1982 1100 Front Wheel Jumping

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Have you changed the fork oil? I think the tire must be the problem but if the fork oil is gone or weak it would exagerate the problem.

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I was gonna change the oil now that the temp has finally gotten below the 100 degree mark. It's been a brutal Summer. Anyway, I was wondering if someone had the same problem, did one thing and took care of it. I don't wanna shotgun a whole bunch of things and not know what took care of the problem.

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I have somewhat the same issue, I notice it the most in a lot of turbulance. usually around 70, in my case i believe i have week springs and the wind pressure is compressing the springs and then they are rebounding. I have new progressives in route and it is my weekend project. if it solves my problem i will keep you updated.

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Bschofield, I'm sure the new springs will fix it because you will surely change the fork oil when you change the springs. Use 15 or 20 wt oil and you will think you have a brand new sport goldwing.

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Not sure if higher air pressure in forks will solve the problem but it is easy to try.

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Hey Bschofield, are those springs the 416's. I just got the progressives for the rear for a bottoming out problem. Let me know about those front springs.

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I cant say how it would feel if there is a defect out of round in the tire on a bike but I know from having bad car tires you'll feel the out of round mostly between 40-50 which smooths out above that.
A tire guy told me once "You can balance a tire even if it's square, doesnt mean it'll ride smooth" I've found that to be true more than once.
What I'm saying is to check the tire carefully for out of round. Get it spinning on the bike and watch for sise to side or up and down movement.
Weak springs or fork oil could still be the problem but checking the tire is easy.

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I had a Yamaha XS11 that would jump around 40 or so.

I had to reseat the tire. It was fine after that.

Not sure what caused it to go out, but it sure enough failed the spray-can test.

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Thanks guys. I'll try the springs and fluid first, since I was going to anyway. My commute has gone from 1.1 miles to 31. I don't need anymore frustration in life from the one I really care for.

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taking a break. just put in new steering bearings, and now just drained oil from shocks. going to change the springs. I am putting in the progressive replacement. part # 11-1102. I did the rear a month ago and it was incredible the difference. haven't bottomed out again since. will update when finished. :action:

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Rain in the forecast for the week. Time to take em off and get after it. I'll try to take some pictures.

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just got all finished with putting in the progressive springs, changed steering bearings as well. it raised the height of the bike 2 + inches! I'm going in a few minutes for a nice ride.. will give feedback.

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First thing I'd check is the front tire for roundness. The speed which your 'jumping' occurs especially when decelerating sure sounds like it's related to the infamous 35mph wobble. That's usually cured with a new front tire, it can be caused by steering head bearings that either are loose or need attention but usually it's the tire. Progressive springs while improving the overall handling of the bike most likely won't help with this problem and might even exacerbate it somewhat. One other thing to check is the fork lower bushings. If they are worn it can prevent the fork sliders from working smoothly. It's not hard to change the fork bushings and probably wouldn't hurt anyway with the age of the bike.

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Fork alignment can also cause what you are experiencing.

It's free to give them a quick tweak and it may solve all your issues.

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Check the tire for roundness. Just had a Metzler 880 replaced under warranty because it was out of round. Horrible bounce between 40 and 50 mph. Much smoother with the new tire. The out of round tire was made in October of 08. Maybe the tire builder was a little hung over from Octoberfest!

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well, after putting progressive springs in the forks, and new fluid. with no air. did 100 miles, much stiffer ride, much higher. not a single bit of jumping. also noticed that in the past when i would stop the front wouldn't come up until i accelerated.. now it never stays down.. immediate. the whole ride and feel is different.

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Bschofield wrote:

the whole ride and feel is different.

Click to expand...

But...do you like it? :baffled: :waving:

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Sits much higher. seems a bit more sensitive. but I love it.. not soft and mushy at all.