Some vibrations

[Zorba]

I notice more and more some strange vibrations from my front Wheel when out riding.
Mostly noticeable when going for the curves. It feels like two gear wheel connects somehow, very strange.
Not used to ABS bikes, could that have something to do with this vibration/sound?

[FM-USA]

Possible tire cupping?
Dunlop E3 have deep treads, I know those will have a vibration in turns.

[Zorba]

Tire seemes ok. Threads are down to 2,5 mm.
I had hoped you guys felt something as well so it would be a ABS standard sound.
Maybe it´s the Wheel bearing thats on the go.

[FM-USA]

Getting back to the treads. I gave up on E3's mainly for longer tread life. When I switched tire brands, noise gone.
What their noise is, is very similar to tire cupping. What happens on E3, as a tread groove contacts the pavement air is pressed out then rushes back in. That sound gets transferred to the bars as minute vibrations, generally undetectable until noticed. The grooves are off to the side & that's why you feel it in turns not upright.
My knowledge of ABS is on cars but still I've never witnessed vibrations from it, just stuttering from grab & release of the pads and metal to metal buzzing at speeds.
Raise the front wheel and try wobbling the wheel sideways. Turn the tire a little, moves the bearings balls, and try again & again. Also place a long screwdrivers handle to your ear, the other end on the outer axle then slowly rotate the wheel. Same for other axles end. Rotate at different speeds. You'll hear a grumbling if a bearing is bad.
Since you're noise curious on your Wing, pickup a mechanics stethoscope at a tool store, generally around $10.00. It's worth it hearing minute noises before "X" gets out of hand.

[Zorba]

Seemes like I have to do a major surgery at the front. Just found out that left fork is leaking.
Damn, did not inspect this at purchase, it was just having it´s MOT done a month ago.
No, I Think the leak started when I drove it home and maybe this is linked to the vibrations
as it is leaking a lot now and the vibrations has increased. Did not notice the vibrations when I
tested the bike Before purchase. Do you Think missing fork oil in the left fork can create
some vibrations even driving straight but most noticeable in curves?

[FM-USA]

1 or 2 weak forks (whatever reason) will un-dampen an out of balance tire.

Can you post a pix or two of your front tire?
Straight on an slightly angled viewing about 1/4 of it's circumference.

[Zorba]

Update.
Major surgery was to change Wheel bearings, new fork seals and a new tire in the front.
The strange feeling when turning was almost gone. Now it is back.
Think it´s the rear this time.
The rim, tire, brakedisc and final drive was kind of hot when I touched them right after an hour of driving.
The rear brake caliper was not that hot so it might not be a brake issue. Front rim tire and other parts was rather cool
in comparison. I opened up and took the oil out from the final drive to look after traces of metall but nothing.
What a hell is bugging me this time?
Doesn´t feel ok riding with this.

[FM-USA]

Update.
Major surgery was to change Wheel bearings, new fork seals and a new tire in the front.
The strange feeling when turning was almost gone. Now it is back.
Think it´s the rear this time.
The rim, tire, brakedisc and final drive was kind of hot when I touched them right after an hour of driving.
The rear brake caliper was not that hot so it might not be a brake issue. Front rim tire and other parts was rather cool
in comparison. I opened up and took the oil out from the final drive to look after traces of metall but nothing.
What a hell is bugging me this time?
Doesn´t feel ok riding with this.

Have you check the Schwing arm bearings?
If they're loose, it'll feel like turning on "tar snakes". Tire feels like it's sliding sideways on ice.

[Zorba]

Have you check the Schwing arm bearings?
If they're loose, it'll feel like turning on "tar snakes". Tire feels like it's sliding sideways on ice.

It´s not like that at all for me. Especially when turning right it reminds me a little of the same feeling like driving on those painted
lines at the side of the road some countries have to warn a driver that´s on the go to run out of the road.
Not that harsh as actually do it because then the whole bike/car vibrates a lot but it´s the best way to describe the feeling.
When turning left, not very much and going straight, it´s not there.
I suspect it´s the final drive bearing this time. It is something that creates heat in the rear.
I´m lucky to have a final drive/swingarm/brakedisc and caliper as spare which I bought from a guy who made a trike of
his GL1800. But I don´t want this issue now.
Rear tire hasn´t many miles on it and odo says almost 110 000 km.

[MikeB]

At 6,000 miles or less the tire wear will cause the issues you are describing. Inspect the tread, you will probably see wear that resembles roof shingles. the tread will have uneven heights. This will cause the vibration and noise you are experiencing.

I would certainly suspect the tires long before any bearings in the rear.

[Zorba]

I have inspired the rear tire pattern.
You are spot on, there is hughe differences on the rubbers height, especially where the rubber begins to curve.
So this could be the issue, never thought that. Thanks.

[Zorba]

Do you think this tire is crap?

[MikeB]

I am sure the tire is fine and is just worn a bit. I assume you will be replacing it soon.

Cupping, which is more accurately described as scalloping is a natural wear pattern on motorcycle tires and it will always follow the tread pattern. It is not a sign that you have bad suspension parts. It merely shows that your tire is indeed gripping the road when you make turns. This cupping develops within the side wear bands of a leaned motorcycle. The extreme forces that come in to play when the bike is leaned in a turn are what produce the effect and when the wear becomes sufficient, one will experience vibration and noise when one banks into a turn.

There is a wealth of information here at this website: http://www.rattlebars.com/tirewear/index.html

[Zorba]

Yes, booked my tire dealer as soon I read your post.
Will be performed on Monday.
Very curious to see if the vibrations/noise disappears after this. I will post an update.

It doesn´t seem to be many Goldwing riders that experince this and I wonder of course why I had it.
But I will keep real good track on my tire pressure in the future.

[MikeB]

Actually, almost every Goldwing rider experiences the tire noise. Do a search for Tire Noise in the forums. You should see several entries.

[Zorba]

Thanks for all answers.

I have been Ebay-shopping some today.
For next season my GL gonna get progressive springs in the front and rear, forkbrace and an anti-dive kit.

I also want to remove crome and replace it with black parts. A longer process when parts is so expensive.
Maybe powder coat some and paint plastic parts. Is it possible to remove crome on the steel parts and on the plastic parts,
anyone knows a way?

[FM-USA]

Chrome is a fine surface protector, thwarts dents & corrosion. Rough it up, prime & paint.
Tire noise generally comes from tread that dead ends. This traps & releases air and creates a "pop" sound. Tires called slicks & those with lots of tread that crosses are generally quieter, except knobbies.

[Zorba]

Tire change is done. I took the Elite 4 as I already have the same in the front.
Vibrations is gone.
The unmounted tire was a Metzeler Marathon. It was in really bad shape. 40-50 mm long and 2-3 mm deep cracks all over both
sides and of course the uneven Surface creating the vibrations.

[MikeB]

Metzler has proven to be a very poor choice of tires. I think you should read what the members of this board have been saying about the Metzler Tires viewtopic.php?f=10&t=37981