Front end wobble/shimmy

[DanDiver]

I rode the bike 200 miles last night to Naples with 0 problems or noticeable shimmy or wobble. As soon as I started up the bike this morning, after checking tire pressure, and upon leaving the parking lot, a very noticeable severe wobble was felt at low speeds up to about 15-20 mph. At highway speed the webbed stopped. I was close to a the BMW dealer in Ft. Myers. They checked the tire pressure (it was fine) and almost immediately said the problem was the steering damper. Upon inspection, it had come unattached where it mates in the rear near the fork.

The lock bolt was missing, threads fresh and silvery. They replaced a locking bolt and reattached the steering damper. Said it should be good to go.

Reattaching the damper did not cure the problem !

Dealer then suggested replacing steering damper when I get back to Tampa.
Parts $283.00
Labor 4 hours @ $70.00 (Can’t see how it can take 4 hours to install.)

Total $565.


It seems like it would be fairly easy to replace the part. Just not sure how it is attached on the bottom rod above the front fender. Is it loose or does it bolt in. Seems that the damper simply screws in to the back.


K1200 is a 2002 with 20,000 miles
There is NO noticeable cupping on the wheels,
10,000 miles on both tires / still lots of tread
problem started immediately upon beginning ride
Air pressure between 42-44 lbs.

Any suggestions? I did a search and most seem to think it is tire cupping. No cupping on my tires.

[amarider]

It could very well be the damper but.

Check your tires again.
This time look for a bubble on the sides of the rear tire and or a belt delamination. Spin the rear tire and look very closely at it from different angles.

[DanDiver]

Thanks John,

After a closer inspection, the rear tire valve was split and had developed a slow leak. Can't believe that neither I nor the two techs discovered the leak. The REAR tire was very low. Now I'll need to get the valve replaced and see if that fixes the shimmy. Thanks again.

Funny though that the front damper was completely loose and unattached. My guess is that the shimmy shook it loose.

I'll get the valve fixed and let you know if that solves the problem.

[meese]

Rear tire problems are easily transmitted through the frame and felt at the front end, often at the handlebars.

Glad you found the problem without it suddenly failing at speed. How long has it been since the valve stems were replaced? Was this done at a BMW dealer, or other tire shop?

And I don't get 4 hours to replace a steering damper. You do have to remove the front wheel to get to the lower bolt, and heat the two bolts to get the Loctite loose, but I'd say removal and replacement should take no more than 1/2 hour.

Also, the steering dampers can be rebuilt. I think Raffy offers this service, as well as a couple of other places.

[DanDiver]

Rear tire problems are easily transmitted through the frame and felt at the front end, often at the handlebars.

Glad you found the problem without it suddenly failing at speed. How long has it been since the valve stems were replaced? Was this done at a BMW dealer, or other tire shop?

And I don't get 4 hours to replace a steering damper. You do have to remove the front wheel to get to the lower bolt, and heat the two bolts to get the Loctite loose, but I'd say removal and replacement should take no more than 1/2 hour.

Also, the steering dampers can be rebuilt. I think Raffy offers this service, as well as a couple of other places.


The real problem was a low rear tire/ hidden by a disconnected front steering damper.

Scarry part is that I rode the bike 175 miles at interstate speed before really determining the problem.

HINT: Front tire shimmy, check back tire pressure.

Valve stem was probably installed with the new tire, about 1 1/2 years ago by BMW dealer. I am assuming they installed a new valve, maybe not. I never asked.

Thanks for all of the helpful information and correct diagnosis.

[Dick]

The real problem was a low rear tire/ hidden by a disconnected front steering damper.

Scarry part is that I rode the bike 175 miles at interstate speed before really determining the problem.

HINT: Front tire shimmy, check back tire pressure.

Valve stem was probably installed with the new tire, about 1 1/2 years ago by BMW dealer. I am assuming they installed a new valve, maybe not. I never asked.

Thanks for all of the helpful information and correct diagnosis.
Hey, Dano - gotta thank you for the post. Glad you didn't have a serious boo-boo during all that.

That thread is a great learnin' experience for all LT owners --- several items of interest in there. And you can bank on my pre-ride check list now including that leetle damper, which is easy to check, as well as tire condition in addition to pressures. The leetle thangs that can bitecha and ruin your day. Thanks again.