Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: jerryz on January 02, 2015, 07:31:00 AM

Title: explain this ??
Post by: jerryz on January 02, 2015, 07:31:00 AM
the s4 weave /wobble above 90mph ???


i have removed the fairing again so bike is now naked  as fairing was cracking at support bracket  points ,

went for ride today , solo the bike starts the small but perfectly controllable weave /wobble reported by many S4 riders above 90mph , and back end is a little bouncy


BUT 2 up thats my  100lb daughter on the back the bike is completely stable at 100mph plus and a lot more ,       no weave no wobble absolutely 100% stable its a different machine

only a tiny bit of preload added to rear ohlins no other mods ,,,

go solo and weave wobble shimmy returns and rear bouncy returns

I am trying to understand the physics and mechanics of what is going on so i can improve the bike when solo ??? which is 90 % of the time .
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Title: Re: explain this ??
Post by: ducpainter on January 02, 2015, 08:00:45 AM
I'd check steering head bearings.
Title: Re: explain this ??
Post by: stopintime on January 02, 2015, 10:25:55 AM
In addition to steering head bearings.... if suspension links are beginning to freeze up - it would be more noticeable with less load.
Title: Re: explain this ??
Post by: Bill in OKC on January 02, 2015, 10:45:40 AM
One thing that happens with a passenger is you change the geometry of the bike.  When you lower the front the bike is more nimble but also nervous.  Raising the front/lowering the rear (passenger) makes it less nimble and more stable.  'nervous' will also make the bike react to road imperfections.  and again check head bearings.
Title: Re: explain this ??
Post by: SpikeC on January 02, 2015, 11:29:32 AM
 Have you set the sag at both ends? Lowering the ride hight at the back and raising it at the front sounds like it might help, butt proper sag is the first step.
Title: Re: explain this ??
Post by: Tassie Dave on January 02, 2015, 05:30:01 PM
I too will suggest rear sag.  That is changing when you add a passenger.

Last century when most bikes had next to no suspension adjustment, I found that if I had the rear set too firm the bike would weave.  Soften the rear and it was fine.
Title: Re: explain this ??
Post by: jerryz on January 02, 2015, 08:32:07 PM
head bearings are new tapere rollers and in perfect nick and adjustment , forks recently rebuilt , bike handle really nice
apart from the  wobble above 90mph solo??

i think raising the forks by 5mm  might be the answer,   sag at rear will be checked again .

weird that 8 stone extra on the rear made such a difference
Title: Re: explain this ??
Post by: danaid on January 07, 2015, 02:30:08 PM
 My bike will wobble when the air pressure is a pound or two low.
Title: Re: explain this ??
Post by: NAKID on January 07, 2015, 05:48:39 PM
Quote from: danaid on January 07, 2015, 02:30:08 PM
My bike will wobble when the air pressure is a pound or two low.

Agreed
Title: Re: explain this ??
Post by: Speeddog on January 07, 2015, 07:11:15 PM
100 lb daughter will run the head angle out to a more stable number.

And it changes the aerodynamics, and the wobble frequency due to mass distribution.
Title: Re: explain this ??
Post by: jerryz on January 07, 2015, 10:30:20 PM
also noticed the wobble is less on smooth tarmac  than concrete  washboard highway  ,,,

still dialing it out with a little raising of the forks and playing with aerodynamics of my body over the tank and  suspension adjustments ,,,tyre pressures etc


i also think that the Michelini PR3 on the front is more susceptable to this wobble than the previous pirelli Rosso Corse 2.......as it was rare with that tyre to notice the effect?????