Pour yourself a big cup of coffee and start here:
https://www.google.com/#sclient=psy...3,d.aWM&fp=e52b800d2f4c5408&biw=1450&bih=1063
https://www.google.com/#sclient=psy...3,d.aWM&fp=e52b800d2f4c5408&biw=1450&bih=1063
Front End Wobble GL 1800 2005
I am experiencing a front end wobble at low speeds between 35 and 40 MPH. I have taken the bike to MAP Mid America Power and Clarenc the head mechanic for Goldwings told me this is a problem associated with Goldwings, and not to take my hands off the handlebars. I find that as a not so satisfactory answer.
Does anyone have a solution?
Does anyone have a solution?
1 - 19 of 19 Posts
Let me save you some search time.
My fix was the following...
All Balls Racing Steering Bearing Kit
Progression Suspension Front Spring Kit
Do these upgrades and you'll be one happy rider.
YMMV
My fix was the following...
All Balls Racing Steering Bearing Kit
Progression Suspension Front Spring Kit
Do these upgrades and you'll be one happy rider.
YMMV
Just changing fron Dunlops to Bridgestone's COMPLETELY solved the issue for me. :shrug:
Let me save you some search time.
My fix was the following...
All Balls Racing Steering Bearing Kit
Progression Suspension Front Spring Kit
Do these upgrades and you'll be one happy rider.
YMMV
Wobble
Note: Rear suspension height will make a difference in the trail of the front . I can ride single or two up at most any reasonable speed with hands off bars for at least a mile without touching handlebars. All front is stock. as is the rear. I have been riding GL's since 1975, still have a '75, do not have a problem with the First year GL on the Thirtyth year. OH yes I do have a Kury Fork brace on the front.
JMO
Ride safe and enjoy
Stan
Bt45 on the front. Solved it all.Just changing fron Dunlops to Bridgestone's COMPLETELY solved the issue for me. :shrug:
Note: Rear suspension height will make a difference in the trail of the front . I can ride single or two up at most any reasonable speed with hands off bars for at least a mile without touching handlebars. All front is stock. as is the rear. I have been riding GL's since 1975, still have a '75, do not have a problem with the First year GL on the Thirtyth year. OH yes I do have a Kury Fork brace on the front.
JMO
Ride safe and enjoy
Stan
mine is stock 05 - got wobble when front tire wore out ! fine otherwise !bt45 21,000 on it n now cupped! ran 36 lbs- should have kept at 40 imop
Time for the 
opcorn: and maybe a :coffee1:
opcorn: and maybe a :coffee1:
Same here!Just changing fron Dunlops to Bridgestone's COMPLETELY solved the issue for me. :shrug:
Dyna Beads
I have installed Dyna Beads and this has helped with the cupping of the tires.
I have installed Dyna Beads and this has helped with the cupping of the tires.
Well you have opened up a big can of worms now!
Some will tell you (depending on their tire preference) that Dunlop or Bridgestone tires cause wobble, others will say that the a car tire cures all, and some will state that the stock Goldwing suspension is to blame.
I don't buy any of them. I have accumulated almost 300k miles with four different GL1800 and have only had a wobble one time, and that was a bad tire that the dealer replaced before I had even put 20 miles on it.
I have run Dunlop D250's, & E3's (my personal choice), a Bridgestone, and a Metzler rear without any wobble. Suspension has always been stock with various rear preload settings.
I am not saying that the 35 to 40 mph decel wobble does not exist. I have no doubt that it does, and I think that it has been pretty much determined that the suspension geometry is the culprit, and unless you want a Goldwing that handles the twisties like a 56 Ford pickup, it is just the way it is.
Yes, the wobble can be dampened by steering stem preload, and expensive suspension modifications,
Honestly, has anyone ever read in a motorcycle safety manual or heard a motorcycle safety coarse instructor tell you that there is any time where it is acceptable to let go of the bars?
Maybe that is why I don't have the wobble. I may let go of the bars from time to time, but not often and certainly not during deceleration.
So maybe your mechanic is not so far off base.
Some will tell you (depending on their tire preference) that Dunlop or Bridgestone tires cause wobble, others will say that the a car tire cures all, and some will state that the stock Goldwing suspension is to blame.
I don't buy any of them. I have accumulated almost 300k miles with four different GL1800 and have only had a wobble one time, and that was a bad tire that the dealer replaced before I had even put 20 miles on it.
I have run Dunlop D250's, & E3's (my personal choice), a Bridgestone, and a Metzler rear without any wobble. Suspension has always been stock with various rear preload settings.
I am not saying that the 35 to 40 mph decel wobble does not exist. I have no doubt that it does, and I think that it has been pretty much determined that the suspension geometry is the culprit, and unless you want a Goldwing that handles the twisties like a 56 Ford pickup, it is just the way it is.
Yes, the wobble can be dampened by steering stem preload, and expensive suspension modifications,
Honestly, has anyone ever read in a motorcycle safety manual or heard a motorcycle safety coarse instructor tell you that there is any time where it is acceptable to let go of the bars?
Maybe that is why I don't have the wobble. I may let go of the bars from time to time, but not often and certainly not during deceleration.
So maybe your mechanic is not so far off base.
Why would anyone take their hands off below 40mph? The wobble is not there if your hands or one hand is on. Is not a safety issue if you take your hands off at a slow speed? Just ride and enjoy the bike. Hands on--- no wobble.
I have installed Dyna Beads and this has helped with the cupping of the tires.
Ditto! Something I wrote a few years ago: Ceramic Snake Oil?
If you take your hand and feel your front tire for roundness it should be perfect round side to side and forward and backwards. If you feel a flat spot or ridge that's part or all of your problem.I am experiencing a front end wobble at low speeds between 35 and 40 MPH. I have taken the bike to MAP Mid America Power and Clarenc the head mechanic for Goldwings told me this is a problem associated with Goldwings, and not to take my hands off the handlebars. I find that as a not so satisfactory answer.
Does anyone have a solution?
If you newly installed front tire made need to re set front axle.
I have no wobble with a new e3. Had wobble with older tire . Good luck
41psi front and rear
I developed the wobble on an 01 at 50k. Took it apart and found that the steering stem nut was very loose. I did the All Balls and solved the problem. I wonder if a re-torque of the steering nut would have been sufficient but am very pleased with the All Balls.
I also experienced some of the wobble in the front end. For me, a new front tire to replace a worn and cupped tire made it better. It did not go away completely but it did make it much less noticeable.
My 2010 wobbles also (with only 11,000 miles) 4: I'm as "bumm'd as you are :nojoke: Yep as your dealer said just keep both hands on bars .................I also replaced tires, aft only 8,000 miles..........I still would never switch to any other brand of motorcycle... Ronnie
4: I'm as "bumm'd as you are :nojoke: Yep as your dealer said just keep both hands on bars .................I also replaced tires, aft only 8,000 miles..........I still would never switch to any other brand of motorcycle... Ronnie
The classic front end wobble showed up on my '10 at around 9,000 miles and continued with new tires. It was cured by the installation of All Balls tapered stem bearings. The tapered bearings may have allowed tightening the stem bearing clearance but the bike steered lighter and handles better with the All Balls as well even if the torque setting was increased.
Why would anyone take their hands off below 40mph? The wobble is not there if your hands or one hand is on. Is not a safety issue if you take your hands off at a slow speed? Just ride and enjoy the bike. Hands on--- no wobble.
:thumbup:same question ? Why would anyone take their hands off
That is the one upgrade that I have done.The classic front end wobble showed up on my '10 at around 9,000 miles and continued with new tires. It was cured by the installation of All Balls tapered stem bearings. The tapered bearings may have allowed tightening the stem bearing clearance but the bike steered lighter and handles better with the All Balls as well even if the torque setting was increased.
I had All Balls tapered bearings installed when I had my first 1800 in for some work at the dealer.
I do agree that the tapered bearings are a superior design to OEM, but I really saw no notable advantage as far as handling or rideabillity goes.
I will install them on my current bike if I ever have the front end apart or if the existing bearings wear out, but I would not install them just for the sake of replacing the stock bearings.
1 - 19 of 19 Posts
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