New low speed headshake..... causes?

papasmurf - 8/10/2010 9:06 PM

Have '95 GL1500SE rig w/CSC FSIII chair[9 1/2 yrs.].
Is any or all of following a positive cause of low speed headshake NEVER present previously .
1. Steering head bearings possibly not at correct torque pre-load [no movement detected]. Used new lockwasher at re-assembly, after cleaning, inspection & repacking bearings AND torquing 3 times, with ride between 2 & 3.
2. Sidecar wheel lead. All else being correct; would too much OR too little wheel lead induce head shake?
3. Undetected change in toe-in?
Even went around, rechecking bolts & nuts everywhere I could, including mounts, wheels, swingarm bearings. No wheel bearing side play detected.
Nothing else different/ changed on Wing or hack[same tires & pressure, etc.]. Run Unit Forks LL front end and it has brand new Hagons from Unit U.K., before they folded and were on Wing 2 months before problem started. TTFN.....papasmurf

I don't know about wheel lead. Someone else may comment on that.

With regard to wheel shake or wobble on Goldwings, that's a known problem on solo Goldwings. I know you said that it just started but ordinarily the causes are loose, worn fork head bearings and cupped tires.

Since you've addressed everything else, it might be time to recheck toe-in and lean, although those generally only affect whether the bike pulls left or right on a given road camber.

When you say you "run unit forks LL front end", I presume that means Leading link forks. Do you know the rake and trial degrees on that unit? Is the unit solid? No slop in bushings?

Good luck.

papasmurf: Maybe something slipped on the Unit LL after replacing the shocks, resulting in slight misalignment??