wobble in front w/o holding on to the bars

[geraldlanc]

Today I let go of the handlebars on my 08 GL/MotorTrike at 30mph and the front end started to wobble. I don't notice a wobble when holding on. Is this normal?
Gerald

 

[Memnoch451]

1 Does it have a rake kit?
2 If it does have a rake kit.. you might have tire issues or Balance
3 Don't take both hands off the handle bars!
4 Rake kit take out "most" of the Wobble but you may still get a little at very low speeds... Let's say 10mph or less.

 

[jfingalls]

Get used to it and keep at least one hand on the handlebar and the wobble will subside.

 

[Scott1]

Get used to it and keep at least one hand on the handlebar and the wobble will subside.

:Agree: Something you can't get rid of unless you crank down on the head bearings which you do not want to do.

 

[Bikerbozo]

Any kind of steering damper?That might make all the difference.

 

[bluetrikes]

With a bit of mod to front Guard you can fit a Block K tyre will fix the problem, gives way better traction and no skipping in the hard corners only issue is tire not rated for excessive speed

Cheers

 

[bustedwing]

Most trikes with straight rear axil will have a slight wobble in the steering at low speeds. 30 mph sounds excessive to me, check your tire pressures. Both rear tires should be at the same pressure, and of course check the front tire pressure. Look at the front tire, do you have cupping on the tread, check all the way around as you could have it on one side and not the other.Possible balance problem?At different speeds?Do you have the problem on accelerating or decelerating? Could be a problem with rear end torquing one way or the other, bad bushings.Have someone with a good eye follow you to see if the trike is "dogtracking" such as the rear axil is not centered with the trike .Hope this helps.

 

[Sarge]

1. Replace head bearings to roller instead of ball.
2. Install a rake kit (that will replace the head bearings as it comes with the rake)
3. Centramatic wheel balancers.
4. New front tire if cupped bad.
I did all this to my 02 Lehman after going through the same experience years ago. I can drive no hands (which I don't) and there is no wobble at any speed.If it wasn't for the crown in the road it goes straight as a arrow. It's a little pricey but if you do any kind of riding it's worth the investment.. Just Sayin!

 

[bustedwing]

You have the same trike kit as I have but is it also straight rear axil? I am asking due to don't know when or if Lehmen went to independent rear axil.Also this is the first I have heard of the Centramatic wheel balancers, can you elaborate a little pros and cons?Thanx, Bud.

 

[Memnoch451]

1. Replace head bearings to roller instead of ball.
2. Install a rake kit (that will replace the head bearings as it comes with the rake)
3. Centramatic wheel balancers.
4. New front tire if cupped bad.
I did all this to my 02 Lehman after going through the same experience years ago. I can drive no hands (which I don't) and there is no wobble at any speed.If it wasn't for the crown in the road it goes straight as a arrow. It's a little pricey but if you do any kind of riding it's worth the investment.. Just Sayin!

I agree %100 Plus you might be able to just tighten the stem up a touch... don't get crazy.

 

[Sarge]

You have the same trike kit as I have but is it also straight rear axil? I am asking due to don't know when or if Lehmen went to independent rear axil.Also this is the first I have heard of the Centramatic wheel balancers, can you elaborate a little pros and cons?Thanx, Bud.

As of now Lehman does not have IRS they are all straight axle rear ends. Centramatic has been around for years mainly used on trucks and trailers in recent years they developed them for motorcycles. You can check them out at Centramatic They work great and you only need them on the front wheel. Make sure your rear wheels are balanced too.:wave4:

 

[Bob Witte]

<snip>....
3. Centramatic wheel balancers.

Always interested in technology, I looked them up. Cost is about $100 a wheel and only works on some bikes. You can get very similar results with 3oz of Dyna Beads or the dry powder called Equal Tire Performance (Google them for sources). The latter choices cost a small fraction of the Centramatic options. I use the Dyna Beads myself and the riding difference is dramatic and immediately obvious.

 

[clint44]

A pair of raked trees will take care of the problem. A steering damper will too but might be difficult to fit.

 

[trucker]

I had a rake kit with tapered bearings & new front tire with Dynabeads installed on mine when I triked (Roadsmith IRS) my bike and lost all wobble.