wing front end wobble

[glenwegener]

Okay, I just bought a 2002 wing and the front end wobbles back and forth when slowing down. I took the pressure off the bars and wow, really bad. I have read a lot of strings on this but I guess I want to see what really worked for anyone who has fixed this problem. I bought from a dealer and I am trying to get in touch of original owner to see what he has to say about it. It appears the rear tire is pretty new, and I would guess he did what I have done for years, change front after installing the second rear. ( 2 to 1)
Thanks

[thrasherg]

I have the exact same problem on my 2004, I thought it might be due to the raised height of the bike (running aftermarket Progressive suspension which makes the wing sit 1" higher than stock) but many others seem to have the same issue. I have found that running a higher tyre pressure (I run 45 psi front and 48 psi rear) reduces the effect (doesn't stop it) and a new front tyre also reduces the effect, but after 5000 miles on the front tyre it is back in full strength! I just live with it, but would love to know a cure. Have greased head bearings (no difference) tried thicker grades of fork oil (no difference) tried different rear preload settings to see if that would help (it didn't), I could try other tyres, but I like my Avons so I just live with it (make sure I always have at least one hand on the handlebars at any time).

Gary

[glenwegener]

I have the exact same problem on my 2004, I thought it might be due to the raised height of the bike (running aftermarket Progressive suspension which makes the wing sit 1" higher than stock) but many others seem to have the same issue. I have found that running a higher tyre pressure (I run 45 psi front and 48 psi rear) reduces the effect (doesn't stop it) and a new front tyre also reduces the effect, but after 5000 miles on the front tyre it is back in full strength! I just live with it, but would love to know a cure. Have greased head bearings (no difference) tried thicker grades of fork oil (no difference) tried different rear preload settings to see if that would help (it didn't), I could try other tyres, but I like my Avons so I just live with it (make sure I always have at least one hand on the handlebars at any time).

Gary

I guess I will start with a new tire and dynabeads. Thanks for the input. I would thing Honda being I have read so many complain about it, would have a fix! Anyone else have input?

[Viking]

I guess I will start with a new tire and dynabeads. Thanks for the input. I would thing Honda being I have read so many complain about it, would have a fix! Anyone else have input?

You are starting with the best possibility of fixing it. New tire, and properly balanced. Now, run at least 43 pounds of air in that tire (disclaimer: should not run more air than the side wall states). If this does not fix it, look at wheel bearings and steering head bearings, both of which may contribute to a shimmy when slowing down.

[MikeB]

I have found that it is a classic problem with the Goldwing. It comes and goes with changes of tires. I seriously doubt you will ever get rid of it totally. It sometimes depends on the brand of tires and at other times it depends on how they are mounted and balanced.
If it goes away with new tires, it may come back in time. If it is there with new tires, it will undoubtedly be there for the duration of time those tires are on the wheels.
Both my GL1500 and GL1800 have had the problem off and on. The head bearings are properly torqued and the wheel bearings are in excellent shape.
I have learned to live with it when it pops up.

[Rednaxs60]

The OEM steering head bearings are similar to a bicycle type ball bearing. Changing to a tapered roller bearing (aftermarket) can make a difference.

Cheers

[waituntilthebeep]

Both my '89 1500 and my '12 1800 have at one time or another had the Wing Wobble. From my experience, it is tire related. For awhile, it went away when I went double dark and and put a Battlaxe rear on the front. Now that the tire has 25k on it and the tread pattern is starting to get a little worn, the wobble is back in full effect again. I blame the problem on a front suspension that amplifies torque and vibration but I am no engineer. I did put a fork stabilizer on and that seemed to limit it a bit.

[K&JGoldwing]

I'm no expert by any means, but have heard that installing a slight rake on the front end helps with that wobble. The 4.5% rake, or the 6% rake might help, but I think its slightly more expensive than trying a new tire. So trying the new tire first, with dynabeads for balancing is a good idea. If that doesn't work, you might try the slightly longer rake kit.
Kerry