Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech changed handle bars, more wheel wobble.

I just went from America bars to speedmaster bars from
newbonneville.com, i had a bit of wheel woble before, now its worse. the new bars are not as wide as the old ones, i was thinking that (handle bar-end weights) might help. Thats what the are supposed to do right? has anyone tried bar-end weights to try to fix this problem?

The bars are not the problem it lies elsewhere. Check out other posts on this subject. My wobble was fixed when I put new tires on. I think the wobble appears worse because the SM bars are shorter and so it will move in a shorter arc so as to seem faster.

Ditto on the new tire. New tire fixed the wobble on Wendys bike.

I only have 1000 miles on my tires, that seems crazy, i will have to take my to the dealer. thanks for the input.

Yeah , the longer bars act as a harmonic balancer , like the "dumbell" balancers on a power line . Shorter bars and smaller rotating mass ( wheels and tires ) exacerbate the affect . Mine wobbles 40% of the time , lots of theories out there , but no definative solutions . New tires seem to be a valid remedy . Adding weight to the outer extremities of the bars will help , i.e. heavier , taller mirrors , heavier chrome grips , end weights , ect .

P.S. Next time you have the grips off , try an internal bar end weight , resin - lead - resin plug affair .

You might check your steering stem bearings.Are they too loose? I have seen this on other bikes in the past.You do not want them too tight or loose.Check the manual or have it done.You want this setting correct.It is and can be dangerous if they are way tight.If you are not sure have it checked out.Years ago I had an old Honda went into a tank slapper at 80+mph---NOT fun!!!

I think that the longer bars also gave you more leverage to hold them straight. Mine wobble too when I'm right around 40 mph, and I've got a new front tire on it. Dealing with it is my remedy.

I went with smaller bars a long time ago and never had any problem. Only wobbling/vibration was caused by an idiot mechanic that left old wheel weights in place when I bought a new tire, and front wheel being out of true. Bought a truing stand and did both myself.

As mentioned else where I changed my speedie bars for m bars which are shorter and in a very slightly rotated down position the wobble can hardley be felt. but let go of the handle bars just the same wobble as with speedie bars.
I suspect the mbars put more weight (from the rider)on the front end thus reducing the wobble effect even though it is still there at the same amount.
Not a cure but I love the bars great comfort for me.
Also just put on a 19 tooth sprocket very different let you know how it goes.