wobble

[lagermann]

I have noticed a low speed wobble with my 1987 K100 RS. usually at speeds around 25 MPH. To describe it, It's like working the handlebars back and forth, to maintain stability. It's a very disturbing thing. I've checked the tire pressures and it's okay.Is the road ridged? Perhaps. Any suggestions? Steering head bearings?

[PGlaves]

Probably steering head bearings too loose - and maybe contributed to by a worn (cupped or scalloped) front tire. A new tire might cure it for a while but it is likely to return. Check the steering head bearings first. And take a good hard look at the tire.

[HFbmw]

Might be the rear shock is loose at the rear end. I had a wobble and finally the shock came off the rear end or rather broke the stud! Stopped the rear wheel from rolling at 60 mph! Not good!
Final 5 miles home that day was on the bed of a tow truck!

Always checking the rear shock now...

tim lindstrom
91k100lt

[dgoodwin]

Last summer I had this problem with a '85k100RT I purchased. The bike had been neglected and didn't handle well, just as you describe at low speeds. I found that the steering head bearings had been overtighted and made the steering stiff. After proper adjustment, problem gone.

[Motor31]

Do you have a set of mismatched tires like Dunlop on one end and Metzler on the other?

[BuddingGeezer]

I have a 1987 K100LT. Bike had been sitting for a while when I bought it. Terrible low speed wobble. Steering bearing grease had hardened and handle bars felt like a stop at half turn. Cleaned, regreased and adjusted bearings. Rides like a dream. I don't know if loose bearings cause a low speed wobble, but overly tightened will. Why??????????

[deilenberger]

And just to add to the multitude of possibilities - check for a bent rim. I had a slight headshake on a K bike - that nothing would get rid of (bearings, tires, etc) until I noticed the rear wheel had a slight wobble in it. Sent it to Tim Bond and had it straightened (he does great work..) and that was the end of the headshake. Could go hands off at any speed I dared to..

[WillieDoolittle]

I have a 2006 with less than 3k on it does the same thing with Metzlers not as bad as Dunlops dealer changed they say a really good balance job helps with the checking of the front and rear alignment of tires on the bike. 35 MPh to 50 MPH if you are not careful will do it also, had a 2002 could literally drive down the highway for miles and not touch the handle bars could steer with bodyweight not a good idea only when needed but there is a definite problem