'17 V7 III Wheel Wobble

[Murray]

3 year old bike from that probablly gets washed regularly from a factory famously allergic to grease, I'd say the steering head bearings probablly have a notch in them. With the front wheel off the ground the bars should smoothly move from one side to the other no "clicks" or tight spots especailly on dead centre (normally where the appear).

[Muzz]

As a matter of interest, what size wheel is on the V7lll, 17" or 18"?

[Two Checks]

The handlebars should not flop freely to either side, either.
I had a bike that did it after the first front tire change. I was told it was loose bearings. Silly me, I said it had to be the new tire and I did the on centerstand check of the head bearings. All checked ok...then I snugged the bearings. Problem solved.

[sib]

It seems to me that slightly over-tightening the head bearings works because it adds some friction to the steering.  Wouldn't installing a steering damper be a better way to solve the wobble problem?

[Two Checks]

It will only mask the real problem if at all.


EDIT:that is if you are referring to a hydraulic type or the friction type between the frame and forks.

[Murray]

It will only mask the real problem if at all.

Or make it worse.

[Guzzi Gal]

3-year-old bike from that probably gets washed regularly from a factory famously allergic to grease...

Anni has never had a bath because she never gets dirty beyond a bit of bug here and there.  Our Lady of the Garage is willing to sit still for a polish but is quite aquaphobic, which is fitting for a desert deity. 

As a matter of interest, what size wheel is on the V7lll, 17" or 18"?

18" front
17" rear

[Zoom Zoom]

Before you begin tearing into the bike, consider it could simply be the tire itself. I have experienced that on a tire that was no where close to worn out. Perhaps not first on the list when you consider cost, but if the steering head bearings are not loose, this may be your next consideration.

John Henry

[Tom]

Thanks for all your suggestions!

If after removing the top-case the problem persists, I will check the spokes (watched https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eOKzknv-TE ) and bearings (watched https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQJhcfdsWTk among others).  Additionally, I've always checked tires cold.  I also find running the front pressure a few pounds lower negatively impacts my ability to steer.  They only have about 1600 easy miles on them so, in theory, they should be excellent condition.   

Any ideas on how to lift the front end safely without a lift, jack or center stand?

Call Fay and ask if Richard can check them for you.  He also wouldn't mind tutoring you.  He's retired. 

[Guzzi Gal]

Call Fay and ask if Richard can check them for you.  He also wouldn't mind tutoring you.  He's retired. 

I may do just that if it becomes a problem.  Of course, only after the world returns to semi-normal.

[Two Checks]

Quote from: Zoom Zoom on Today at 12:50:15 PM

Before you begin tearing into the bike, consider it could simply be the tire itself. I have experienced that on a tire that was no where close to worn out. Perhaps not first on the list when you consider cost, but if the steering head bearings are not loose, this may be your next consideration.

John Henry

One problem...something caused the tire to wear like that. When the new tire wears the problem will get worse.

[Muzz]

Anni has never had a bath because she never gets dirty beyond a bit of bug here and there.  Our Lady of the Garage is willing to sit still for a polish but is quite aquaphobic, which is fitting for a desert deity. 

18" front
17" rear

The Breva has a 17" front, marvelous in the tight twisties and although stable in a straight line it can feel a bit "uncertain' in sweepers above 85mph if there are any irregularities.  I can take my hands off the bars and it feels fine.

Having said that, my bike was one where Luigi lost his grease pail, and I did put some grease in the steering head bearings and tightened the head.  This did make quite a difference.