Front Wheel Shimmy

[Gunslinger]

I have 2010 1800 with CSC Cobra XL Trike conversion.
I changed out the front stock tire at 12000 miles and replaced it with a rear tire mounted in reverse rotation. I have 2oz ceramic beads installed for balancing. The original tire was cupped and I had a noticeable shimmy when slowing down for a stop. I currently have 8000 miles on the new tire, no cupping but a shimmy when slowing down makes you keep both hands on the bars.
With both hands on the bars there's hardly any shimmy. I'm a stickler for tire pressure and check mind weekly. 41 front 28 rear.
Has anyone else experienced this situation? Is there a cure for this?
This is my 4th Gold Wing and first trike. I love it and love showing it off and eat up the compliments.

[mhgoldwing]

Not sure what you're feeling but I'd like to make an observation. I've noticed that most trike drivers ride on the left side of the lane, me included. In doing so the front wheel normally rides on the slope of the center high spot if the road is worn at all. This causes abnormal wear on the right side of front tire as the tire continually tries to "climb" slope. I think this accounts for the light "shimmy" many report and usually occurs after several thousand miles as the tread deforms. Take a good look at your front tire with a light shining on the tread and see if find the scalloping I'm talking about. It doesn't have to be heavy to induce a "shimmy".

[skuuter]

Check Your head bearing tightness......

[MDGeorge]

Brake rotor warped?

[tfdeputydawg]

You do not state if you have a rake kit or if you have had "all balls" type tapered head bearings installed.
If no rake kit, trikes have a tendency to display head shake at low speeds.
If you have rake and tapered bearings, check to make sure the bearings are properly seated and the torque is correct.
I am not an advocate of whereever keeping 41/42#'s in the front tire came from! I run 34/36 for a much smoother ride. Try it!.
For balance and sealant : http://www.ride-on.com/