Bad shake at high speed..... ???

[BimmerFREAK09]

So I decided to top by 09 XB12r out the other day and..... HOLY CRAP!!!!!! After about 110mph, I had this bad head shake that scared the crap outta me but decided to push through which only got worse!!!! Can anyone help or thoughts of what could be causing this?????

THANKS GUYS!!!

 

[thrstrmech]

it happens with these bikes, get mine at about 115-120...need to get a steering damper installed one of these days

 

[d_adams]

Tire balance. 1/8th of an ounce _can_ make a difference. Check both, sometimes shops don't actually do the rear tire. I balance my own and have been up past 155 with no vibration.

I've only had the xb up to about 120-125, but it's the same way. New tires are going on it next week though.

 

[anrkizm95]

check your tires,balance and bearings a little shake around 110-115 is normal but it shouldnt last long.

 

[rchuff]

I had same problem till I changed my tires , put bridgestones 016 and it is a lot stable now.

 

[BimmerFREAK09]

I got it from 110-ish till 140... Never stopped

 

[Gloomshadow]

wheels out of balance.. are the wheel weights still on it or did they come off?

 

[rigger4343]

I have only had my XB9 up to about 115 a couple of times and it was stable at that speed. It does have new tires on it though.

 

[BimmerFREAK09]

They're still on...

 

[BimmerFREAK09]

Oh! And can anyone help me tune my suspension??????

 

[FlaXB9R]

Service manual plus this thread should help you. The second post in the link I just gave you has a link with good info and setting charts.

 

[xbtiger]

hi....................Brimmer..........in most cases this can be fixed by tightening the steering column nut according to the specs (thats the shiny nut in the middle of the top yoke. If this does not do the trick check your steering colum bearings.................these may be worn out. If you have never done this................go to a proper workshop.
The wheels usually are not such a big issue unless you have a bent wheel.
Another reason for getting a shake when a bike is susceptible.................is loose clothing........with well fitting leaders you avoid that.
The Buell is actually a very stable bike up to 230 km/h...........unless something is not properly set.
A steening damper is a nice addition...............I love it..................but it aint no fix for the wobble...............its good to keep the bike stable when you hit bumps under decompression.......

Chris

 

[BimmerFREAK09]

So... I don't want to sound incompetent... But reading that suspension adjustment thread is like listening to a nuerologist explain his theorem in Italian, with peanut butter on the roof of his mouth... So if anybody can explain it to me in lamens terms... That would be much appreciated!!!!

 

[g3stripes]

ive had problems similar to yours on all three buells the bolt was actually the worse of the three, however i could never trace it to mechanical problem, which led me to believe there were alot of factors comin into play. i cud also never get it to repeat condition consistently.wrote it off to road conditions. ride on

 

[d_adams]

1125 specific, but should give you a general idea.

 

[deathandtexas]

I got it from 110-ish till 140... Never stopped

Speaking of neurologists...

 

[BimmerFREAK09]

[up]

Thank you dean!

And... Yes... I know lol

 

[BimmerFREAK09]

Went ahead and did some adjusting today... And wow!!!! It's not even 9 in the morning and what a DIFFERENCE!!!! There's a couple tweaks I gotta workout but still... But I haven't pushed it very hard yet... So we'll see

 

[BimmerFREAK09]

So... I tuned the suspension pretty intensively and now... There's no shake at all!!! Topped it out in the highway and it was smooth as butter... I will say though, it feels a little harder to come into corners... Any thoughts?

 

[snrusnak]

Can anyone help or thoughts of what could be causing this?????

Travelling at 2x + the speed limit may cause this....

Could be one or more of the following:

Wheel/tire not balanced
Wheel bearings needing replaced
Steering head bearings needing replaced