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Thread: Stability issue / wobbly

  1. #1
    Member herwawan's Avatar
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    Exclamation Stability issue / wobbly

    Hey!

    The work on my XB12Scg (2005) keeps going and there's one big thing left that is bothering me, I can't figure out. Simply put, the bike feels instable over a certain speed (around 75/80mph).

    The first thing I noticed a while ago is that over 30/40mph, if you slightly shake the handle bar from one hand to another, the bike will wobble for as long as you shake it - not in a way that can make me fall or lose control though. It's not going to keep going once you stop shaking it. With that in mind, I just assumed it was because of the sharp angle of the front fork, but after talking with other Buell enthusiasts, turns out it isn't really normal.

    Recently, I feel like over a certain speed, the bike becomes a little bit unstable and it doesn't feel that much safe. Over 75/80, it's hard to explain but it just feels "light" and a bit shaky.

    Now, the steering head bearing has been replaced less than 1000 miles ago and the wheels bearings have been changed last week with the hope of fixing it (thanks to Cooter!). Although it felt like it in the beginning, turns out it didn't entirely.

    So I'm a but confused as to where to look. Putting the conversation over the forum may help bring more ideas and maybe one of you even has experienced that before, who knows!

    Thanks

    Max.

  2. #2
    Senior Member Silverrider's Avatar
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    The neck bearings should have taken care of ur wobble, Who did the work on ur bike ? What was used for the neck bearing Balls or taper ? What torque is being used?

  3. #3
    Senior Member rchuff's Avatar
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    What tires are you running (New or old) and are they balanced right? I have had tires make the bike unstable. Even a new tire could do it.
    Last edited by rchuff; 08-03-2018 at 10:16 PM.

  4. #4
    Senior Member wickedchop's Avatar
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    Right on Ricky. I have had old tires wreak havoc. Tires can have snapped belts inside and you wouldn't even know by looking at them, you sure can tell by riding on them. Silver brought up great questions as well. Report back with your findings

  5. #5
    Senior Member midway's Avatar
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    Not riding 'Cock Sure' uneasy feeling but you don't know what it is .... keep looking. Mine was rear wheel bearings but I see you got that checked off.

  6. #6
    Senior Member Silverrider's Avatar
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    Riding position could be a key factor also.

  7. #7
    Senior Member rchuff's Avatar
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    Here is some advice STOP shaking the bars. Just ride the bike normal and go from there. If you did steering head bearings and wheel bearings the only other thing would be tires.

  8. #8
    Senior Member Silverrider's Avatar
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    Listen to all the above ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

  9. #9
    Member herwawan's Avatar
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    Great feedback! Here are my answers:

    Quote Originally Posted by Silverrider View Post
    The neck bearings should have taken care of ur wobble, Who did the work on ur bike ? What was used for the neck bearing Balls or taper ? What torque is being used?
    Being a critical part, it was handled by a Buell specialist at a local HD shop (Bartels'). The bike was not even turning correctly before the change, it truly made a complete difference on the riding experience. The stock parts were used (not the balls).

    Quote Originally Posted by rchuff View Post
    What tires are you running (New or old) and are they balanced right? I have had tires make the bike unstable. Even a new tire could do it.
    The tires (Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart II) are from 02/2016 and have 3,000 miles on them. I did notice I lost my rear balancing weight recently, but can't say for sure it has had any impact. I'll take care of that soon - but the front one is still in place.

    As for the riding position, I'm pretty comfortable on the bike ( = relaxed) although I'm a tad tall for it (6"2). I have the taller seat (same as the XB9SX), the suspension is set to the higher setting and with all that, it's definitely okay and comfy.

  10. #10
    Senior Member Silverrider's Avatar
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    Balls are stock, I upgraded to the taper bearings in the neck. IMO all bikes should have Taper Bearing. You might want to tighten the neck up just a bit .



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