The Gawd-Awful Wobble

[rcmedic]

Since I first bought my 2005 Nomad 1600 in 2005, there has always been a bit of wobble in the front end. This was true before all of my add-ons like fairing, trunk and etc. I just dealt with it as it was not horrible, just uncomfortable sometimes.
At any rate I had another mechanic familiar with the nomad tell me that I should do two things, the first is check out this link, http://nomad.eurekaboy.com/steeringstemnut.htm and the second was to look into purchasing and installing an item similar to the ones found at http://www.superbrace.com/ to correct the problem. My question is, have any of you come across this problem and if so, what did you do to correct it?

[redjay]

Hi,

I have never experienced a steering wobble on my 05. I can ride it hands free if I want and no wobble at all. It seems a little drastic to have to install a fork brace. I dont tknow how you would install it on a bike like the Nomad with fork shrouds. I trust you have adjusted the steering bearings ? My only guess would be a defect on the front (or possibly the rear) tire.
Have you jacked up the bike and rotated the wheels and closely inspected the tires.

If you are need of tires I would highly recommend Avon Cobras. They transform the bike.

[dogdoc]

I have an '05 since new and its never had a wobble, sorry. I too have Cobras NICE tires.

[dabull]

New tires lessened my wobble.

And later had the steering head bearings replaced (which would also mean adjusting the steering head)...and my wobble is gone,

No experience with the brace.

[eagle]

I found that I would get a wobble if my front tire pressures were low. I run 40 psi in the front and 42 psi in the rear.

[dooley]

Ditto on the steering stem nut.
My 08 has been doing this since I got it 2 weeks ago and I KNOW the mechanic at the "stealer" just plain forgot to check the torque on his assembly procedure.

I'll get to it, eventually....

[macmac]

Brad, If you never greased the bearings there I would do that, and or replace them if they are found bad. Set that adjustment the way the link shows.

If your passing lamps are ground to the firks and there is no other ground wire from the forks to the frame, and bthere is NOT stock add one. It might be if the bearings are damaged any that a poor ground is the cause, as well as lack of factory grease, which is typical.

A lot of us, not me but many can set up a wobble slowing rapidly and letting go with both hands.

That usually is fixed by the same method, and or a new ft tire.

I don't think the brace will work on a Nomad. There is no place better than 5.5 inches up from the fender to place one.

There is a steering damper, which I haven't seen used in years, and would need custom mounts and I don't know of anyone here with one.

Pretty much a sideways mounted adjustable shock from the forks to the frame. With that I hope someone still makes them.

[cactusjack]

My 2007 had a wobble since new. New tires made no difference. About a year ago, I cleaned and greased my steering head and adjusted it just a bit tighter than the book specs called for. No more wobble.

[ringadingh]

I have had quite a wobble. Finally installing new tires cured it for quite a while but it is back now, I'll be installing new tires again, and checking the steering head bearings,

Like Eagle said low on air in front can cause that. bike will also be all over the road. Will notice more if tire has 4 or 5 thousand miles on it. But your probebly not that lucky.

[macmac]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

My 2007 had a wobble since new. New tires made no difference. About a year ago, I cleaned and greased my steering head and adjusted it just a bit tighter than the book specs called for. No more wobble.

A key point CJ

[rcmedic]

Thank you guys. The issue has never changed over the years even when I had new tires on it. I think you may be on to something with the checking and adjusting of the bearings for the steering head. I will let you know.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

My '08 has never had any type of wobble. Just replaced the front Bridgestone today and it had 10,996 miles on it with no cupping and pretty normal looking wear. It was down to the tread indicator. I put Dunlop Elite 3's on front and rear and love the feel and handling. The rear was replaced at 9,523 miles so I managed to get 1,500 more miles out of the front. Have to say to anyone the Dunlop Elite 3's are great riding tires and made in the US.

If new tires didn't cure your wobble then the steering head bearing does sound like your problem

[yoda]

Switching to Dunlop E3s made mine disappear. Others have said the wobble returned as the new tires wore in, but it has been over 7000 miles since replacement and it hasn't returned.

[zoom45]

I had a wobble but I replaced the stock Bridgestones with Dunlop D404 and never had another problem. They were "cupped" around the edges. The Dunlops have never given me a problem. On my 4th set now.
Zoom45