Anyone else get headshake around 100+?

[brisbon]

If im accelerating hard to 100/120 my bike has a moderate headshake that goes away if i let off, could this simply be balanced wheels, wind, or my imagination?

 

[tarvis]

mine did it to around 110 in a slight curve scared the crap out of me, I did have on a back pack with a pc hooked up to the bike for the ecm spy I passed it off as aerodynamics and a slight mist of rain earlier that day
but who knows anybody else?

 

[bardo688]

Ive been bagering around with it since i got mine. So ill give ya my short run though
first off I have a 03 9S 2nd hand (I think...ebay)
Hard shake just before 100.
Local shop checked tired(they where perfect) checked suspension(every setting on the bike was F'd up)
Problem solved...Not
shake occures rare 100 definatly 110+. There is a bearing in your triple tree that may be worn out. $20 bearing 160 labor charge..Quote from HD

and ive come to the conclusion of needing a stablizer.
From what i can guess from site info xbR's can run a little faster because of the fairing. xbS's windscreen sucks i tuck as close as i can and i still get shake.

Type R/S??? year details about your bike helps narrow it down

 

[redliner172]

Check front tire pressure, suspension then make sure you don't gave a death grip on the bars. If the front tire is older and cupped that will do it. You can always get a stabilizer if none of that works but it's gotta one of those scenarios.

 

[Warlock]

04 xb12s here. Been 130-140 many times and no issues. Bike only has 800 miles on it though.

 

[phild1203]

I have a 07 XB12S. Don't go over 100 a whole lot but when I do it's rock solid. I would probably check tire wear and pressure, balance, suspension settings and neck bearing adjustment. I wouldn't think a steering stabilizer should be necessary.

 

[tarvis]

Yep mine is 04 12s
Suspension was a little off tuned it recently and haven't tried it again and it has new tires
Probably did have a death grip on it

 

[Macbuell]

Main thing I have found that can cause that is an improper tuck. Make sure to try to get as aerodynamic as possible. Body upright creates a lot of drag which translates into the handlebars, and pulls them back making the front wheel lighter.

 

[bardo688]

helmet glued to the guages, stuck to the airbox like a suctioncup, arms flat, legs bending the frame together...death grip on the bars

Any suggestions or something wrong with that?[up][down]

 

[icepop77]

I've only done 110 or so a couple of times (frankly it's too scary for me). It's been very smooth. I have more engine vibe than anything else at that speed. 2005 XB12s w/9500 miles, factory race goodies.

 

[upthemaiden]

Bardo, the only thing I'd watch out for is the death grip on the bars, plus to your previous comment, I bet the lower bars have more to do with it than the windscreen, but it all helps.

I'm really surprised that a bike with upright bars and a wheelbase this short doesn't with with a steering damper already. I'm not sure if it was just because he wanted to keep the bike looking clean with less gadgets, didn't want to make the bike look unstable by selling it with a damper, or they just assumed most people wouldn't be going fast enough to need one.

 

[bardo688]

Whats wrong with death grip? I have stock bars.
Anyone know about someone on the site that made his own? ive only seen 1 xb that has 1 and he says that he doesnt have it very tight and doesnt use it much

 

[Tyler Oxton]

I have an 03 xb9r. ive taken it to 135 so far and i did get a wobble right about 110 but below and above that speed I was just fine. Didnt bother me much I just took it as a sign to get on throttle more. Its all good ya know. Figure my suspension adjustement is a bit off and a stabilizer on them would prolly help but not too worried

 

[hula Buell]

Right on tire pressure makes a big difference.

 

[brupska]

I had a xb9s before my 12R. I was at the track with the 9 and corner #1 is a really fast corner. I would down shift to 4th gear and had instant head shake. It never did it anywhere else. I found out it was just my head bearings where loose. Try that after you know your front tire and rim are in good shape.