Hey guys, I got a 2002 F4I about 2 and a half months ago, as we approach the riding season little by little I had some questions for you guys.
So on my bike there's no factory installed steering stabilizer and I have no idea if it causes my death wobbles. Every time I hit about anywhere from 118-127 I get wobbles and I cant seem to pass them. I genuinely have no idea why, I've tried tightening my grips on the handlebars and pushing down towards the front end, and it works for a bit but I know that tight grips isnt good. I have tried scooting back on my seat all the way, being closer towards the tank, riding with my hands super loose and still nothing. Whenever I get these wobbles it's nothing crazy so I just roll off the throttle and it goes back to normal. I had some pretty bad wobbles the other day going about 129 or so and it caused my bike to be misaligned. I took it to a shop because I wanted to see what else was wrong. They told me that my triple bottom was bent and that I needed a new steering bearing. So I got both. I still get the wobbles. I'm tempted to just pull the trigger on a steering stabilizer, but I don't want it to mask the problem that's underlying. Tires still have plenty of life left from when I bought the bike from the previous owner.
So I guess my main questions would be, should I get a stabilizer, if so, which one? I don't want to break the bank but I know safety is expensive. What could be causing my bike to give me speed wobbles when I'm going that fast and not getting the front off of the ground?

Sorry for the long text, I'm kind of a talker, Thank you guys!!

 

Hey there.
A stabilizer isn’t going to fix your issue. While they are nice to have, they are not crucial.

There are many things that can cause what you are experiencing. An unbalanced tire, an old tire, an imperfect rim, etc..
A word of warning, just because you have tread on your tire, it doesn’t mean it’s good. Tires, especially motorcycle tires have a shelf life. If you are unsure how to do it, do a quick search on how to read a date code on a motorcycle tire.

Be careful, it’s called the death wobble for a reason.

 

Fair enough.
I'll def take a look at my tires and take it into a shop and have them look at it. I will do some research as well.
That's true, thank you for your help!

 

Have a look at the rear shock as well if its badly worn it could cause instability.

 

Mate I too have an 02 f4i and got my first tanks lap death wobblw or whatever I call it scary as $%#& I gave it to it in first but at about 11k went to grab 2nd but as bike lifted I I hit N and limited stepped up to 2nd as front hit then it lifted for a split on 2nd and I wobbled for probly 100m was doin 130klmh lucky I seen somthing about it online and yeah I let go of the bars squeezed tank with legs and leant forward, I went back the next day to look at the road and I had no buissnes doin that on that bumpy ****. Just be carfull and anticipate, awesome bike. But somthing does not sound right I've only hit 200klmh so far b4 I get a new cowling and never had any probs. 90.000klm need fork oil and due tyres