[LotusSevenMan]

Out for a ride today with my local RE club in the UK.
Noticed a bit of headshake from the ol' girl. Took one hand off the bar to point out a left turn and it became quite shakey.
I assume wheel balance as it has only done about 1,300 miles in total so don't think it's the headbearings.
So, Yes, No?
Popular opinion says..............................??       
Cheers in advance.....LSM

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

Get yourseld some dynabeads.

[Slider]

What's a dynabead?

[Chasfield]

Tyre pressures?
Tyre profile?

I once had a bike that had spent time hitched to a side car. One hangover from its previous life was a near square-section front tyre. I knew it needed replacing but hadn't got around to it. Then one day it showed me the meaning of the term "tank slapper" -  at 45 mph. Just managed to keep it upright and stay out of the hedge.

I went shopping for a new tyre (plus underwear) shortly thereafter.

[LotusSevenMan]

Well they are the original Indian Avon tyres and they are five years old, but profile is the usual rear fairly square section and the front rounded so nothing too unusual there

I had a Suzuki GT250 that had a pair of Michelin tyres fitted that didn't suit the bike. Gave all sorts of problems so maybe profile or maybe age hardening etc has created a problem perhaps with the RE.

Pressures are spot-on as I checked that one first off!!!!!!

[Spitting Bull]

Lotus - have you changed the front tyre recently?  I did, and I found that there was a wobble when I held the bar lightly with one hand. (Quite noticeable with both hands off.) Not serious or worrying, but it wasn't there before.  I put the bike on the centre stand to get the front wheel off the ground, then let the air out of the tyre and just pushed the tyre against the rim, all the way round.  I re-inflated the tyre and the wobble was very much reduced.  (Still not happy though, as I think it may accelerate tyre wear, so will be repeating the operation).

Edit - just read your last post, which you must have sent while I was typing.  I would get the front wheel off the ground and spin it, looking for run-outs.  I see there is no new tyre in your case, but something seems to have changed).

Tom

[1Blackwolf1]

Well they are the original Indian Avon tyres and they are five years old, but profile is the usual rear fairly square section and the front rounded so nothing too unusual there

I had a Suzuki GT250 that had a pair of Michelin tyres fitted that didn't suit the bike. Gave all sorts of problems so maybe profile or maybe age hardening etc has created a problem perhaps with the RE.

Pressures are spot-on as I checked that one first off!!!!!!

I would say seven year old tires would/could be a problem.  I would cast a vote toward that, or a inner tube with a bubble on it were the tire is weak trying to push through the tread/sidewall.  I've personally not seen tires go that long on age.  But of couse I'm in an area were we get 90 degree days during the summer and -degrees in the winter, so our tires don't always last as long as other areas.  Will.

[Bath Bullet]

I have 8 year old Avon SM's on mine, done just 807 miles, there is not even the slightest of side wall cracking, so I might just be lucky, but I will keep a beady eye on them and the least bit of problem or signs of, they will be off!
Mine are Avons but made in England, or so it says on the tyre.
Sorry, tire, you say 'tomato. we say tomarto'.
Lotus, I had a Suzi GT 250 M, I got rid of the O.E. Bridgstones ASAP, they were crap and dangerous back in '76, and put a set of Dunlop Red Arrows, they were worse than the B.S!
I put a set of Avon (original) Road Runners on, and they really suited the bike!
The new Road Runners seem to be of a different pattern now though.

[dewjantim]

You might try checking the torque on the steering stem. If those bearings are to tight or loose it might cause some headshake.......Dewey.

[PhilJ]

Wheel balance is more up and down. Try what DewJ said.

If you can release both grips without a wobble, then with one hand tap the end of a handle grip. If a wobble is induced and remains, more than likely it's the steering head torque.

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

What's a dynabead?

http://www.innovativebalancing.com/motorcycle.htm

[geoffbaker]

Definitely the tires are reaching time to be replaced; I'd start with that and while you have the tire and tube off, check the spokes - any serious bump can start a process which will rapidly lead to an unbalanced wheel...

[Leonard]

Get yourseld some dynabeads.

Have you used dynabeads?  How did you like them?

[LotusSevenMan]

Cheers Chaps!!!
All about the areas I considered playing with.

The bike is taking a slight back seat now as I have a new toy to play with. A Ducati 748!!!
Don't worry. The RE is far too much of a hoot to leave for long as I smile a lot when riding it and that's gotta be a good thing IMHO. 

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

Get yourseld some dynabeads.

Have you used dynabeads?  How did you like them?

I am ordering some soon. I have talked with a number of people on the Ural boards, and on adv forum, and they swear by them.

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=344330&highlight=dynabeads

[Suitor_Stu]

I have 8 year old Avon SM's on mine, done just 807 miles, there is not even the slightest of side wall cracking, so I might just be lucky,

I'm in the same boat as you SB, my tyres are the original ones from 2002 and show no signs of cracking - confirmed by the shop I sent my wheels to be repaired at!

I've heard lots about the Avon Roadrunners and quite fancy getting myself a pair, but because the Speedmasters have so little mileage on them (it's about 2000 or so now) i'm kinda reluctant to just jack them in right now.  Am thinking about doing an epic 'World Tour of Scotland' (Billy Connolly stylee) next summer so I may replace them at this stage, but not right now.  Besides, I've just purchased myself some aftermarket Hagon shocks to soften the rear end up a bit so I'm interested to see how this affects the handling by itself...

Stu

[LotusSevenMan]

Oooh.
Keep us informed about the feel of the Hagons Stu!!!
My Avons are not cracked etc and have only done 1300 miles so it might just be an age hardening thing perhaps.
LSM

[Suitor_Stu]

I will do LSM, but I'm in no hurry to fit them - plan to do that when it's really too cold to ride and given that I've just bought myself some real cold weather gear that may not be for another month or two!

Having said that, we've had quite a few days in the single figures (Celcius wise) this week and I even woke up with frost on my car this morning, so that time may be coming sooner than I think...

Should prob just stop being a girl and switch to my full face lid...

Stu