't believe it, why should you?

Haha so a Ducati mechanic has nothing to gain from shorter service intervals?