Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech bike seemed to ride 'bumpy'--don't know why

I'm still working on those first 500 miles. I went out tonight and the bike really seemed to ride bumpy, a little like washboard roads. I tried riding in the middle of the lane and on the left and right. This road is nice asphalt and goes on for about 15 miles. It really seemed markedly different than previous rides on the bike (This is a new 2005 America) and it's the 2nd time I've gone down this street. It seemed to ride funny for quiet a way on this street--usually you think you'd ride out of something like that. Any thoughts, except that I am nuts? I'll have to take the bike out soon and try again.

Anything stuck to your tires? Did it do this everywhere or just on one stretch of road?

Man, if it doesn't feel right, before you go anywhere else, do a good check on the tires for pressure, weights, spokes, weird spots, and suspension and steering and brakes. If it's the road, that's one thing, but you need to make sure it's not the bike. This is not something to screw around with.

Were you going around 45 mph when you noticed this...if so you are not alone...I noticed a very similar event at around 45-50 miles an hour...as has Fishercat...I also assume you have a BA and not the speedmaster...if so it seems to be the tire...I have noticed that it seems to be less severe as I put more miles on it...Fishercat (Ron) assures me it goes away compleatly...he even went as far as to have the dealership check the balance of the tires when he first noted it....no balance issue...AFTER you have checked the other things noted here AFTER...and ruled them out...give it some time and see if it gets better...mine is and Rons did...again this is after you check to be sure that everything is in order and nothing is out of whack or damaged...if all seems well its prob that cheap bridgstone tire...ride that till it needs to be replaced then go with an Avon or Metzler

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then go with an Avon or Metzler

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You'd better ****** well go with a proper English Avon Tyre, unlike these Kraut-loving Speedmaster riders and their Metzlers!!!! I've got Venoms front and rear, fantastic tyres, handle great, and decent lifetime as far as mileage goes. I'm getting ready to go to #2 on the front with 23,000 miles on the bike. Makes a WORLD of difference in the handling (not to mention the Venom Sidewall is just plain cool!!)

Yup, Avon's all the way. Those are my next tires.

SK, I think it may be the front springs. My Trixie pogoed pretty bad on slightly washboarded roads. The cure was to install Progressive front springs. There is still the slight feeling of pogoing but it is almost all gone. When I change the front fork oil I will go up 5W in fork oil weight from stock, and I will betcha that will be the end of it. Vegas

BTTT

Hmm, bumpy ride on a smooth road. Is this at all speeds or just above 30 MPH oe so?

If all speeds, try to get the wheels off the ground, 1 at a time or both. Use something such as a yardstick on a box as a pointer touching the tire tread. Turn the wheel slowly while watching the tread and pointer to make sure the rim and tire are perfectly round.
While checking the rear, also watch the chain carefully while turning the wheel 3 or 4 turns around. If the chain jerks at times, you have a binding link that needs lubing. If the chain goes tight - slack - tight - slack, it is unevenly worn and you should consider replacing it.

If the problem is only at speed (maybe worst at a particular range) chances are you have lost a balancing weight.

If it is at all speeds and goes away after 1/2 hour or so, the tires are 'flat spotting' from sitting overnight. This will get better when the weather gets warmer, but it would be a good idea to consider replacing them with a name brand tire (not Bridgestone etc) when you can.

Thanks for the help. Part of me is wondering why I bought a Triumph now but I haven't given 'her' a fair chance yet! I was still thinking about having to do chain maintenance 'so often' and here I am having to consider tires already! Are we having fun yet? I will check the tires ,etc, and get it all taken care of.

Before you go changing parts out (like tires), root cause the problem. As mentioned above, you can check your wheel for true. As also mentioned, it may work itself out.

However, being as your bike is darn near brand new, bring it back to the dealer! Let them look it over if for no other reason that you now have it documented.

Take the easy steps first and don't be in a hurry to start swapping parts. Other than bolting on some bits and pieces and doing the AI removal, my bike was bone stock almost until the warranty was up

Priscilla,
Phil is right....bike is under warranty. Steve over at RPM in Belleville will honor the warranty even though you bought it in Joliet.
Call them at 618-235-4777
You can use my name, Tony G and explain the situation to him.

My husband took it out for a ride...said it's a little bumpy at 30-40, but on the highway at 50-ish it smoothes out. We'll still have it checked out. Funny it didn't start doing something like this right off. I had about 110 miles on it before this happened. Belleville is convenient for me. TonyG, I messaged a couple of times but maybe didn't go through? Still figuring this site out!

Sidekick, if you decide to get rid of the Triumph what would you replace it with? This is not a sarcastic remark, this is a serious question. Also, nearly everyone here has complained that the front fork springs are on the lite side, rate wise, and many have replaced em with progressive springs. Those that have done so are much happier with their bike. Pogoing and brake dive are nearly eliminated. It's about a fifty dollar upgrade if performed at home. Vegas

That sounds like a wheel balance problem. The balance weights they use these days are usually the kind that stick on the rim , and they do occasionally come off. If this is the case, the dealer will have it right in just a few minutes.

Sent you a couple of PM's