Front wheel shimmy?

[Big_Steve]

My Honda VTX 1300 is known for having a cheesy neck bearing, and getting the shakes. But mine isn't doing it all the time. On some roads it's pretty noticeable if I take one hand off the grips. On other roads, it doesn't happen at all. Tire pressure is good all around.

Before I take her back to be looked at, I'm asking if this is something inherent with trikes?

 

[Smoken'JOE]

There is a fix for the neck bearing problem.

1300C Steering Bearing Replacement - Honda VTX forums for Honda VTX 1300 / VTX 1800 motorcycles

 

[Big_Steve]

Thanks Joe. I've seen other instructions about that replacement. I could probably handle it, but I'm balking.

The reason I'm asking is because I just wonder if some shimmy is the nature of the beast with trikes? I have a 50/50 warranty on the bike for a few more weeks. (Yeah I know, 50/50, but I do trust these guys at this dealership) and am trying to figure out if I should take it back or not.

Might be a good excuse to buy a Metz tire and beads first though. But I paid ca$h for the bike, and I've bought some goodies since I got it (less than 2 weeks) and I'd like to stem the cash hemorrhage for a little while.

 

[jim peacock]

Steve stay away from the metzler tire to many people have had problems with them coming apart.
A lot of people are useing the michlen pilot tire are a brigestone.
There is a lot of things that can cause front wheel shimmy.
Cup tires,fork head needs to be retorqued,front wheel bearings going bad.
You did not say how much air you are running in the front tire.
You should at least run 40 lbs.

 

[Big_Steve]

Well...........

The bike came with some beautiful labels (via a label maker) telling me the front tire should be 25 lbs, and the rears 42.

In the meantime, I asked Motor trike for a manual. They emailed me a preventative maintenance guide instead. But the guide said 42 for the front, and 18~25 for the rears. So the front is NOW at 42, and the rears are at 21.

She rides and steers so much better I can't believe it. The dealer or former owner went through so much trouble making labels, only to get it bass ackwards. Oh well. No harm done. And the shimmy is hardly noticeable now, and not always there.

 

[Gorilla]

Just FYI shimmy is NOT inherant of the beast. Most are very smooth.