Author Topic: Front end shake ( slapper) (Read 3105 times)

ChrisB · « **on:** October 04, 2005, 07:05:13 AM »

HI, I would appreciate a little help / infromation or opinions > I have a 04 1200s with 8500 on it. I had to scrap the macadams 100 at approx 7k. Rear was shot front definitly on its way. After reading everything here I decided to try the Shinko 009's front and rear. Had tires mounted. First 200 miles were sweet no complaints. Now I'm not a knee dragger, but do like to have some fun with the old girl. After the first 200 miles or so the front end developed a minor head shake that can be felt especially on deceleration at about 3.5k to 4 k RPM. Nothing major bars probably move 1/2 to 3/4 inch or better. I assumed it had just thrown a weight or something. I brought bike back to local shop who mounted it and had them rebalance it in front of me. The tire was balanced no issue there. I have since put about 700 more miles on the tire adjusting air pressures from 34 to 40 and have seen no significant changes the shake is still there. The strangest opinion I/ve recieved is that it is due to the ( as the maint tech ) put it probably due to the hardness of the tire and the significant size of the groove down the front??? I have no idea and was hoping anyone could shed some light on this for me. I was thinking of buying the 005 for the front. I ave no issues with the 009 rear. I live in upstate Vermont, the weather here can go from 37 degrees in the morning to 80 in te afternoon this time of year . Sorry for spewing on so long just really am trying to figure this out. Thanks Chris

mike · « **Reply #1 on:** October 04, 2005, 08:44:41 AM »

Wow! They didn't last very long huh!
My stock 90x macadams started that damn head shake at around 3-4K. I went with Bridgestone Battlax 020's.... I haven't ridden in a while, but the 020's broke in nicely and had a smooth feel all the way to the edge of the tire.

It really sounds like a tire issue...

The other things I can think of off hand is:
a rear load will cause a headshake sometimes (like heavy tail bags).

Did the mechanic check your steering head bearing too ? I could see how a loose steering head would cause issues...

just some ideas, I'm sure you'll get some more responses...

Good Luck,
You'll figure it out, just keep up the good detective work.
Mike :)

ChrisB · « **Reply #2 on:** October 17, 2005, 08:19:38 AM »

Mike, Thanks for your reply, I brought it back to the mechanic and had him check the items you suggested. He found no issues. I then contacted Tires unlimited, where I purchased the tire. I explained to them what was going on. To make a long story short. I orderd a new Shinki 005 for the front end ( no front groove). They actually sent me the tire free of charge and asked if I would return the 009 for them to look at at. I appreciated this. I have put about 500 miles on this one and have no problems. The head shake has dissapeared at least for know. I'll track this and see how it goes. Chris

amboman · « **Reply #3 on:** October 17, 2005, 09:24:58 PM »

The shinko band is pretty new here in NZ but I have heard some positive feedback about them. Would be good if you could give us periodical updates on tyre perfomance and wear etc.

PeteSC · « **Reply #4 on:** October 17, 2005, 10:08:54 PM »

Sounds like Tiresunlimited did you right!

Let us know how the new front tire does.....

rider123 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 27, 2005, 08:54:54 AM »

Shinko?? Sounds like a Ho Chi Mihn, "pride of the prolitariat" commie brand. I suggest the battleaxs as well, don't skimp on tires, your safety is at sake.

chevsuz12 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 27, 2005, 09:49:35 AM »

Yeah, I have had head shake too. But it starts at exactly 125mph. Otherwise it is extremely smooth. I think it is the Shinko's as well. As my bike has never had any sign of shake before.