Headshake on an 01' R1

[Nath]

Just wondering if this is normal...

When i am slowing down from say 100Kph just letting the bike wind down to a stop with possibly a little rear brake, if i let the bars go loose, i.e. loosely circle the grips or take my hands off completely the front end goes a bit crazy. Basically it begins to wobble more and more at worst the end of the bars are shaking up to a couple of cm (enough to make it unstable or at the least uncomfortable). I'm guessing its probably tire pressure or similar (warm obviously so I don't know what they are) or should i suspect something more sinister ?

TIA

Nathan.

[Campo]

Re: Headshake on an 01' R1

Just wondering if this is normal...

When i am slowing down from say 100Kph just letting the bike wind down to a stop with possibly a little rear brake, if i let the bars go loose, i.e. loosely circle the grips or take my hands off completely the front end goes a bit crazy. Basically it begins to wobble more and more at worst the end of the bars are shaking up to a couple of cm (enough to make it unstable or at the least uncomfortable). I'm guessing its probably tire pressure or similar (warm obviously so I don't know what they are) or should i suspect something more sinister ?

TIA

Nathan.

Yeah Nath, check your tyre pressure, what you running? If it's happening under brakes then it could be your disks.

[Blade_954]

might pay to get the front wheel balanced too.........

[CAD]

using no front brake :?:

[hooter]

it WAS a problem on my 98 R1, look for both of the above, but also if the front tyre is pretty worn it won't help. also, try loosening the front axel bolt and then doing it back up, but don't overtighten it. a lot of bikes'll do it if the front axel is overtight. mine only did it between 95 and 80, until i got a new front

[gohan]

it could be a few things that cause this.tyre pressure,worn front tyre,loose steering head bearings.it wont be balance cause your not going fast enough for you to notice unbalanced wheel.most likely worn front tyre if your pressures right.it could also be too little oil in one fork but you should have noticed an oil leak.also make sure your preload,rebound,compression dampers are all even clicks from left to right fork leg.there is other things it could be like triple clamps lowered to much,not likely that you,ve done this,jacked up the rear which is another unlikely thing that you may have done. :shock:

[Nath]

Ok, checked the service manual and it suggested 36F/42R for 90Kg and above. went down the servo and set it at this with little change in symptoms. No better/no worse seems to be worst around 80-90Kph.

I don't believe its wear on the front (pretty decent tread)
I'd probably discount wear or oil leaks, nothing obvious and the bikes only just done 9,000Kms. Suspension settings look sweet but I'm no expert...

using no front brake

Correct, hands off the bars.

I guess i have the guys take a look at it, the only other time i though the front end felt a little weird was on slow corners with a decent amount of lean, kind feels like there is a slight bump (through the bars) when there is no obviously visible dimples in the road surface.

[Anonymous]

I know it's a head-shake we're talking about here, but, have you double-checked your rear wheel alignment? Make sure it's sitting perfectly straight in the swingarm, my RS125 was a pain for it going off-centre and it'd produce weird handling "effects".

[Masda74]

I guess i have the guys take a look at it, the only other time i though the front end felt a little weird was on slow corners with a decent amount of lean, kind feels like there is a slight bump (through the bars) when there is no obviously visible dimples in the road surface.

I see i am not the only one with this problem. Now i know i am not imagining things. I got an 02 cbr954, i have changed the tires, brand that is, even compound type and i still get the same thing. i have changed the tire pressure and still the samething. Causeway couldn't sus it out but then again who can?
You guys have ideas which is cool but none of it has solved the problem so far. So please Causeway don't take offense to my previous coment. i am just saying that there is a problem and when i can afford it i will fix it.

I have been told that it is the head bearing that is causing the problem. The guys at Causeway say that there is no kink in the bearings and then this other place says there is.
I get my steering to shake at about 85. but i have to accelerate to 90 let go of the bars and when i hit 85 that's when it starts.

there is a Bump when leaning into a corner. wouldn't that point to the head bearing?

[Klink]

My R1 headshakes all the time.... when I accellerate out of corners really hard.... when I put down a wheelie crossed up.... when I change lanes.... when I'm stopped at the lights....

No seriously... my ZZR did exactly what you are talking about. When I got a new tyre (plus balancing) it was perfect afterwards... I would seriously think about getting a balancing done dude.

[Masda74]

My R1 headshakes all the time.... when I accellerate out of corners really hard.... when I put down a wheelie crossed up.... when I change lanes.... when I'm stopped at the lights....

No seriously... my ZZR did exactly what you are talking about. When I got a new tyre (plus balancing) it was perfect afterwards... I would seriously think about getting a balancing done dude.

Lolol i did that dude. Causeway fitted a new tire balanced the tire, checked the preassure check the axel bolt as well. The only thing i haven't done yet is change the bearings and change the fork oil. will save up and get it all done at once.

[zipdrive]

grab the front brake and rock the bike up and down... if it's bad enough you might hear some knocking noise from the steeringhead, then it's your bearing/s. Although, if it's that bad then it would have been too obvious..

you should also check for cupping on your front tyre... it may have plenty of tread but the wear pattern may have lumps.

it wouldn't hurt to take it in for an advice from a mechanic though..if you can hear a bump while turning/leaning..it sounds like you too have a gremlin hiding in your bike... get the mechanic to remove it for ya.

[Ben]

The R1 is just a nervous bike as well. I run a steering damper maxed out on the racebike as it is too loose otherwise.

[gohan]

[quote]
the bikes only just done 9,000Kms. [quote]

is this the original front tyre,if so then replace it.fronts last about 4000 before they start to get scalloped pretty bad.you can leave them on for another 2000km,s but not as good as a new one.if all else fails take it to a shop and let them have a look at it.

[Nath]

Might just be my lack of sleep but can you explain this ?

before they start to get scalloped pretty bad

Thanks for everyones suggestions so far

Regards,

Nathan