High speed wobble

[bbelk]

That isn't related to the wobble though.

Bummer. That is my best hope so far. What do you think it is?

[dwerbil]

Have you re-checked the balance of the wheel? I'd suspect that since the dot was 180 from the stem and considerable lead used.

[Rob]

That isn't related to the wobble though.

Bummer. That is my best hope so far. What do you think it is?

So, Duane, you don't think that having fresh bearings with fresh grease would help?

edit: Brad, did you ride the bike after tightening up the swingarm bearings?

[Ken in Oklahoma]

I'd order the Cycle Works tool for removing the races, then sell it here or on the IBMWR. http://www.cycleworks.net/index.php?mai ... ucts_id=64

I used that tool to replace the steering head bearings on my '92 RT. I was at Joan's place in Seattle and she was hosting an airhead get together to get my bearings changed out. That tool did the job, but just barely. In my view it was not up to the task. (A tool up to the task would be VERY expensive, methinks.) I ended up bending a spacer which looked like it was made from a small piece of exhaust tubing. I offered to pay the owner the cost of the tool, but he refused, evidently reckoning that it was good enough. (This was an Airheads gathering. Nice people.)

I don't have an alternative to offer, other than 'welding' on the old bearings. Or perhaps in your case, Brad, you could find somebody you could trust to 'weld' the bearings?

Important note: Looking at the tool on the link I couldn't be sure it was exactly the same as the one I used (about 6 years ago). So I might be dissin' a tool that is now made better.

Ken

[Bamboo812]

Ken, yes, the original tool was a PITA to use and eventually failed after losing its edge. The one shown is an updated version which is "a lot more user friendly", but as yet I haven't had the chance to try.

[Foxy]

Hi Brad,
My 1972 R75/5 SWB had the same wobble at 80mph and above. These SWB models are well known for this wobble. I recently fitted a pair of Avon AM 26 tyres to the old girl and problem has vanished. Unexpected but welcome outcome.
Cheers

[bbelk]

Have you re-checked the balance of the wheel? I'd suspect that since the dot was 180 from the stem and considerable lead used.

Yep. It was perfect - but no Rob, it was not dynamic.

[Garnet]

Hi Brad,
My 1972 R75/5 SWB had the same wobble at 80mph and above. These SWB models are well known for this wobble. I recently fitted a pair of Avon AM 26 tyres to the old girl and problem has vanished. Unexpected but welcome outcome.
Cheers

That happens, some bikes don't like some tires. I too have had good luck with the AM26s.

BUT, all my wobbles have come from steering head bearings or badly loaded luggage.

[2valve]

Has anyone tried using a large can of freeze spray ?( some of them can freeze to -65) using a extension tube on the can to precisely freeze where you have to shrink down and walk out the upper and lower outer bearing shell's ? If this did work you would have to make sure where the bearing sits in the frame was dry before installing the new outer shell. Is it worth a try ?

[Rob]

Has anyone tried using a large can of freeze spray ?( some of them can freeze to -65) using a extension tube on the can to precisely freeze where you have to shrink down and walk out the upper and lower outer bearing shell's ? If this did work you would have to make sure where the bearing sits in the frame was dry before installing the new outer shell. Is it worth a try ?

I think there is a shoulder it sits on. I could be wrong, but I think I'm right!

And SOP for installing the new races is to put them in the freezer for a while.