Problem with my 02 VFR800....

Hi guys, I'm new to the forums but not to riding. I just picked up my 2002 VFR800 w/5200 miles 2 weeks ago, since then i been mainly reading here on the forums and observing and using search. Ok anyways im running across a issue where if i let go of the handle bars at around 50-55mph the steering starts to shake violently until i grab the handles again. Searching around the forum i found it might be due to steering head bearings (checked for play and was ok), or cupped tires (no tire cupping) these are newer Michelin Pilot HPX. I am going to probably switch to some new Bstone BT016 tires front and rear next week for good measures, is there anything else i should be looking for?

So far i have done Leo Vince slip-on, fender eliminator, and 35watt H4 HID kit, probably buying me a Scotts Steering damper now as well since this headshake is making riding a little uncomforting compared to my stable Gixxer i been accustomed to.

 

Forgot to add pictures of my VFR, this is before my exhaust and ZG windscreen, ill take some new ones later.

 

Ok tell the truth

I have been on both of your bikes and I have to ask.........what do you stick a key in the most?

 

i would have to say my 750 gixxer, it is a complete blast to ride (probably why i racked up 10K miles in 5 months riding it only 3 days a week) Mainly why i bought my VFR to cut those miles down, although not as exciting its a little more comfortable for those multi-hundred mile rides. So far my only complaint is stability, i just dont have the confidence leaning her over with a little less then perfect stability. I keep dragging the long ass peg scapers in the sweepers too, im too used to the peg clearance of my 750 Suzi.

 

oh yea and the suspension is like way too soft for my tastes on the viffer, feels like im on a goldwing compared to my 750.

 

Hows your front tire? Any cupping or abnormalities. As well check your steering head bearing.

edit... Nevermind I just actually read your entire post. I'm :crazy:

 

i had the headshake issue on my cb750. what had happened was that the wheel bearings had gone out. just a little bit of play in those bearings, can cause major instability issues at speed. it had exactly the same symptoms that you discribed. i replaced all the wheel bearings and seals front and rear, and the problem was completely solved. you can put the bike on the centerstand and have someone apply pressure on the back to raise the front, and more than likely you can feel some play and rough spots in the bearings when you rotate and shake the front wheel.

 

wheel bearings seems smooth and tight, also the bike only has 5,200 accident free miles so its also unlikely the cause. I have just come to notice while inspecting the bike closer that both front and rear wheels have no balancing weights at all....not even a sign of one ever being on there.... But at the same time, it is smooth at any speed (i tried 130mph too), its ONLY at 50-55mph with no grip on the handle bars.

 

well looks like you know what youve gotta do... go get those wheels balanced :biggrin:

 

Well i may just opt to just get a new set of BT016 tires, these ST tires dont give me confidence in the corners....escpecially since the knucklehead shop that sold me this bike (on consignment) was nice enough to armorall the tires, brakes and wheels for me prior to taking delivery of it :crazy: Yea...they tried cleaning most of it off after i yelled at them with simple green buy there is still some on the tires.

 

wow law suit waiting to happen ay? you coulda been a really rich man. lol
just kidding. good thing you made it outa that one alive!

 

Yea i made them clean it as best as possible before i left, but unfortunatelty some was still sweating out of the tire bead area.