front end shake

[jeff650gx]

Hello again,
Im on on a 650 gx I purchased recently , I did all the normal stuff to it that 2 years of sitting required, /thanks to all for the tech info.
My new problem is front end shake at 4o mph .I put a used tire on it when purchased so figured a new tire and balance would fix but noooo.
Any ideas.The shake turns into tank slap if you let go of the bars.
SCARY Thanks

[seuadr]

sounds like it could be a few things, steering head bearings could be going/gone. i actually had a tweaked tripptle tree on mine, caused a similar issue. i'm not sure what a good way to test if the forks are tweaked, possibly a level? mine was noticable just looking at it.

it's easy to test the bearings though. simply put it on the centre stand and lean back so the front tire is off the ground, and rotate the handlebars slowly both ways till stop. if you feel any setteling or "clicking" into a notch, you probably need to replace them. if it's smooth and easy to rotate the entire travel, it's probably something else.

[bonanzadave]

if you feel any setteling or "clicking" into a notch, you probably need to replace them. if it's smooth and easy to rotate the entire travel, it's probably something else.

Yes, if it has smooth travel try tightening the big steering head nut. Tighten in small increments like an 1/8" at a time. Too tight is just as bad as too loose.

[jeff650gx]

THanks I guess it is something else , the forks feel tight and free rotating

[jeff650gx]

Ill try to tighten the bearing thanks ill report back

[seuadr]

Yes, if it has smooth travel try tightening the big steering head nut. Tighten in small increments like an 1/8" at a time. Too tight is just as bad as too loose.

do you know of a good test to see if everything is square up as it should be with the forks and tripple tree?

[jeff650gx]

Yes, if it has smooth travel try tightening the big steering head nut. Tighten in small increments like an 1/8" at a time. Too tight is just as bad as too loose.

Thanks, I went out today and adjusted the steer head bearings and that stopped the wobble . THANKS A MILLION. This forum is worth a million.

[OhioGS750]

im gonna have to see if thats my problem also.