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Front end shimmy or shake - Printable Version

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Front end shimmy or shake - mattmcuomo@yahoo.com - 06-28-2019

I’m having a front end shimmy at high speed. I can also feel it a little at lower speed. Anyone get this in their cb ? Tire is balanced, head bearings are not loose. I do have over 58,000 miles on it, fork oil?


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RE: Front end shimmy or shake - 2017EX_imp - 06-28-2019

What speed does it first appear? Cast or spoke wheel? How long ago was the last front tire change? Did this appear shortly after the last tire change? Has the front wheel been off the bike for any other reason? Checked torque on front axle bolt/wheel bearings?


RE: Front end shimmy or shake - SportsterDoc - 06-28-2019

All good questions from 2017EX

First thought is front wheel not true and/or tire cupped.

How was tire balanced?

Any tire balancing goo in tire/tube?

Any difference running on rain grooves versus smooth road?


Front end shimmy or shake - mattmcuomo@yahoo.com - 06-28-2019

(06-28-2019, 05:23 AM)2017EX_imp Wrote: What speed does it first appear? Cast or spoke wheel? How long ago was the last front tire change? Did this appear shortly after the last tire change? Has the front wheel been off the bike for any other reason? Checked torque on front axle bolt/wheel bearings?


Starts coming on around 50, cast wheel, new tire about 4 months ago, had wheel off yesterday and had it checked for balance, it’s good, bearings good. Axle properly torqued and followed Honda service manual procedure to mount front wheel. Tire does have slight uneven wear from side to side. Always keep 36 psi in tire.


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(06-28-2019, 06:22 AM)SportsterDoc_imp Wrote: All good questions from 2017EX

First thought is front wheel not true and/or tire cupped.

How was tire balanced?

Any tire balancing goo in tire/tube?

Any difference running on rain grooves versus smooth road?

Static balance. Wheel weights used, no goo. Smooth roads much smoother, rain grooves suck!



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RE: Front end shimmy or shake - SportsterDoc - 06-28-2019

How much laterial run out?
Further describe uneven wear.
Did tire have dot for valve stem location?
Recommend 38 PSI on front tire.


Front end shimmy or shake - mattmcuomo@yahoo.com - 06-28-2019

(06-28-2019, 07:23 AM)SportsterDoc_imp Wrote: How much laterial run out?
Further describe uneven wear.
Did tire have dot for valve stem location?
Recommend 38 PSI on front tire.


Lateral run out is within specs.
Valve stem dot/located in place although it’s off a little.
I’ve always used 36 psi per Honda specs. I believe it’s this tire. Continental, Conti-go. 110/80/18


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RE: Front end shimmy or shake - LongRanger_imp - 06-28-2019

Tire "looks" fine to me. Swingarm bushings / bearings came to mind, but I don't know if this is a wear item like it was on the 1970's-80's CBs.


RE: Front end shimmy or shake - Houtman_imp - 06-28-2019

I love the Continental tires but your tire is a cross ply tire , would a radial be better ???


RE: Front end shimmy or shake - SportsterDoc - 06-28-2019

When I relaced the stock Dunlops at ~10,500 miles (8 months riding), the rear was replaced for wear and the front for cuppling. I did not brake hard, cornering was not agressive and tires were not underinflated.

If that were a rear tire, I'd increase tire pressue 2-4 PSI and then smoke it a few times.

But, once the wear starts, it is nigh unto impossible to halt.

Still suggest 38 PSI in the front..


Front end shimmy or shake - mattmcuomo@yahoo.com - 06-28-2019

(06-28-2019, 08:44 AM)SportsterDoc_imp Wrote: When I relaced the stock Dunlops at ~10,500 miles (8 months riding), the rear was replaced for wear and the front for cuppling. I did not brake hard, cornering was not agressive and tires were not underinflated.

If that were a rear tire, I'd increase tire pressue 2-4 PSI and then smoke it a few times.

But, once the wear starts, it is nigh unto impossible to halt.

Still suggest 38 PSI in the front..


This is the fourth front I’ve put on. Thinking back this never happened before this tire, I just put the fifth back tire on. Bike has over 58,000 on it. I’m going to check the swingarm next. I’ll try 38 in front too.


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