Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Riding Techniques => Topic started by: NAKID on May 02, 2013, 08:01:52 PM

Title: Front End Feels....?
Post by: NAKID on May 02, 2013, 08:01:52 PM
It feels unsettling. I ride a lot of freeway now (over 100 miles a day) and those freaking "seams" in the freeway, where 2 sections of the freeway meet. Whenever I cross one, the front end shimmies. Feels like it's gonna throw me into a tank slapper. Of course that's an exaggeration, but that's what I equate it to. Any ideas what's causing it or how to correct it?
Title: Re: Front End Feels....?
Post by: Howie on May 02, 2013, 11:19:48 PM
Most likely head bearings or wheel bearings.  You need to get the weight off the front and the wheel off the ground to check for play. 
Title: Re: Front End Feels....?
Post by: Raux on May 02, 2013, 11:41:46 PM
honestly? have you checked your tire pressures?
Title: Re: Front End Feels....?
Post by: ducpainter on May 03, 2013, 04:11:29 AM
It's those 3 year old tires you decided not to replace. ;D
Title: Re: Front End Feels....?
Post by: NAKID on May 03, 2013, 06:03:21 AM
tire pressure is good. I'll have to talk to my tech and see if he checked bearings when I had it serviced.
Title: Re: Front End Feels....?
Post by: Speeddog on May 03, 2013, 07:43:11 AM
How many miles on the bike?
How many miles on the tires?
Which tires?
Title: Re: Front End Feels....?
Post by: NAKID on May 04, 2013, 12:04:56 PM
Bike only has about 6k miles. Same for the tires. Front is a Battlax, rear is a Pilot Power.
Title: Re: Front End Feels....?
Post by: ducpainter on May 05, 2013, 05:29:29 AM
Quote from: NAKID on May 04, 2013, 12:04:56 PM
Bike only has about 6k miles. Same for the tires. Front is a Battlax, rear is a Pilot Power.
Is the front the OEM tire?

If so it's 7 years old.

Way past time IMO.
Title: Re: Front End Feels....?
Post by: NAKID on May 06, 2013, 08:20:26 AM
So as it turns out, rear tire has a slow leak. Looks like I'll be getting new tires sooner than anticipated...
Title: Re: Front End Feels....?
Post by: Raux on May 06, 2013, 10:38:41 AM
I win  ;D
Title: Re: Front End Feels....?
Post by: NAKID on May 07, 2013, 06:36:57 PM
New tires (Pilot Road 2, the 3 weren't in stock and I really wanted to get off those tires) put on today. Night and day difference, even without all of the mold release scrubbed off. Much more confidence inspiring. I'm much happier.
Title: Re: Front End Feels....?
Post by: Skybarney on May 09, 2013, 08:33:37 AM
The battleaxe had a tendancy to cup the front tires ever so slightly unless the suspension setup was spot on.  Add to that low tire pressures and Voila! wobble wobble wobble.....

New tires are always better than old.