84 vf1000f bar wobble

I have had this bike like 7 years and it has had this issue from day one. It is at 24k now, was 16k when it got it. This is one bike you keep your hands on the grips. It is a blast to ride and can still keep up decent with many much more modern bikes. But the wobble does suck. I guess this was a problem with the first gen vfr's so I am sure there are many mods to correct this. Any ideas?

 

...................................

A new front tyre usually cures it, but at that mileage steering bearings may need to be cleaned/inspected/regreased/adjusted or replaced. Wheel bearings should be checked too, along with a change of fork oil.

 

Super typical with those bikes. I've found that it's caused by three factors:


- Bias ply construction front tire
- Fork slider bushing condition
- Steering stem bearing condition

Replacing the front tire usually makes it go away.... for about 500 miles. Then it will come right back. The only complete cure that I've found has been:

- Replace the wheels with ones that can fit radial tires
- Replace the slider bushings
- Replace the steering stem bearings with tapered roller type parts

Doing all three will make the oscialltion go away permanently. I don't think the slider bushings caused anything but rather were the victim of problem and wore out because of it. Good luck!

 

Agree 100%. My 1000F does the exact same thing. New tire didn't help at all. Actually accentuated it. I still need to replace my head bearings though, and I'll go through the forks at the same time. My 1000R doesn't do it at all.

 

I purchased a 1984 VF1000F brand new from the Honda Dealer in Jan. 1985. It didnt have bar wobble at all, until I hit a gas (CO2) cylinder on the freeway doing about 80 mph. It was like hitting a curb. It blew the front fork seals and cracked the lower fairing. Fortunately, I stayed up and didnt end up all over the fwy. I had to ride the thing home, I was still about 25 miles from home. As soon as I got up to speed it had the wobble. Replacing the seals, didnt help, a new front tire didnt help, I even had the front wheel checked for trueness. Nothing helped. I ended up selling it after it sat for a year or so. I always felt that the hit it took must have tweeked the triple clamps or something misaligned the forks somehow. Interesting to read that others have had the same trouble.

BTW, I am a new member to the site. I just picked up 2 1984 VF1000Fs, both are complete with titles, one is running, the other has a cam issue (parts bike). I got them both for $300. I'll get some pictures up soon.

Roy

 

Welcome to the forum. Start up a project thread, post lots of pictures and ask lots of questions. We all like project threads! Good luck.

 

I'd say maybe your situation was a bit different than most! The typical wobble is something that easiest to see when you take your hands off the bars - the front end starts to shimmy. Normally you don't notice this when riding because your hands/arms can dampen out these vibrations. Even so, it's still there and can lead to various problems. Not the least of which is excellerated front tire wear.