I need some help. Today, two times I almost lost the bike IN A STRAIGHT LINE. Im not sure what going on, but both times under hard accelleration and me leaning over the bike the front handlebars got loose and wobbled like there was no tomorrow. The first time happened in 2nd or 3rd (dont remember) at about 95 mph and the second time happened in 1st at about 20 mph. Both felt about the same except I had more control at high speed and the handlebar wobble was more aggressive and lasted longer (about 5 seconds). Im starting to get used to the power this bike makes compared to my old f3 and I am riding more aggressive.

Did I break something, or do I just need to get a steering dampner?

 

also, is it possible that doing wheelies constantly has hurt the bike. I can not seem to figure out how to keep the front wheel on the ground. Its like these bikes where made to be ridden on the back wheel usless you are fully leaning over the tank. :-P

 

go to the first reply from me in the "stupid fast"thread-this is exactly what i was talking about!!
imo,the fork springs are not preloaded very well-which can cause both situations that you
have described,however i dont think this effects the heavier riders as bad!!

 

Of course constant wheelies have the potential for doing harm to your bike. The steering bearings in the steering neck are what take alot of theweightof the bike and transfer it to front end. When you have that front end in the air 2-3 feet and then come back down, (I don't care if its a "soft" landing or a "hard" landing) you're putting extra pressure on those bearings. Eventually they will become loose and/or cause pitting in the bearing races. You also may want to check your fork seals to ensure they are not leaking fluid. Constant wheelies may also cause premature failure of your fork oil seals. If one fork is fine and the other is low on fluid, you have a dangerous imbalance.

 

yup leakie forks are a tell tale sign that you have inadvertantly damaged the bike... doing wheelies is really the only way to do it too

 

so check the fork fluid. anyone have any hints for the 954 or fluid should be about 80-90mm down?

 

if what "zerochickenstrips" is discribing is the case-you will see the fluid running down the fork
-blown seal
fluid level can be used to tune the fork performance-for the present time,imo-i would check
and make sure that both left and right side levelsare the same or very close-the bike will need
to be unloaded-so set the preload at the same time-that is when you will find what i am talking
about!!
as far as the bearings go-again needs to be unloaded-when unloaded apply front brake and
shake the front wheel-you will feel it
happy hunting
o8

 

fork seals and fluid for sure!

 

I checked the fork seals, no fluid that shouldnt be there...

Bearnings seem tight put are harder to check.

I think i will buy a dampner and call it a day for now. Does anyone have any suggestions?