Horrible Handling

[Lucky_Lou]

This weekend "Gertie" was playing with the big boys i started the day early did 200 miles and felt from the off that something wasn't quite right.We were riding on some sections which were no more than cart tracks others were fast twisting roads usually a dream on the bike but Gertie and i seemed to be having a bit of a domestic...i wanted to go left she didn't.
We were riding alot harder than i would normally but in convoy so i had to keep up.Andrew behind me on his 1150rt was laughing his socks off at me fighting through the bends, when we got back to base we discussed the problem,  he thought the swinging arm may be the problem as there appeared to be a bit of a gap between it and the frame the wheel definitely didn't look straight. On closer inspection today with my brothers r65 the swing arm gap was about the same as his but there's alot of play on the back wheel so ill strip it next week and check the bearings.
Any thoughts welcome..
Ta Lou

[montmil]

There's supposed to be an even gap between the swingarm bearing tubes and the frame so you're probably good to go there, Lou. You could check preload on the bearins but I'm betting one or both of the rear wheel bearings may be Tango Uniform. Or the axle nut has loosened.

My 1981 acted like a drunken sailor on shore leave when I did a pre-buy ride. Sat the bike up on the centerstand and sure 'nuff, you could rock the rear wheel side to side. I did a post couple years ago about fitting new rear wheel bearings. It's no biggie for you.

Let us know what you discover. Inquiring minds and all that...

Monte

[Bob_Roller]

When was the last time you checked your tire pressures ?

I recall a post by you a year or two back, you hadn't checked the tire pressures in over 6 months, the bike was 'acting odd' at that time  !!!!

[montmil]

When was the last time you checked your tire pressures ?

I recall a post by you a year or two back, you hadn't checked the tire pressures in over 6 months, the bike was 'acting odd' at that time  !!!!

Uh Oh! Lou may get a yellow card.

[Lucky_Lou]

When was the last time you checked your tire pressures ?

I recall a post by you a year or two back, you hadn't checked the tire pressures in over 6 months, the bike was 'acting odd' at that time  !!!!

Uh Oh! Lou may get a yellow card.

Knowing it was to be a big day i gave Gertie a good going over before the off lube, tyres, grease ect ect.....however i got a red card off the wife last week when the engine management light came on on the car and we went to pick it up after servicing "dave" our trusted mechanic stupidly said i know you check your bike over after every ride ( we talk about such stuff as he as a BM rider) remember to check the oil in the car every now and again as you had run out?? Dooh [smiley=behead.gif].
Ill let you know the outcome.
Lou  

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Well it's not like she never burned the pot roast!  

OK, don't use that argument with her.  Humbly throw yourself on her mercy and hopefully good nature and tell her you just didn't know what you were thinking.  After she forgives you then go check your wheel bearings.

[Lucky_Lou]

Let us know what you discover. Inquiring minds and all that...

Monte

Got Rained off work this morning (for the benefit of those in Aridzona that's wet stuff that falls from the sky) the weather is in for the day so i stayed in the workshop and stripped the rear wheel off. Having warmed up the hub the bearings would not budge there's a hell of a lot of play so their definitely passed their sell by date.
Not wishing to damage the wheel i took both (front and back) over to Andrew at Mollsprings, him being our local BMW guru and discretion being the better part of valor.
This means Gerties off the road for a week until he sorts it ill strip the gearbox off and do a spline lube while im waiting.
 http://mollsprings.co.uk/
It was worth going just to see some of the bikes hes working on.
Lou

[Ed Miller]

When we get new wheel bearings, do the dealers also sell shim kits, or do we have to go to Duane Ausherman for them?  I think mine aren't doing so well either.  If nothing else, they need re-shimmed.

[Lucky_Lou]

When we get new wheel bearings, do the dealers also sell shim kits, or do we have to go to Duane Ausherman for them?  I think mine aren't doing so well either.  If nothing else, they need re-shimmed.

You dont get shims from Motorworks or Motobins over here.
Lou

[Lucky_Lou]

With a nod to Bob Rollers bearing thread...ive just picked up the wheels front and back bearings and seals 60pounds fitted..Andrew is a saint it would have cost me that just for the bits sadly no time to rebuild Gertie this this weekend.
Lou