The 1999 ZRX1100 that I bought recently, has what I would call a vicious wobble that can start at about 15 mph through 40 mph. I haven't gone any faster because I'm scared of the beast. I noticed that the tires are oversized, Avon RoadRider 120/90-17, front and Continental ContiMotion 180/55-17 rear, as compared with 120/70-17 and 170/60-17 as equipped at the factory. It seems that increasing the profile in front and reducing it in back would increase trail, and wobble. Would changing the tires make enough of a difference to justify the effort? Can I find sidecar-specific, i.e. flat tread, tires for the 17-inch rims or do I have to change them, too? Any suggestions? If I can't fix this, the rig will go back on ebay. It's too bad, because the Hannigan Bandito matches the lime green of the Eddy Lawson replica and is a good-looking outfit.
In theory changing the tire size would change the trail some, But this is more theory then practical. It will not solve your problem. I would make sure that there is no play in the mounts, that the tire pressures are correct and then check the alignment. If it has a steering damper make sure that it is still good and not in need of replacement. Some sidecars will get a bit of a front end shake at much slower speeds then what you are experiencing, when set up correctly if they do have a slight low speed shake usually just resting your hand on the bar is enough to deal with the shake, what you have going on is not normal.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
My question is whether a low-profile front tire and maybe a taller rear tire, would make a noticeable difference. I can control the front end by stiff-arming it, but if I relax just a little it goes into a near tank-slapper and only reducing speed seems to help. Help!
I have an after-market fork brace, but don't have a steering damper.
In theory yes, it would make a difference. BUT not enough to be worth bothering with.
Has trail been reduced on the front end on this bike if so, how was it done? Reduced trail makes for lighter steering. It will not solve a front end shake, it will however make it easier to control a front end shake as over all steering effort is lighter
Jay G
DMC sidecars
I'm not aware of any modifications to the steering geometry. It has the stock forks and triple clamps.
