Front tire

[nomad38028]

Guys, I've noticed the past couple of rides that when I'm cornering at 20mph or greater, there seems to be vibration from the front tire when it's on its side. As the bike comes to center it stops. The tire is properly inflated and I see no wear issues. 10,000 miles on it, ( I replaced the rear at 8,000)

Any ideas?

[ve3hzz]

I'd likely check the front wheel and make sure that the bolt is torqued to the proper spec. Infact I would take the front wheel off, check the wheel bearings at the same time.
Prop up the front wheel, try to wiggle the tire from side to side and if you notice any play at all you may need new wheel bearings. I'd suggest if that doesn't produce any problems, then take the front wheel off. inspect the axle shaft to be square (roll it on a bench and see if there is any high/low spots) and then repack the front with new wheel bearing grease. Also at the same time check the brake pads and that they are not dragging on one side and both are wearing evenly. Does it do this on one side or the other? If you lean LEFT does it do it more then when you lean RIGHT?
If that doesn't produce any changes then next to check is the driveshaft/rear end for any vibration issues when under load again in a turn? Check rear tire pressure as well to be sure.


Hope that helps...good luck and let us know what you find.

Scott

[Jared]

Are you sure the front tire isn't cupping? Take a real close look at the wear on the tire. It's pretty common for a bike this big to wear irregularly.

[redjay]

Run your hand around the tire. Check for anything unusual or any irregularities in the tread, especially towards the outer edge of the tread.

[ve3hzz]

Originally Posted by Utah Motorcyclist

Are you sure the front tire is cupping? Take a real close look at the wear on the tire. It's pretty common for a bike this bike to wear irregularly.

I didn't see any mention of tire cupping? or wear issues with his tire in the post Jared? He did say it was a vibration issue in cornering only? which lead me to think it maybe with the wheel possibly and it seems to only due it under loading. I haven't heard of cupping (unless extreme) causing vibration of the type he described but I guess it's possible???

Scott

[ringadingh]

I agree with Utah and Redjay. I'll bet if you run your hand around the tire you will feel where it is cupped.
Front tires also can get noisey while cornering, and sound just like a bad wheel bearing.

[nomad38028]

I've felt around the tire and "think" I feel the edge of the treads. It does happen left or right cornering. I plan on replacing the front tire this summer. I'm mainly a weekend rider and think I can hold out til then. It's the stock Bridgestone. I repalced the rear with a 180 Metzeler radial, and could tell the difference right away. I'm sure I'll go with Metezler on the front too.

[boomerang2120]

Originally Posted by nomad38028

It's the stock Bridgestone.

Bingo ! Mine did the same thing when I first got my bike. I've heard others say that the OEM Bridgestones are known for this. No harm checking the rest of the suggestions out, but my money is on the tire.

[ve3hzz]

Originally Posted by nomad38028

I've felt around the tire and "think" I feel the edge of the treads. It does happen left or right cornering. I plan on replacing the front tire this summer. I'm mainly a weekend rider and think I can hold out til then. It's the stock Bridgestone. I repalced the rear with a 180 Metzeler radial, and could tell the difference right away. I'm sure I'll go with Metezler on the front too.

OK now that we have the REST of the story..LOL I would replace my original post with this.

GET RID OF THAT Fing BRIDGE STONE!!! I had it on mine for years as to stubborn to replace a tire that had lots of tread life left. Well it did the same as yours as a matter of fact...forgot that one (sometimers).

Mine wallowed in corners sometimes, it did have a slight vibration (which we thought was from the rear) etc.

I replaced it with an ME880 to match the rear and it corners better, it handles better....I keep forgetting Kawasaki is still putting that POS tire on these bikes!!!!

I loved my truck tires from them, but NEVER again will I EVER put one on a bike PERIOD!!!!

When you replace it i'd still check the wheel bearings and repack as stated, but until you replace that tire I wouldn't worry about it being anything else right now.

Scott

[nomad38028]

LOL, Well Scott it would appear you are not alone in your fondness of the stock Bridgestone's...Several tire reviews I read prior to buying the Metzeler rear tire were, well, even more vocal than yourself..LOL

I, like you, just hate to repalce a tire that's got another season in it, but $140.00 is well worth the change. I just got off the phone with "my motorcycle guy" and the order in in the works, I will have him repack the bearings, I feel sure he would do that anyway, he's a top notch guy and knows Kawasaki's like no one I have ever met.

Thanks

[ve3hzz]

Originally Posted by nomad38028

LOL, Well Scott it would appear you are not alone in your fondness of the stock Bridgestone's...Several tire reviews I read prior to buying the Metzeler rear tire were, well, even more vocal than yourself..LOL

I, like you, just hate to repalce a tire that's got another season in it, but $140.00 is well worth the change. I just got off the phone with "my motorcycle guy" and the order in in the works, I will have him repack the bearings, I feel sure he would do that anyway, he's a top notch guy and knows Kawasaki's like no one I have ever met.

Thanks

No worries, I was like you but realized that it needed to be done!!!

Glad to hear you've got it taken care of!!!

Let us know once you've replaced it how it feels. Testify brother testify!!!!

Scott

[macmac]

Get rid of that junk brick stone ASAP. I would suggest the Avon Cobra. I get to check out many different bikes and while that tire isn't on my bike now it will be the next one.

I thought my radial Dunlop 251 was good, but after riding another 1600 Nomad with the same Car Tire as mine on back and that Avon Cobra, I want the 251 off and gone.

The only metz's any good are the German made. If you get the brazilian made it's junk too IMO

I have no idea why ,ma Kawii install these bricks, no one wants them.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

10,000 on a Bridgestone is to the point it needs replacing. I would also think cupping is the culprit. Sometimes it isn't something you can see but when it is put under pressure during cornering you will feel it.

[ringadingh]

After trying Metzelers a couple times I agree with Mac, after switching to Dunlops I found that they feel good the longest and give a decent lifespan.

[nomad38028]

Well I do know my Metzeler is a German made tire and I have been very please with it on the rear, but here's a question: Why would you guys put a car tire on a bike? I know a friend that did it on his Kaw 2000 and loves it. His excuse is he was tired of spending 200 bucks every two years on a rear tire.

I see it this way: Motorcycle tires are naturally softer for a reason, you ONLY HAVE TWO OF THEM. Most of us own a bike for the enjoyment, that being said why would you take a chance and run anything but a motorcycle tire?

If it ever gets to where I can't afford a motorcycle tire, I'll just sell the bike.