Terrible shake in front end! HELP!

[HouseForsaken]

I searched a few threads for this, but I'm seeing alot for newer generations. I have a horrible shake in the front end! When I take my hands off the bars, they shake violently back and forth and the bike immediately veers off to the right. (Yes I'm aware the easiest fix is not to remove my hands from the bars) To be honest it scares the s@%t out of me. The bike also has a slight shake when leaning slightly left or right. Please help.

What I know:
The back tire needs to be replaced. The tread is low. The balances on the tires are still in place. I don't know what else to look for.

Thanks in advance!

[derstuka]

Could be several things...from the severity of it, it sounds worse than just a bad balance, or missing wheel weight.

Off the top of my head....

Bent forks
Damaged/bent wheel
Defective tire
Excessively worn/loose headset bearings

[safetypro10]

1. Tighten triple bearings down under top clamp.

2. Check front tire for cupping.

3. Check front wheel bearings.

4. Make sure bike is aligned.

5. Make sure front wheel in balance.

6. Make sure all triple bolts nice and tight.

7. Buy complete USD front end and replace it all.

Larry
VFRrider

[Jimtt]

First, many bikes will do that with hands off the bars (not badly) so know that. Does it ever happen with hands on the bars? In addition to what has been said check swing arm and rear axle bolt torque.

[HouseForsaken]

Thank you very much. Looks like I'll be taking a trip to the mechanic and the ATM, lol. I'll let you know which one it was, hopefully it's not all of the above.
The bars do vibrate with my hands on them, which is normal. As soon as I let off both, they shake left and right very violently and veers off to the right...immediately. The faster I go, the more violent the shaking when letting off the bars. (Don't know if that helps any diagnosis).

[R.W.]

Most likely it's your front tire, here is a thread where the rider had a similar problem...


http://vfrworld.com/forums/sixth-gen...front-end.html

[HouseForsaken]

Thanks for the link. I took a look at it. I will have the tire checked...I would be so happy if that's the problem. I know I need a new rear, but the front still has those little "nubbies" on it. As I read, s@&t happens even to newer tires. I'll take it to the local shop and see what they say.
Thanks again. Any and all help is appreciated. At least I have a few suggestions to ask the mechanics to check.

[ralph66]

This may sound odd but most (but not all) shaking in front ends are caused by something in the rear so i would start there. But i would also check your neck bearings those are offtin overlooked during service or just never done. It also applys to shaking in the rear check the front.

[masonv45]

This may help too:

Shucking the Shakes