GL1200 steering problem

2115 Views 28 Replies 21 Participants Last post by smokepole, Aug 16, 2009

erwjww

Discussion Starter · Aug 7, 2009

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Just wanted to pick you guys brains again. You really helped me on the Poorboy conversion.

Next case: I've got an 84 Aspy that I've only had since July 4th. Odometer and title shows 20,400 miles.It had a bad bearihng on front when I got it. I spent the big bucks and took it to a Honda shop that a good friend works at. I had them replace front bearings and rebuild both shocks (had a leaker), Anyway the bike was steering funny before and I thought it was bearing. Not the case. Here's what it's doin. When I'm in a corner, right or left, I get this feeling that the handlebars want to do the Watusi. Feels like they could start to wobble at any time. They never do just feels like it. I've heard tell that the older wings with the smaller forks were like this. Do they all feel like this? Could it be front tire? Has a Metzler on it (probably 60 percent). Possibly swingarm on rear and if so can you check this just by feeling for movement? Also seems like I feel every little crack in road and I know this is probably tires. On country roads you do more herding than steering. Any hwlp or advice will be greatly appreciated. Enuff rambling. THANKS! JACK

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Whiskerfish

· #2 · Aug 7, 2009

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Didn't the 1200's come from the factory with a fork brace?? If not that is where I would start. If there is one there you might check the torque on the screws or bolts however it is put together.

Bschofield

· #3 · Aug 7, 2009

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Whiskerfish wrote:

Didn't the 1200's come from the factory with a fork brace?? If not that is where I would start. If there is one there you might check the torque on the screws or bolts however it is put together.

I agree, I have an 81 and it did not come standard with the fork brace, mine dances just like you are saying, and i am going to get a superbrace with the expectation of it fixing the problem.
so .. i would verify your brace has not been removed, then verify all of the bolts are torqued to spec, and that there are no cracks in the brace.

Dusty

· #4 · Aug 7, 2009

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How about the fork seals are they good ?

tracker

· #5 · Aug 7, 2009

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usually when mine does that its the air pressure in the front forks

DaveO430

· #6 · Aug 8, 2009

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Was it the forks or the rear shocks you had rebuilt? Whichever one you didn't do is probably the problem. Also when rebuilding the forks/shocks, using a heavier grade oil i.e. 15w instead of ATF will improve handling and ride.

Dancinbear

· #7 · Aug 8, 2009

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Could be worn swingarm bushings too............

Shooter

· #8 · Aug 8, 2009

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Dancingbear, just wanted to ask how the ride home on the 1500 was, and also congrats on the deal. I know, wrong forum page...:action: :gunhead:

Bike...and Dennis

· #9 · Aug 8, 2009

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Change to a freshMATCHED SET of Bridgestone tires. Metzlers gave me nothing but handling grief.

With that low of mileage,the only other possibility is a loose axle or fork tube.

Dancinbear

· #10 · Aug 8, 2009

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Everything went just fine Shooter.... left NYC at 14:00 hrs. Got to Youmgstown Ohio by nightfall. Back in N Central Iowa the next day @ 22:30 hrs. Fun run across the country... Pennsylvania is beautiful, as are the women.

erwjww

Discussion Starter · #11 · Aug 8, 2009

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Front forks were the ones redone. New seals bushings and all. Like I said before had front wheel bearings replaced to. What is easiest way to check swingarm? Will check fork brace and torque on bolts. When I stop the forks compress and don't come back until I take off. THANKS

busdriver

· #12 · Aug 8, 2009

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I agree with B&D. Make sure you have a matched set of tires. I had wandering issues with a mixed set of Dunlop E2/3 tires.
Changed the front tire to an E3 to match the rear and it rides like a new bike. Straight and sure footed.

You might also consider checking the steering head bearing torque.

tunnow

· #13 · Aug 8, 2009

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had a similar feel to my 77 gl1000 when I first rode it couple months ago, checked for swingarm play with bike on mainstand and tried moving back wheel sideways, was no movement. Adjusted rear shocks to hardest notch and removed problem. Is all good unless her indoors gets on the back then the problem comes back. Need new shocks or unless solo riding. Cheers Tunnow

rb7632

· #14 · Aug 9, 2009

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I had the same problem with my 81 1100i. The solution for me was adding a front brace and (more than anything) changed to a new set of Bridgestone S11 Spitfires.

I am sure that the "wobble" was from cupping on the rear tire. Mine was badly worn but even a tire with decent tread can develop cupping and make it a bear to handle.

Great ride now, no wobble and handles like a dream.

JimC

· #15 · Aug 9, 2009

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Check for cupping on the tires. Run your hand around the tread to see if you feel dips in the surface. My first guess would be the front tire. HTH

JimC in NC (USA)

erwjww

Discussion Starter · #16 · Aug 9, 2009

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OK, Bike on center stand, front wheel raised. No play anywhere,everything feels good and tight. Fork brace and bolts all to specified torque. Axle bolts to rifgt torque. I can take handlebars and wobble them back and forth and let go and they keep wobbling for a bit. Tires not cupped either. Just trying all suggestions. I don't see any movement anywhere on stem or forks. Anyone else had this prob?

hummer5205

· #17 · Aug 9, 2009

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Erw I have a 96 gl1500 se & I never had a problem with the steering head shake until A DRUNK GAL smacked into me & I hit the gal in front of me ! I replaced the bearings & both tires & no more problems ! & now I just had a new front tire put on cause I had a matched set of elite 3 tires & the front one had almost like bumps in it & the rear tire had cupping so bad it looks like it has finns on it so I will never have elite 3s again because of the cupping ! I will this time go with bridestone in the front & when back is worn allthe way down get a bridgestone for the back ! The only other thing is maybe the tripple tree may be bent or may have a crack in it ! anyway good luck ! Craig

Big Cahuna

· #18 · Aug 9, 2009

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I just read where you said the front forks compress but don't release until you take off? That don't sound right. When stopped and front brake is applied, if you rock the bike forward, the front forks should spring back immediately. Something may be binding, very weak springs, or they put too heavy a wt fork oil in them.Also check your rear shocks for leakage and air pressure, might need to adjust that also.,,

Bike...and Dennis

· #19 · Aug 10, 2009

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Good catch Cahuna...

OK ERWJWW, I think you're going to have to align the forks. There is only one right way to do it and lots of wrong ways. And it's extra tough on a GL12.

cyclewizard

· #20 · Aug 10, 2009

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Check for low tire pressure, I had a customer that was complaining his 83 Gl1100 was wobbling after I rebuilt his forks.
So I told him to bring it back and I would take a look at it, after thoroughly going over the bike I couldn't find anything wrong, so I decided to check his tire pressure and it was at 21 psi. front and 23 psi. in the rear.
I set his tires to 41 cold and I haven't heard from him since.

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