Im getting very bad head shake???

Hi guys...
Im getting very bad head shake, eg, when going through a corner the slightest bump causes the bike to go into tank slaper mode.

I have new tyres on so its not a the tyres that have squared off or anything, they checked the wheel bearings when they put my new tyres on, the only thing I can think of is that the headset bearings are loose or something?

Its getting scary

New tyres, eh? OK before this? If so, it's tyre-related. Obviously.

Have you checked the tyre pressures?
Are the wheels balanced correctly after fitment?
Are the tyres the right way round on the wheels (they are directional)?
Is the chain too tight (restricting rear-wheel travel)?

ok the tyres are on the correct way and the balancing was done on a machine.
When I say new tyres I have done about 2000 kays on them and this issue has only started happening in the last week or so.
I will check the tyre pressure this arvo (maybe the gas station's gauge was fooked on the air pump)
My chain is set at the correct amount of play.

thanx for the help Jabba

Check the head bearings as this can truly make a big difference - once mine were tightened the bike responded to bumps in the road surface quite differently and all but eliminated slappers.


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Originally Posted by ShaunSV SA

I will check the tyre pressure this arvo (maybe the gas station's gauge was fooked on the air pump)

Tyre pressures should be checked/set "cold". Your tyres will be warm after a ride to the forecourt and forecourt guages are notoriously inaccurate.

Invest in a footpump and a decent digital pressure guage

Also, you should pay heed to jonboy as I understand he knows all about slappers

Sweet... um... How do I go about tightening up the head bearings?
It does feel very loose when I turn the bars from lock to lock...

Undo the handlebar clamps and move the bars off them (put a cloth underneath them to stop scratching etc), then use a socket to loosen the large nut in the centre. Then the easist thing to do is use something like a screwdriver and hammer to fit in the splines of the adjustment ring underneath the nut (again have a piece of cloth covering your tank in case the screwdriver slips or alternatively raise the tank) and gently tap in a clockwise direction.

The adjustment ring, when tapped, should barely turn easily - if it does and you can move it round, say, half a turn, then the bearings are loose and you will have tightened them with this process. Be careful not to over-tighten and see how you get on.


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Thanx Jonboy. I will be attempting this tonight.
I will let you guys know what happens in the morning...

Originally Posted by jonboy

Be careful not to over-tighten and see how you get on

Should the top-nut be torqued or will the old "three tugs routine" work?

Well every nut should be torqued but personally I'm quite happy with tightening by feel. Each to his own really.


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