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Full Version: Low-speed shimmy
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Very common

[url=http://www.google.com/#sclient=tablet-gws&safe=off&site=&source=hp&q=why+motorcycles+shimmy+when+you+let+go+of+bars&oq=why+motorcycles+shimmy+when+you+let+go+of+bars&gs_l=tablet-gws.3...1559.17850.0.20997.46.39.0.7.7.0.403.4600.21j17j4-1.39.0....0...1c.1.19.tablet-gws-psy.eEr3i38uFvM&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.&bvm=bv.48705608,d.dmg&fp=327822ca4812a238&biw=1024&bih=672]http://www.google.com/#sclient=tablet-gw...24&bih=672

Or just google " why motorcycles shimmy" and check out how many motorcycle forums deal with this question. Manufaturers will tell you not to let go of the bars.
I'm sure Ferret, problem is I feel it when hold on to them, only let go to see what was going on.

My guess is that the tire is a tad out of balance. No wheel weights at all on the front.
I dont feel it in my CB so you may be onto something with the balance question.

My 750 Nighthawk had one you could feel while holding onto the bars, which after checking everything could not be cured, until I added a Superbrace fork brace.
Last H-D had it while slowing, hands off bars. Mine was a front tire problem. It was the factory new tire. Some were neck bearing set up. H-D replaced my tire & never had it again.
Even if thought I knew the cause, would stick with only my concern for the symptom, and not try to steer the mechanics by guessing what the cause is. Its their job to check everything, analyze and determine the repair.
The VStrom I came from is notorious for headshake on decel, especially with your hands off the bars. If everything is perfect on them; balance, alignment, suspension, etc., they won't do it. But mine always did. The CB, however, does not. Yours probably needs a minor adjustment.
Well mine is perfect (Whewww) Could it be tire pressure?

Could some of the knowledgeable speak to the affects of low or high pressure on handling?
(07-07-2013, 09:36 PM)Lord Popgun_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Well mine is perfect (Whewww) Could it be tire pressure?

Could some of the knowledgeable speak to the affects of low or high pressure on handling?
Low tire pressure could cause this. Mine came with 32/36 from the dealer. WRONG.

Low = sluggish and unstable
High = harsh and uncompliant
Checked the pressure again today, she is dead on spec; 36 psi in the front and 42 psi in the rear. I'm 99% sure it's just a balance/bad tire issue. My bike was delivered to me with 0 miles, so it was never ridden by the dealer to feel something like this out.

My dealer was closed today due to an extended 4th of July vacation so I couldn't' run her in.

Will let all of you know what I find out. It is good to hear that no one else has had an issue. Honda's build quality is top notch, so I'm really not worried. Smile

My Hayabusa felt funny after a few thousand miles (I bought her used) A new set of Metzelers fixed everything.
HondaJon--Don't overly fret the no wheel weight issue. I change quite a few tires during the year (multiple bikes, instructor), and every now and then a tire will balance w/o any weights. Not often, but it does happen time to time.
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