Suspension or something else?

[RVF82]

Hi, this is my first post on the new forum so hello to everyone.

Just picked up my RVF today and took her for a spin when I got her home in the van. Couldn't wait to get back, as after owning an NC30 some time back and enjoying that so much, thought this would be much of the same. But... when I got to the first bend which happened to be a left, she seemed to dive. Then when leaning to the right she seems very twitchy and reluctant to turn. Also when riding in a straight line and taking both hands off the grips, the bars seem to vibrate back and forth. I have noticed a leak from the left fork. So, I'm not sure if this is the cause or maybe something like the head bearings. Any suggestions would be gratefully appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Psychosomatic88]

HI and welcome RVF82.

Not sure I fully understand your proble, there.

My first question is therefore about how agressive is that vibration, are we talking a slight vibe, steady rocking or more like a tank slapper?

In which case it may be easiest to eliminate any wheel and bearing issues. Is the wheel straight, true and unbuckled? with no flat spots? excessive play in wheel bearings and headstock bearings?

If there is leaking fluid then perhaps one has more oil than the other and is thus unbalanced. Regardless of any obvious handling issues, I would rectify this immediatly with new oil and seals.

Is it standard suspension? and at standard settings(fork legs dropped through the yokes) etc?

[fastdruid]

Are the forks and yokes straight? Are the wheels in line?

Druid

[RVF82]

Hi, thx for quick reply.

In regards to the Bars, its more of a steady back and forth motion, not violent enough to throw the bike off course. Suspension looks standard to me and hasn't been dropped through the yokes. Will have to remind myself how to check excess play in the bearings. Never done it on anybike I have owned to be honest, as I haven't experienced this problem before.

Would I be right in saying that to check head bearings, apply the front bike and try and rock the bike forward and back to see if the forks move.

And to check the wheel bearings try and move the wheel from side to side. If i'm wrong I've just made myself look pretty stupid I guess.

Guess this post should of been in the workshop section. My apologies.

[blackcat]

To check the head or wheel bearings...first jack up the front so wheel completely off the ground.

Head stock. Handlebars should gently fall from side to side under their own weight..not loose !! Also move the bars and under full movement you shouldn't feel and notches in the steering. Finally, grab lower ( no need to hold front brake on ) forks and pull/push them backwards and forwards..again no play should be found. Head bearings may just need a tad tighteneing up if minor play is found. If notchiness is found when moving bars left to right, then new headstock bearings will be needed.
Wheel bearings. From the side of the wheel ( again no brakes needed) grab the top and the bottom of the wheel and pull/push sideways...any play here will need new bearings.
Finally spin the wheel to see if it is true.
Oh, and new seals and oil in fork legs are a must if one is leaking ( do them both )

Cheers

[royster81]

what about the tyre pressures ?

[arsey30]

what about the tyre pressures ?

Yes, I would look at front tyre first, soft or worn? or tight head bearings possibly.

[RVF82]

Thx all, I'll check when I get some time during the week. Hopefully it'll all be resolved before next weekend (got a sponsored ride out to Cromer).

Cheers

Dan