Steering problem

[gphilp]

Hi there,

 

I have a fairly new Honda CB400 (1.5y old).

But the steering feels really heavy for a small bike and if I take my hands off the handlebars to check if it's going straight, the front wheel and handlebars start wobbling around like crazy and you have to grab on quick before you're shaken off. I've been riding bikes for many years in Europe and I know this is not right. But I also don't know what the problem is.

Can anyone tell me what would cause this?

 

I have 1 month to take the bike back for any repairs, faults etc. to be fixed.

Not too impressed with the bike shops around.

 

thanks for your help

Gregor

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

I would check the tyre itself. Underinflation causes abnormally heavy steering. If she's on unidirectional tyres, check that they are mounted the right way. Silly I know but some overlook this.

 

Wobbling may be a wheel balancing issue. Check both front and rear wheels as damage or improper balance to each wheel contributes to poor stability.

 

Motorcycles are not built to threaten you with tankslappers, for sure.

 

One question - does the motorcycle run entirely straight, or does it appear to be traveling at a slight lean when you drive forwards? I would inspect the front forks as well if the suspension is creating off-center force (indicative of prior damage, etc)

[Raptor]

Prop the front of the bike up so that the handlebars can be moved from one side to the other freely.

 

Check for freedom of movement and that it moves past the centre without any catching. If it catches at the centre (when handlebars are straight) it means the steering cone race is dented by the ball bearings.

 

This will require a steering cone replacement.