HEAD SHAKE!

[Jaglifter]

Can anyone help??

I've noticed my Storm (2001 ish model with about 10k on the clock) has started "shaking its head" when leaned over slightly under hard acceleration and particularly when changing up. I've only been riding for about a year after a long, loo....ng, layoff so I'm getting quicker, but today I very near lost it

Previous bikes I've had (c. late 60's) have all done this, but never like this.

Is this usual for a Storm? Would a steering damper help? Do I just backoff??

[essexbloke]

Just a thought, but have you got any head bearings in there?

I've never experienced that on my storm.....

[ktd001]

Same thing happened to me, head bearings were getting a bit wobbly. Check that out before buying a damper.

[RQ]

It may be that they just need tightning down. Whip off the top yoke and if the nut and the locknut are loose start with that before buying replacements.

[Jaglifter]

Thanks for your replies. I'm taking the top yoke off soon anyway, so I'll check out the bearings.

[EGG]

Check your wheel bearings aswell.

[Jaglifter]

Thanks Egg. Will do.

[Jaglifter]

Just in case anybodys interested..........

I fitted the Renthal bars - same as Tony. At same time I checked out the bearings. They appear perfect - no play, no notches. Its been crap weather since I changed the bars, but so far it hasn't thrown any serious wobblies, although it does seem to clunk a bit over the bumps.

I think the best solution is to step up the weight training and do more bench pressing

[Stormin Ben]

Wot tyres are you running mate?
Mine was a right flighty bitch on 208GP's but loads better on Rennsports
I run 010's on the road and have never had a problem with them, even landing my cack-handed feeble wheelie attempts crossed up fails to induce more than a quick twitch as it snaps straight

Check yer tyre pressures

What have you got the suspension set to? I had the forks 7mm through and a 6mm spacer on the rear and it was still OK.

Could also be riding style, are you plonked on the seat or weighting the pegs?
Hanging on to the bars or light grip?
Top box or tank bag?


Ben

[Jaglifter]

Ben

Tyres are D207F front and rear.

Always run tyre pressures as spec'd in the manual (36 and 42 I think).

Suspension was set at close to max stiffness,but is now back to "standard" as per the manual.

The bars are now Rethnal utralow, which replaced the standard clipons.

Style (if you'd call it that) is to sit like sack of spuds gripping tank with knees. So much more weight is now on the rear I guess.

Its definitely feels better than it did, but I haven't really caned it yet.

[yellafella]

Headshakes ? Under acceleration ?
Just had the bike serviced, also had new 207RR's fitted . Is there a link ? Heard about Headstock bearings and wheel balance, but would new tyres do this ?

[Jaglifter]

Hi yellafella

It seems to be less of a problem with the Renthal bars. Also, I guess I'm more used to the bike now. It still does it now and again, but I know when its coming and ease off a bit. Could be the tyres - I've only ever used Dunlops.

Thanks

John

[RAINMAKER]

I'm no expert but got quite a lot of shakes on 207's , one real slapper on hard acceleration but made worse by white raised lines in middle of road,
Switched to 010's and no problems.

never liked dunlops anyway.

[Jaglifter]

Yes. I think I'll give Dunplops a miss next time around. You recommend the 010s then?

[RAINMAKER]

yes...............much respect for the 010's its the first time I've had 010's,
had 020 and bt 57 before that all great but dunlops not very good.
May be just me.
Always ran dunlops years ago, TT 100's and Red Arrows. so not biased at all.
Paul