Tire Shimmy

[Anonymous]

First off I want to thank all that have answered my newbie questions and those of others that I have used to get my GS running perfect... So ok now it runs great, perfect spark, perfect pickup, no more dead spots...but...

I noticed at around 60-75 it feels like the rear tire was shimmying SLIGHTLY to the left and right. Not enough to toss me but enough to get me nervous. I put it on the center stand and popped it into first and sure enough while watching the rear tire spin it seems to move side to side about 1/2 inch. My HD rider neighbor said the rim looks fine (not bent or warped) and from trying to shake or move the tire he said the bearings are tight and not the problem. He also said don't worry about it, and its safe to ride. Also it looks as if the sprocket is moving slightly side to side as well with the tire, but he said even if the sprocket was warped it wouldnt throw off the tire. SO..........

Someone please tell me its safe (I still feel nervous) OR its JUST the tire (which I feel I should replace anyway) Thanks again everyone for the newbie patience :P

[Anonymous]

I'd start cheap first.
I think the first thing is to align the tires, loosen the tires up just so there moveable, and loosen the fork nuts.
get 2 2x4's and clamp them up to the tires/wheels to front and rear tires are now parallel. tighten everything back up, unclamp the 2x4's .
now if it still shimmies, I'd say get the wheels balanced. If there warped then theyll tell you there.
Stimp

[Anonymous]

Are you sure your tire bead is seated properly all around? Back in my early days of tire changing I failed to get one seated correctly, It felt fine untill I got up to about 45mph.
AXel

[Anonymous]

I took off the chain guard and noticed that the sprocket is not swaying at all, it just appeared that way from the tire swaying and from what it looks like the rim is not moving back and forth at all either. The tires on the bike were on it when I got it and hafta be 6+ years and it sat on them not moving for at least 3 or 4 (at least that I know of)

Is it possible that it is a flat spot in the tire that could be causing this? I know I should replace the tires just based on their age alone but I was just working out one major problem after another. First thing was get it running now its onto things like this....

[Anonymous]

Yes, throw those tires away. Even if the shimmy goes away the rubber in those tires has lost it's resiliency. They may even feel okay on a dry road but if you get caught out in the rain it could be painfull.
Axel

[earlfor]

This one is really simple. The bike has 6 year old tires on it and it was sitting more than 3 years. The MOST important piece of equipment on the bike is the TIRES. Youre riding a DEATHTRAP!!!
BUY some new tires. NOW!
:-) :-) There are only two choices. You can spend some money on good tires, or you can spend some money on medical bills.

Earl



[quote="JohnnyRed" The tires on the bike were on it when I got it and hafta be 6+ years and it sat on them not moving for at least 3 or 4 (at least that I know of)

[focus frenzy]

Earl is 100% correct, 2 years is the max you should go between tire changes, longer than that and the tires get hard and weather crack.

[Anonymous]

You mean I should change my rear tire with 1/2 tread still on it, I LOVE THIS TIRE, its my original factory fatty. only 19 years old.

[Anonymous]

Hey Stimpy,
I've got a thing for Nineteen year old's too, but I can assure you they're neither fatties or made of rubber.
Axel

[earlfor]

Well focus, two years has never been a problem for me. I've never had a bike tire I could get 40,000 miles out of. :-) :-) :-)

Earl

Earl is 100% correct, 2 years is the max you should go between tire changes, longer than that and the tires get hard and weather crack.

[Anonymous]

well axel, I hear ya, but try a little rubber,
Anyway,
Where is a good source for those hard to find 19" GS tires??
web or can they be found locally at like NTB or something?
Stimp