I've recently noticed a shimmy in my handlebars at speeds between roughly 40 to 55 mph. Don't notice it below 40, and don't plan on removing my hands over 55. This only occurs when I take both hands off to readjust or reposition. Tires on my bike are new - about 800 miles or so on them. I don't feel the shimmy at all when my hand/hands remain on, regardless of what speeds I'm traveling at. Smooth as can be. I spoke to my dealer that I bought the bike from (and I think these guys are just great, by the way). The service manager says the problem is because once I remove my hands and transfer the weight, that is creating the shimmy up front. He says it is not out of balance. I did recently adjust the suspension, making it a little bit more firm. (I had it on the soft side, since I was still getting used to the bike and it seemed a little more forgiving when it was soft). Do you think this has anything to do with it? I swear I don't recall this shimmy in the early stages.
I currently have the same issue with my 2005. Same speeds as well, situation is exact. I had it once before and when I changed the tires it went away. This one started after my track day two weeks ago down at Summit Main. I've tried readjusting the suspension and it doesn't seem to go away. I double checked to ensure that I hvae both fork tubes set the same and it seems that they are. I changed the brakes two nights ago as well (probably could have waited another 10k miles) but did so to see if that woudl fix it and no dice. I'm as stumped as you are. By the way, mine does completely go away after about 53 mph. I've taken my hands off at 60 and let it decelarate and the wobble starts at 53 and continues down to 45. The important thing is that it only happens while decelerating.
Check your front tires. You don't say what condition they are in or what brand. My experience with this issue was similar. Dunlop 204 tires near end of service life were cupping. run your hand over the arc of the tire you should be able to feel the uneveness of tire if it is cupped. This only caused a shimmy on slowing down with hands off bars. which I don't recommend doing but I do it sometimes, too. Anyhoo, New front tire fixed my shimmy.
Interesting...my original tires were Dunlops and that's when it happened first and the tires I'm running now are Dunlops GPAs from the track day. I'll check the cupping tonight.
I don't have my bike with me at work today, so I can't go and check. I am sure they are Dunlops, but don't know which model. When I bought the bike back in January from a dealer, they put new tires on it. And since I am in the process of reacquainting myself with riding, I was going real easy on them for the first few hundred miles. I know tires don't last that long, but seems unlikely (impossible??) that I'd need a new tire after 800 miles. Not like I peg it around every turn. :smile: Agreed, by the way, that no hands is not recommended. As I mentioned, its for that brief shift in position, realign the jacket, adjust the pants, etc.
Dunlops are known to do this. I don't want to start another tire thread. this is just my observation and experience. I have never had this problem occur with Michelins or Metzler. I run Metzler Sportec M3 on my bike. I like em and they work well for me.
