Front Wheel Shimmy

[87Trike1200]

I have another post similar to this "buried" in another thread, but have re-posted here for better "exposure" and with added information.

I had a Dunlap E-3 ("regular", bias, front tire) which remained on the bike when converted from 2 to 3 wheels. It performed perfectly. Recently, with the tread down a little, I thought I'd treat myself to a new Bridgestone BT-45 (bias, rear, sized for front). Almost immediately I encountered an occasional front wheel shimmy in the 55-70 speed range. It doesn't do it all the time, it seems if I hit a slight bump, or have a cross wind condition, something "sets it off". Sometimes it's slight and brief - sometimes severe enough to require a quick slowdown to stop the shimmy. Since the new tire is the only thing that changed and it never did it before, it is reasonable to blame the tire. Anyway, this just started in the last week or so since I changed the tire. Maybe I should have stuck with the "old" E-3 while it still had some life in it - but who knew?

Other than purchasing another new tire (of a different brand), does anyone have any other thoughts or suggestions? The bike is a '95 GL1500 with a "superbrace" (had for years) and the new tire is balanced with "CounterAct" beads (similar to Dyna beads).

Front tire pressure at 41 lbs (rears, 22). I thought the BT-45 was one of the "top shelf" brands.

[skuuter]

Have You tried to get it re-balanced, and the "trueness" checked...???...

[SEABILL]

Recheck the torque on the front axle.

[FRR]

I have another post similar to this "buried" in another thread, but have re-posted here for better "exposure" and with added information.

I had a Dunlap E-3 ("regular", bias, front tire) which remained on the bike when converted from 2 to 3 wheels. It performed perfectly. Recently, with the tread down a little, I thought I'd treat myself to a new Bridgestone BT-45 (bias, rear, sized for front). Almost immediately I encountered an occasional front wheel shimmy in the 55-70 speed range. It doesn't do it all the time, it seems if I hit a slight bump, or have a cross wind condition, something "sets it off". Sometimes it's slight and brief - sometimes severe enough to require a quick slowdown to stop the shimmy. Since the new tire is the only thing that changed and it never did it before, it is reasonable to blame the tire. Anyway, this just started in the last week or so since I changed the tire. Maybe I should have stuck with the "old" E-3 while it still had some life in it - but who knew?

Other than purchasing another new tire (of a different brand), does anyone have any other thoughts or suggestions? The bike is a '95 GL1500 with a "superbrace" (had for years) and the new tire is balanced with "CounterAct" beads (similar to Dyna beads).

Front tire pressure at 41 lbs (rears, 22). I thought the BT-45 was one of the "top shelf" brands.

I did exactly the same thing you did with the same identical equipment but the only difference is that my shimmy is between 70-75 MPH...I have had the balance checked the the place where I purchased it said I should have my tech _deflate the tire and move it a little on the rim", which shouldn't be an issue if it were balanced correctly. I was told by Motorcycle Superstore where I purchased the tire that "no one had ever complained about this issue before".

[87Trike1200]

I did exactly the same thing you did with the same identical equipment but the only difference is that my shimmy is between 70-75 MPH...I have had the balance checked the the place where I purchased it said I should have my tech _deflate the tire and move it a little on the rim", which shouldn't be an issue if it were balanced correctly. I was told by Motorcycle Superstore where I purchased the tire that "no one had ever complained about this issue before".

After re-balancing, is the shimmy still there? I have extra beads, maybe I should try another once of beads? What do you think?

[DTR 11TG]

... it seems if I hit a slight bump, or have a cross wind condition, something "sets it off"...

After reading the above I can't help but think that the tire is not the problem and I would looking in other areas. Just my thoughts, but I hope you can find the cure for the problem.

[Rmitchell55]

What is the condition of your steering head bearings/torque? If you can get the front of your trike off the ground, check to see if there is any movement in the front forks. (Not rotational)


Ray
2009 Kawi/Champion
Tijuana Border

[87Trike1200]

What is the condition of your steering head bearings/torque? If you can get the front of your trike off the ground, check to see if there is any movement in the front forks. (Not rotational)


Ray
2009 Kawi/Champion
Tijuana Border

Thank you - I suppose anything is possible. The bike recently was converted to 3 wheels (6 mo's ago) with rake kit (4.5) on he front end. In March had the "1000" mile check-up provided by the MotorTrike kit installer. I have no reason to doubt him when he reported everything checked OK - especially with the bike running so great. Since then, another 1200 miles added with everything running great. The "mystery" is that everything was "perfect" until I changed the front tire - about 2 weeks ago - that's why I seem to be "hung up" on the problem being the new tire... It's not so bad you can't ride, it's more of being a little "on edge" waiting for the next "shimmy event".

How about this: as previously noted the tire is balanced with 2oz (recommended) of "CounterAct" beads. (similar to Dyna breads).

Is it worth putting in, say, another ounce of beads? Other than throwing away more $$ on the extra beads (already have leftovers), I have read that putting in too many beads can't hurt anything other than it being a "waste".

If I could be sure it is the tire, I would gladly "blow" another $100+ bucks for a different tire. That's "cheaper" than the aggravation it's causing me. Just trying to cover all the bases before proceeding.

Thank you to all who have responded - "...keep those cards and letters pouring in".

[FRR]

Since the vast majority of my riding is NOT between 70-75 MPH I've decided to live with it unless it becomes worse. I think I might get it out on the interstate next week and run it up to 75 or 80 and see if it goes away. I'm just glad I wasn't the only one having this type of issue. That is one of the great things about this site.

[rufus15]

Just completed a Hannigan kit install on my 2012 Goldwing. with it I had the 1800 front end installed.

I'm experiencing a slight wishy washy effect at speeds 65-70, that causes back and forth drifting, and a bit of a uneasy feeling. I thought the $3000.00 up charge would prevent any of that, but to no avail.

I guess I'm asking has anyone else experienced this problem, and can you let me in on the secret? Thanks to all.