Speed wobbles at 65mph and higher

[tomtom7]

Took the gz on the freeway for the first time today. The bike managed better than I expected, at least in the slow lane, but I noticed speed wobbles once I hit 65mph. Is this just because of the low bike weight? Or do I need to adjust something (e.g., shocks)?

The best way that I can explain these wobbles is that the bike makes tiny side to side movements. It wasn't difficult to keep it straight, but it didn't feel stable. I don't feel anything like it below 65mph.

[alantf]

Could possibly be front wheel out of balance. Check the front wheel, & you should find a weight fixed to one of the spokes (near the rim). If this is missing it MAY be your problem. If the tyres are old, this could also cause out of balance problems (due to tyre wear). On cars you'll usually notice this problem around 55 mph. One other thing. Is your tyre pressure o.k.? Tyre problems seem to be the only thing that springs to mind. :2tup:

Don't mix up "speed wobbles" with "vibration", as you'll get more vibration with the GZ at highway speed. Not trying to be awkward, but if it's your first time at highway speed with the GZ (and I don't know if you're an experienced rider ) it's possible you may be mixing the two up. The GZ is certainly less stable at highway speeds than bigger, more powerful bikes.

[blaine]

Originally Posted by alantf

Don't mix up "speed wobbles" with "vibration", as you'll get more vibration with the GZ at highway speed. Not trying to be awkward, but if it's your first time at highway speed with the GZ (and I don't know if you're an experienced rider ) it's possible you may be mixing the two up. The GZ is certainly less stable at highway speeds than bigger, more powerful bikes.

:plus1: :smallrawk:

[alanmcorcoran]

Was the road grooved? If so, you are going to experience a very disconcerting shimmy created by the interaction of the GZ tire tread with the road grooves. You'll eventually get used to it, but until you do it feels like the bike could wiggle out of control. Plus one to the alantf comments. Riding a GZ at highway speeds has a rodeo element to it. The good news is, when you move up to your next bike, freeway riding will seem like heaven.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by alanmcorcoran

Was the road grooved?

Most common cause.
IIRC, the stock GZ has a rib and groove that runs all the way around the center of the front tire......which makes matters worse.

Second, inspect the tires for uneven wear.
Then comes incorrect tire pressure and improperly aligned rear tire.
Could even be wind resistance from an improperly mounted windshield.