Shaking bars
 

I'm baffled by this one, never experienced this previously, just wondering if anyone has had a similar thing and this is normal, or as I am fearing it maybe something more serious.

When riding the 999 I occasionally take both hands off the bands to flex my aching wrists ;) I tend to do this as I am slowing down towards t/lights etc anyways did this yesterday and somewhere between 60 slowing down to 50 the bars shake slowly then more violently, if I grab them, and drop below 50 and remove my hands again fine no wobbles, and vice versa above 60 no wobbles.

At first I thought it could be the road surface kicking the whole motion off, but tried it throughout the day and it's consistent. Otherwise the bike feels and rides fine, even within the 50-60 limits with my hands on the bars there doesn't appear to be any movement/shakes, just when I let go...

:o:puzzled:

Tyres?

Well that's an option, but they're both new (front and rear), doesn't mean it couldn't be a dodgy one, the wheel (front) runs true though.

Isn't that a test recommended when you're test riding a bike to see if it's straight?

:o

Could it be that the front hasn't been balanced correctly? Speed sensitive wobbling certainly sounds like it could be a balance issue.

Ian that's my theory also, just took me ages to notice it really, I don't feel it through the bars when I am riding though.

or a balance weight has dropped off.

Freddy!

I had a similar problem on my 916, and like you I only really noticed it with no hands on the bars. Mine was caused by the front 207GP having a defective carcuss.

Changed the tyre, and all was lovely again.

Damo,

You know you could be right as I'm running a 208GP...

Luckily I have several sets of spares, might try swapping that this weekend...

Jon,

Its not an uncommon trait with many bikes at certain speeds. I've experienced it a few times on different bikes. i once read a technical feature about it ages ago, went way above my head but it can happen on perfectly maintained bikes as well as yours:lol:

.....As well as mine?

You get back to your painting..... :D

Jon, Mate had dunlops on his new Suzi and although the tyre appeared fine, when you looked at the deep part of the tread in the cut away, you could see the carcass on a couple of 'em and also a couple of bubbles. Wouldn't know to look at it though. New tyres required.

Had exactly the same symptoms with my 999. Shakey wobble through the bars almost exactly at 50mph when travelling at a constant speed or gently decelerating. Tried resetting everything by the book, checked tyre pressures, tread wear, wheel rim damage, compression and rebound front & rear, no change.

A service at Pro Twins and a look at by Rob seemed to cure it somewhat (hint - ignore the handbook for suspension settings, more damping needed than you'd think although you'd expect that as I'm about 17.5 stone all kitted up) with the recommendation that tyre wear, particularly of the front (although there's loads of tread left) linked to a squaring-off of the rear can cause these symptoms. A brand new rear made things better, just have to try a new front soon.

I've never had these symptoms before on any bike, even one with worn tyres and to be perfectly honest it really made me paranoid as the shake feels like it's going to develop into a major tankslapper. Conscious effort was needed to control it - grab those bars tight!