So lucky old me got himself a new V4 Rally just before Christmas, I spec'd it with panniers and a few other farkles and all was well. Took it out for a spin before the holidays and noticed a headshake between 40 and 50mph, I suspected this could be down to the panniers so on the next run out I left them at home. No difference. Regardless of road surface, roughly between 40 and 50 the steering wobbles, this is true at a steady and closed throttle. Above 50 it isnt evident which makes me think wheel balance but the wheel has weights so has been balanced at some stage, and balance tends to be more of a vibration than a wobble. With a loose grip on the bars this feels like it is starting a tankslapper. Anyone else had anything similar or got any (realistic) idea as to what it may be?
I dont think it does but with a 19 inch wheel I wouldnt have thought it needed one but its a fair shout.
Be interested in how many balance weights you have on both wheels. Looking for similarities with other occurrences although this is the first I’ve read about with a 19” front wheel. Andy
Mmmmm - I have a 21" wheel on my scrambler XE and do not suffer any head shake.... Have you checked nuts and bolts for tightness? Is it a brand-new bike? Back to dealers?
Not that then. If you had gone for the Scorpion Rally option I could imagine them rolling around on the blocks to some extent on the road.
@Ducbird might be good enough to move this to the Multistrada section, but mirror what others have said, tyre pressures and make sure the rear wheel is aligned correctly. But otherwise, I’d be straight back to the dealer.
YMMV, but for those suggesting front wheel balance is out, I have never experienced an actual steering deflection from an unbalanced front tyre. Vibration yes, poor wear characteristics yes, lower grip at the limit, yes, but never a “steering wobble”. I would imagine that the out of balance mass is normally too close the the centreline of the forces to apply the torque needed for a noticeable steering deflection, particularly as overcoming the rotational moment of inertia of the wheel at that speed would take a lot. Something more significant going on for me, e.g. from a flat tyre to a bent wheel, wheels misaligned, steering head bearings binding etc.
Thanks for all of the comments. Just want to add that I have spoken to the dealer and they are being excellent, the bike is going back to them for an inspection which will hopefully identify the issue.
The only time I had a wobble on my 1200DVT was when I had a slow puncture on the rear. Ruined an EMM for me as spent all weekend in the Alps hunting down and fitting a new tyre and never rode any of the routes.
Could be that the front wheel spindle hasn't been torqued up with the intermediate step of bouncing the front wheel which should ensure alignment. Might also be worth checking the front brake caliper bolts as well as they should torqued up with the brakes held on.
