Todays ride

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ARCHIVE_furchin

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front wheel bearings

Was wondering if any one can enlighten me as to whether I should check my front wheel bearings. I get a pretty severe shake when I apply the front brakes at 60mph or so. I initially thought that the rotors and or pads may be bad but after talking to a local shop they recommended checking the wheel bearings. I might add that at speeds around 90 to 100 mph I also get the shimy and shake. Gets a little scary when this occurs. Any input will be greatly appreciated. Furchin
 
Furchin,
I very much doubt that the wheel bearings would cause your symptoms. In any case you can do a simple check by grasping the wheel/tyre between the forks and again on the opposite side and gently rocking the rim laterally across the axle (you may have to remove the calipers if they interfere). If your bearings have seized, the hub should be worn around the outer race and would be evident during the above check. If they aren't seized but are binding, just slowly spin the wheel to check it's revolving freely (again, you may have to remove the calipers if they interfere). You could also add a weight to the tyre at the 1 o'clock position to check that it falls to the bottom and repeat several times at other points around the rim.

Based on your symptoms, I'd suggest you check your front tyre. I had a similar problem with the front tyre ("Kings") on my ZZR and although the tyre had plenty of groove on it and appeared to be evenly worn, I decided to change it for a Dunlop, problem solved.

I couldn't believe the difference it made. Another thing I noticed was that although the profile was as per the OEM spec (as was the new tyre) the Kings was significantly narrower on the rim. So in the end I don't know if it was the breed, wear pattern or profile that made the difference.

Good luck…
 
Re: front wheel bearings

furchin said:
...at speeds around 90 to 100 mph I also get the shimy and shake.
Click to expand...

But after that it smooths out, right? :lol:

Good luck. Let us know what you find.
 
shake

Joe , I don't know if it smooths out above the 90 or 100 speed or not 'cause it is pretty intense while hitting those speeds so I shut 'er down. Chicken **** I quess. I've been in one wreck and don't ever care to be in another.
Rocket, I imagine I could decifer fairly quicky if the tire is the culprit or not by switching the front wheel assembly's between my 2 1000's. That would be quicker than buying a new tire, mounting and then testing. Never thought of the tire I might add. Just seems weird that no shimmy or shake occurs at all during any reasonable cruising speed untill I hit the front brake. Hope the cure is something cheap. Furchin
 
anyone have a stabilizer installed? I'm seriously considering one. I was going about 125 and got the death wobble once. Dont want to get that again.
 
Guys,
Just to add to my previous, I first noticed the wobbles with the ZZR front end when one day towards the end of a long trip I quickly/briefly took my hands off the bars @ 80km/h when I stood up to stretch my legs. Well as soon as I sat down and grabbed the bars the shakes went away. Now that was a little scary when I wasn't expecting it so I did it again at other speeds above and below, no wobbles.

Because every thing was stable at all speeds with just a light grip on the bars I assumed fitting a damper wasn't necessary. I had no spare wheel, and because I wasn't so fussed on the Kings tyre anyway, I chose to change it.

The Dunlop tracked nicely, hands or no hands and at any speeds.
 
Rocket said:
...I quickly/briefly took my hands off the bars @ 80km/h when I stood up to stretch my legs. ...
Click to expand...

Yeah, i do that all the time. And sometimes i smoke a cig too. Calms the nerves.

Sorry, i guess i just have a wierd sense of humor, but i couldn't help but shake my head at that remark.
 
...it has something to do with the weather, scenery, long distances and a reliable bike that instills confidence in everything I do (did) with it (up until I let the bars go) :o

Actually, when I initially let go of the the bars it was fine (just above 80km/h) and it only shook as the speed dropped below 80. So one could say that letting the throttle roll back to idle was the cause, not the "look ma, no hands" thingy :lol: :lol: :lol:

Hey, Spring Loaded Bush Rats don't use hands either when they're at full gallop :wink:
 
Rocket, You have to be OZ or at least been there awhile to underastand that one. :lol:
 
Today Jeff(wuputt) and I met up and rode to meet with Chris in Toledo.

We had a great ride (278mi for me), weather was almost perfect. The plan was to run down some nice scenery with Chris but his bike needed some attention and Jeff and I were more than willing to help out. We threw some wrenches, and cussed at it for about a half an hour and Chris's bike is much better now. :rotf:

Also I'd like to mention we got to meet Chris's dad (Marty) who is a former Eliminator owner and one hell of a nice guy(especially since he overlooked his teenage son sneakin out his eliminator,,lmao)

I can't wait to meet more of you next month at mid-ohio, really looking forward to it!
 
It was a great day! But then what day isn't great when there are 3 ZL's in the same driveway?

Chris, thanks for having us over and thanks for the Fricken wings and brews!
HPIM1388.jpg

Marks ride on the left, Chris' in front and of course mine with all the crap on it!


[/img]
HPIM1389.jpg
 
Sorry I didn't get more pics but it is what it is!
 
jeez, what a sight. looks like it would have been an excellent day, by all accounts.

An event like that would be rare here in Oz, to see three ZL's together in one place, hell would have to freeze solid for a week before it happens here, but maybe, John, Ross, Mark and myself can get together for a ZL1000 conference, ...somewhere, ...sometime.

Mark (Rocket) and I have actually met once, so having two ZL's in the same place is going to be on the cards soon.

...and yes, photo's will be taken on the day it happens.

Mick.
 
YEAH, even though we did'nt get a chance to ride the scenic ride, i really had a great time !!! & i'm looking forward to more riding with you guys in the near future. i have to admit, after my test ride, & i turned ELEANOR over to mark, it was weird watching someone else riding her up & down the street, but it's all good !! after helping me with fixing her, i trust you guys ! & jeff, i would have let you take her for a spin too !!!!! maybe next time we meet up ????? THANKS AGAIN, TO BOTH, MARK & JEFF.

i do not usually let anyone ride my zl, but mark & jeff have an open invitation anytime ! for the rest of you, don't ask pls. you have to earn my trust first !!!!!! CHRIS :puttside:
 
I just hope mine turns out as sweet looking as these do. It's going back together without all the cosmetics being completed but I'm just tired of seeing it not running. Another delay in getting it back together but I just couldn't live with myself with out changing the cam chain and stuff first. New (to me) camera coming in soon from repairs so good pics will be happening also. Have fun guys.
 
Looking forward to those pics SD! You are talking about the bike right? not the hotties down the road???
 
Hey Jeff,
I see your fuel cap surround has been stripped and polished like mine, they come up nice hey.

Yeh Stormy,
one day I'll get up there with the bike. I was going to get together with Rossco and ride up to the National Motorcycle Museum at Nabiac?

http://www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.com.au

However a work mate grabbed me at short notice to go up with him and his Ducati S2R, I couldn't resist (sorry Rossco). Never mind I'm up for it again or perhaps we can do Phillip Island MotoGp in Oct?

http://www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au/calendar.php?sel=10&year=07
 
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