Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: pcaddict66 on April 15, 2012, 08:54:56 AM

Title: New Higher Speed Wobble
Post by: pcaddict66 on April 15, 2012, 08:54:56 AM
Looking for some expert advise.

I just had some major maintenance done on my 2008 c14 which included new Continental Road Attack II tires. While in the shop the tech was checking the torque settings for a number of key fasteners including the exhaust header bolts (loose as hell) and the steering stock. He said the steering was loose but I never had any symptoms or issues with the front end all the way up to 110 mph (one or two rare occasions I took her that fast). Needless to say he tightened it up.

Well yesterday I got the urge to bring it up to 100 mph for a brief 10 seconds and I started to get some front end shake.

Question is: What do you think is causing this? I wish he never touched the steering stock because I would know for sure that it would be a tire balancing issue.

What do you guys think. Could tightening the steering cause this shake at 100 mph or should I assume it is the obvious tire balancing?
Title: Re: New Higher Speed Wobble
Post by: VirginiaJim on April 15, 2012, 09:02:28 AM
Possibly.  It could also be the tire.  I've had one that had the shake (on my C10) and I did all sorts of things but it didn't go away until I changed the tire.  Some tires are just bad, but it could be the balance as well.  If you didn't have it before and now you have it after the service it's something to do with that.  Take it back.
Title: Re: New Higher Speed Wobble
Post by: So Cal Joe on April 15, 2012, 09:51:46 AM
I agree, it's probably the tires, tightening the stem bearings will stop a front end wobble if you had one before. The rear tire can also cause a front end wobble, I would check the tires to see if one is out of round or just out of balance,.
Title: Re: New Higher Speed Wobble
Post by: gPink on April 15, 2012, 09:54:16 AM
I've found that over tight steering bearings cause more of a wander than a wobble at speed.
Title: Re: New Higher Speed Wobble
Post by: koval68 on April 15, 2012, 03:58:47 PM
I agree, it's probably the tires, tightening the stem bearings will stop a front end wobble if you had one before. The rear tire can also cause a front end wobble, I would check the tires to see if one is out of round or just out of balance,.
I agree! Start with tires!
Title: Re: New Higher Speed Wobble
Post by: rtarp1 on April 15, 2012, 04:53:02 PM
i have no wobble at 150 with a cal scince large windscreen on and bags.
Title: Re: New Higher Speed Wobble
Post by: stevewfl on April 16, 2012, 08:41:51 AM
Yeah tire is suspect, our behemoth C14 bikes weigh so much it should be planted
Title: Re: New Higher Speed Wobble
Post by: Conrad on April 16, 2012, 08:58:19 AM
I had a vibration starting at ~95 and it got pretty noticeable above 100. I recently had my TPMs replaced under warranty and I told the tech about the vibe. I asked him to be sure to rebalance the tires, he did, using stick on weights this time. Smooth as a baby's butt right up to 150*.



*professional rider on a closed course.
    ;)
Title: Re: New Higher Speed Wobble
Post by: Pokey on April 16, 2012, 09:11:32 AM
i have no wobble at 150 with a cal scince large windscreen on and bags.


We are all very happy for you.
Title: Re: New Higher Speed Wobble
Post by: Conrad on April 16, 2012, 09:15:07 AM

We are all very happy for you.

You don't look happy Poke.
Title: Re: New Higher Speed Wobble
Post by: pcaddict66 on April 16, 2012, 06:24:31 PM
Thanks guys. Time to return for a rebalance.
Title: Re: New Higher Speed Wobble
Post by: rtarp1 on April 16, 2012, 06:27:47 PM
just giving him a reference point priky , i mean pokey.