Hornet's a little unstable

Milo · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Feb 2002 Karma :

When I let the handlebars go it will go into a tank slapper if not controlled.
I'm sure this isn't right and coupled with a bit of a knocking sound under breaking I thought it'd be the head bearing.

I took her back to the dealer who found it was a little loose which has helped the knocking sound but the tank slapping is still there.
Tyre pressures are fine so what else could it be?

It's done this since I got it about 6 weeks ago so it's not like I've added something on which has caused it.

Any ideas?
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Shaft drives rule. Razz

EuropeanNC30R... · Gay Hairdresser Joined: 20 Jun 2002 Karma :

Front wheel bearings possibly. One of mine had mostly disintegrated and was causing the bike to go into slappers very easily.

Milo · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Feb 2002 Karma :

Is it something you think I could take to the dealer and ask them to look at?

That knocking noise is still there sometimes when I come to a standstill, though it is less frequent now.
I've heard that floating disks can cause a knock sound, but it sounds "bigger" than a brake disk noise to me.
If it had a centre stand I'd have a look myself...not that I really know what I'm looking for with bearings.
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Shaft drives rule. Razz

EuropeanNC30R... · Gay Hairdresser Joined: 20 Jun 2002 Karma :

Yeah, I took mine to a dealer for a diagnosis (Finns in Redhill). They sorted the problem out same day and for a reasonable price.

jay12329 · Dr. Evil Joined: 02 May 2003 Karma :

Could be tyre pressure, wheel balance, or tyre damage.
My hornet is prone (as are they all) to a head shake at high (ish) speeds and over uneven ground.
I hit a cats-eye while accelerateting hard at over 90mph, i had a big wobble, not quite lock to lock, but about 75% one way then the other. i try to find the gaps between them now.
HTH
J

Milo · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Feb 2002 Karma :

ZaphodBeeble · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 Feb 2004 Karma :

I would expect it to be wheel balancing. Either because of a dodgy tyre or just because it wasn't balanced properly/at all when the last tyre was put on. Can you feel the wobbling when you are holding the handlebars or is it just when you leave go completely?
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Current bike: VTR1000F Firestorm. Previous: Firestorm (written off) - XJ600 Divvy - NSR125 - DT125 and a load of offroaders.

Ropehead · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 02 May 2002 Karma :

is it the 16" front wheel ?
mine is and it get a bit twitchey as stock, ive had the front end setup by UK suspention and it a diffrent bike, i just hold on to the bars harder out you could jusy put some spacers in the top of the fork tubes and thicker oil.
or if its really bad a damper would cure it but its prob cheaper to fit a 17" blackbird wheel or CBR.
Sup 2 you.

Milo · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Feb 2002 Karma :

Only wobbles when I let go - there's nothing while I'm holding on even with a very light grip or a finger on there.

I've called the dealer and they'll check the wheel bearing later on today when i can get down there.

Doubt it's wheel balancing or I'd probably be feeling lots of vibrations. Question

____________________
Shaft drives rule. Razz

Milo · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Feb 2002 Karma :

Well they tightened up the head bearing a little more but I can still feel a knock.

They put the tankslapping down to the fact that it's meant to be ridden with my hands on the handlebars. They also said that all modern bikes do it because of the lighter handling - anyone comment on this?

I tried it again on the way home and it's still there, along with the knocking sound under braking.
____________________
Shaft drives rule. Razz

BFG · Brolly Dolly Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Karma :

instigator · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Karma :

Yup.

Got the same with my hornet bud. Only a slight knocking. I do think it's the wheel bearings, but if you do find out what it is, lettuce know. Smile

jay12329 · Dr. Evil Joined: 02 May 2003 Karma :

I have also heard of he brakes nkocking slightly. This happens on my bike whne i use them to stop the bike moveing backwards when takeing it out of the garage. The first time i apply the front brake the pads shift forwards knocking when they reach their destination, notthing to worry about.
HTH
J

instigator · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Karma :

No, it's more of a consistent knock, although it seems to stop when I go below a certain speed, maybe about 8mph. I'll assume it's nothing to worry about but the bike'll be stripped sometime soon so I'll sort it out then. Smile

Cheers jay. You're going to be my walking, talking hornet manual on this forum Wink

(alongside the manual I downlaoded as well as the hornets nest ezboard.com site - is that the official forum by the way?)