honda goldwing unstable at 100km/hr

**sandmart** · 16th September 2007, 21:30

Hi, I have a handling problem. The bike is a bit unstable at 100ks plus. She wants to wander in the front end. fork seals and oil have been renwed also new back shockies. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks sandmart.

**Marmoot** · 17th September 2007, 02:02

Check the wheel balancing

**Paul in NZ** · 17th September 2007, 06:33

tyres and tyre pressue? What kind of fairing? Load distribution? Steering head bearings? Rear shock or swing are bearngs?

**NighthawkNZ:Me** · 17th September 2007, 06:51

Originally Posted by sandmart

Hi, I have a handling problem. The bike is a bit unstable at 100ks plus. She wants to wander in the front end. fork seals and oil have been renwed also new back shockies. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks sandmart.

Wheel bearings, wheel balance, tyre presure, steering head bearings, are the fork springs set correctly, try a different tyre...

What happens under heavy braking?

**Robert Taylor** · 17th September 2007, 09:31

Originally Posted by sandmart

Hi, I have a handling problem. The bike is a bit unstable at 100ks plus. She wants to wander in the front end. fork seals and oil have been renwed also new back shockies. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks sandmart.

The current replies are all totally relevant. Are the shocks that you have fitted genuine oem new or something else? Ride height, spring rate etc can all have an affect. Panniers, disposition of load?

**jonbuoy** · 17th September 2007, 09:47

Worn swingarm bushing?

**cynna** · 17th September 2007, 09:50

a bike i had a few years ago had handling problems at speed. a new front tyre fixed this even tho the old one was probably only abut half worn

**sandmart** · 17th September 2007, 14:44

Thanks for the quick replys. Its a gl 1200 gold wing with original fairing, has new tyres and new rear shocks, which are after market (good quality). The wheels have been rebalanced, Swing arm has been check out. Thanks sandmart

**idb** · 17th September 2007, 17:07

If the tyres are inflated correctly and in good condition I suggest you start by checking ALL bushings and bearings.

**TDC** · 17th September 2007, 17:26

Originally Posted by sandmart

Thanks for the quick replys. Its a gl 1200 gold wing with original fairing, has new tyres and new rear shocks, which are after market (good quality). The wheels have been rebalanced, Swing arm has been check out. Thanks sandmart

Check the steering head bearings, these are quite highly loaded given their small size and the weight of the bike, I have seen fail in the past.

**Marmoot** · 17th September 2007, 18:21

frame is guaranteed to be straight or are you just buying it second hand?

Check if right and left forks are in the same adjustment (if they are adjustable).

Check if the new rear shocks are/is mounted properly. Check the tightness of all screws and nuts.

**Robert Taylor** · 17th September 2007, 19:52

Originally Posted by sandmart

Thanks for the quick replys. Its a gl 1200 gold wing with original fairing, has new tyres and new rear shocks, which are after market (good quality). The wheels have been rebalanced, Swing arm has been check out. Thanks sandmart

With respect to those shocks have they in any way changed the static and dynamic ride heights? Is the spring rate different? I have no barrow to push here as Ohlins do not build shocks for these. Has the problem occured after you fitted?
If in any way the geometry / ride attitude has been affected this could either cause or contribute to the problem.

**Macktheknife** · 17th September 2007, 20:16

I know I am probably being too simple here but did the problem exist before the new tyres and rebalancing?
If not a simple check with the shop that fitted them should provide some answers, it is possible to incorrectly balance them.

**NighthawkNZ:Me** · 17th September 2007, 20:20

Originally Posted by Macktheknife

I know I am probably being too simple here but did the problem exist before the new tyres and rebalancing?
If not a simple check with the shop that fitted them should provide some answers, it is possible to incorrectly balance them.

Simple is usually good and often over looked...