The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: timburn on September 02, 2014, 03:28:31 PM

Title: And another thing!
Post by: timburn on September 02, 2014, 03:28:31 PM

My front end gets a little squirrely over 75. Under 75 steady as a rock. 83 R65 LS. Front end seems tight. Any thoughts where to start. Wheel,tire,bearings.
Thanks in advance,
Tim

Title: Re: And another thing!
Post by: Bengt_Phorqs on September 02, 2014, 05:52:05 PM

Balanced wheels
Wheel bearings
Swing arm bearings & correct preload.
Just to start.

Title: Re: And another thing!
Post by: Luca on September 02, 2014, 07:16:04 PM

And tire pressure.  If you are running natural rubber tubes you really should be checking (and most likely re-inflating) them at least once a week.

My '82 LS sees 85+ mph daily and if I neglect the tire pressure the high speed handling suffers.

Title: Re: And another thing!
Post by: nhmaf on September 02, 2014, 09:11:24 PM

+1 All of the above ---
What are you running for tire pressures?
Are you riding with saddlebags ? They will cause all sorts of wobbles at high speed with the slightest cross breeze.
A few PSI low in the front tire can certainly also cause speed-related wobbles.   Dry/notchy steering head bearings, fairings, loose swing arm pivots/lock nuts, or worn out rear shocks can all contribute, too.    We'll need to know more about your setup, etc. to provide more specific help.

Title: Re: And another thing!
Post by: steve hawkins on September 03, 2014, 03:01:44 AM

I also would be looking at tires first. Especially them being matched and wear.  A flatted of rear tire can upset the handling of any bike.

Cheers

Rev Light

Title: Re: And another thing!
Post by: montmil on September 03, 2014, 02:51:51 PM

An easy way to check for proper steering bearings preload:

Bike on centerstand with front wheel off the ground with front wheel positioned straight ahead.
Ever so slightly, push forward on one of the grips.
If the front wheel flops over quickly and bangs the steering stop, the bearings are too loose and need help. Properly loaded, the front wheel should roll over gently until it reaches the stops. No banging about.

While you're at it, also feel for, and even listen for, a "ratchety" issue coming from the bearings. If you've got that, it may be time for new races and bearings.

When was the last time the forks were dropped and the steering stem bearings cleaned and greased?

Forgot this... Confirm proper grease and preload of the swingarm bearings.