gpz500s steering problems

[duncanpage]

I was enjoying my ride home from work today and as I took my hands off my handlebars to open the vents on the back of my helmet I noticed the handlebars started wobbling, gently at first but then building up in speed until I got scared & put my hands on the bars again, I thought it would develop into a full tank slapper!

I tried it again a few times on the journey, different levels of road quality but none particularly bumpy, just normal roads through Harrow. Each time I'd release my grip on the bars but left my hands next to them and each time it would gradually build into a wobble. What is wrong with my steering/wheel/handlebars/yoke? Any ideas? I had 2 new tires fitted about 1500 miles ago so i assume they balanced the wheels when they fitted them.

I'm wondering if this has something to do with why I was aching so much after my 90mile journey to Seaford having to cope with all the vibration and wobbling on the motorway!

[stinkwheel]

What sort of tyres?

Check the head bearings aren't loose.
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I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[jimbothe]

I would have said tyres but if they were new only 1500 miles ago im not so sure.Are they a good make tyre? You could also take it back to the garage where you had them fitted and say it's not right and wobbles now and they should re balance it free of charge.

Do you have a box on the back? I found with my fj when i had a givi rack on it did what you were describing so i took it off.

Other possibility could be worn forks if it's a high-ish miler
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[0ddball]

The usual cause is a worn (not necessarily illegal) front tyre, head bearings or low tyre pressure.

You seem to have covered the tyre angle so i'd guess head bearings. If you stick it on the centre stand, when you turn the bars can you feel a very slight notch as the steering passes through the stright ahead position?
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ZXR750L

[stinkwheel]

We haven't covered the tyre angle. GPZ500s are very fussy about tyre brand and model. Put the wrong ones on (eg contis) and it'll handle like a shopping trolley.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[jimbothe]

I had avons on my 500s and they seemed to work well
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[Kickstart]

Hi

Can be a fun way of scaring people coming the other way .

As well as the above, check the wheel bearings, and also for play in the rear suspension linkages.

All the best

Keith
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[duncanpage]

Hi all.
I checked the tire pressures & they're perfect. I tried to have a look at the bearings but when I took hold of the front forks I got oil on my hands, I realised there's quite a weep on the front forks...is this the cause of my problem?!

I was thinking about replacing the front fork springs with Hagon progressive springs & some decent fork oil, obviously I'll have to replace the seals too. Will this improve the ride over the standard springs or is it worth me just getting the standard springs? I regularly have my wife on the back as its our only form of transport if that will make a difference to the recommended springs.

I also need to replace my sprockets & chain as the teeth on the inside of the front sprocket have worn so it wobbles! Looks like it'll be an expensive month for me!

[stinkwheel]

Yes, worn/leaky for seals wouldn't help matters.

The progressive springs are good .

Do you mean the central hole of the front sprocket that slides over the splined shaft? A certain amount of play is normal in that, especially back and forth along the shaft. I've also found that the thrust washer is fairly prone to wearing but as long as it can't come off the splines, you should be ok. There shouldn't be much by way of sideways play as you rotate the sprocket round the shaft
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.