Front end shake/vibration at over 70mph
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Front end shake/vibration at over 70mph
Hello all,
Just collected a used 2017 R1200RT LE with 13,000 miles showing- first bike of mine that’s not a supersports!
Such a surprisingly nimble bike for its size - however I’m getting an issue with pronounced vibration or oscillation from the front bars that only appear above 70mph.
I’ve had the bike fitted with new tyres, and balanced both - however the issue still remains.
One other issue is gearbox/clutch chatter when the bike is in neutral + clutch biting point is almost at the end of the clutch lever travel.
Wondering if any of you here that have more experience with this model could shed some light on the cause and fix of the two issues above?
Eternally grateful in advance!
Just collected a used 2017 R1200RT LE with 13,000 miles showing- first bike of mine that’s not a supersports!
Such a surprisingly nimble bike for its size - however I’m getting an issue with pronounced vibration or oscillation from the front bars that only appear above 70mph.
I’ve had the bike fitted with new tyres, and balanced both - however the issue still remains.
One other issue is gearbox/clutch chatter when the bike is in neutral + clutch biting point is almost at the end of the clutch lever travel.
Wondering if any of you here that have more experience with this model could shed some light on the cause and fix of the two issues above?
Eternally grateful in advance!
- Stu
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Re: Front end shake/vibration at over 70mph
Hi and welcome to the forum
with the vibration/wobble are you riding with the top box? if so try it without
clutch chatter is pretty normal
The clutch biting point is a common complaint see here viewtopic.php?t=6563
with the vibration/wobble are you riding with the top box? if so try it without
clutch chatter is pretty normal
The clutch biting point is a common complaint see here viewtopic.php?t=6563
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Re: Front end shake/vibration at over 70mph
Hi - thanks for the response - no top box, just panniers.
- Stu
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Re: Front end shake/vibration at over 70mph
Odd one
The only other real explanation would be head bearings but at such low mileage they should be fine
Also the steering damper would probably mask a head bearing issue
If you got it from a dealer I would be taking a trip back to them
The only other real explanation would be head bearings but at such low mileage they should be fine
Also the steering damper would probably mask a head bearing issue
If you got it from a dealer I would be taking a trip back to them
- exportman
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Re: Front end shake/vibration at over 70mph
Try loosening the axel clamps and quick release then bounce the front end with the front brake on, then tighten up again.
As you have had the front wheel of it could just need re-centering.
As you have had the front wheel of it could just need re-centering.
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Re: Front end shake/vibration at over 70mph
Thanks - issue was present before the tyres were changed and still present after new tyres fitted and wheels balanced.
Will have the head bearing looked at. Can it be checked like a normal bike by gripping the front brake and bouncing the front end watching out for play? No previous experience with a telelever equipped bike
Will have the head bearing looked at. Can it be checked like a normal bike by gripping the front brake and bouncing the front end watching out for play? No previous experience with a telelever equipped bike
- Stu
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Re: Front end shake/vibration at over 70mph
I would get the front off the floor to check which is easy enough just get someone to sit on the rear when on the centre stand
Then hold the bottom of the forks to check
Then hold the bottom of the forks to check
- David.
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Re: Front end shake/vibration at over 70mph
Just a thought, is it possible that the steering damper itself may be part of the problem.
- Stu
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Re: Front end shake/vibration at over 70mph
by not working properly it could be showing the problem!
Maybe we all have the issue but the damper stops it?
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Re: Front end shake/vibration at over 70mph
For me, it would be, work my way through from the tyre to the head bearings
Check the tyre, could be damaged
Check the balance weights, have you lost one?
Is the wheel round
Then forks, are they loose, this could be the bearings / ball joint in the 'A' Frame
Finally head bearings
Check the tyre, could be damaged
Check the balance weights, have you lost one?
Is the wheel round
Then forks, are they loose, this could be the bearings / ball joint in the 'A' Frame
Finally head bearings
- 60Aviator
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Re: Front end shake/vibration at over 70mph
Just some ideas:
May have some other info on his channel.
Wheel Spacer placed on wrong side (happened before)
Steering head bearings worn. (Google how to check)
Rim not true.
May have some other info on his channel.
Wheel Spacer placed on wrong side (happened before)
Steering head bearings worn. (Google how to check)
Rim not true.
“I’d rather go down the river with seven studs than with a hundred poopheads” Charlie Beckwith
- David.
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Re: Front end shake/vibration at over 70mph
After reading about similar symptoms elsewhere, here's a suggestion which might not be as daft as it sounds.AcidMonkey wrote: ↑Sun Dec 18, 2022 4:09 pmI’m getting an issue with pronounced vibration or oscillation from the front bars that only appear above 70mph.
When the vibration/oscillation occurs, try pulling in the clutch and closing the throttle. This may help to identify if the problem is with the rolling chassis or being induced by the engine.
- David.
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Re: Front end shake/vibration at over 70mph
This is the thread on ukGSer I was reading, https://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthrea ... ion-judder