Tank slapping anyone???

[Lumberjack]

I am experiencing tank slapping (not full tank slapping - yet...) at approximately 50 kilometers per hour (30 miles per hour). When I take my hand off the handlebar to wave at this speed I feel it start to slap (a little bit) and the handle bars start to oscillate. Well, last night I took both hands off and it worsened to the point it has me concerned now. It appears it is only around this speed. I raised the front end and grabbed the forks to see if it was loose and it appears okay.

I have a 2003 Vmax with 18,000 kilometers (11,000 miles). New Metzler 880's with 2000 kilometers (1200 miles) and it basically stock. I haven't seen anything in the forum and am wondering if it is just me or is this common with others?.

thanks
mikE

 

[Buster Hymen]

I am experiencing tank slapping (not full tank slapping - yet...) at approximately 50 kilometers per hour (30 miles per hour). When I take my hand off the handlebar to wave at this speed I feel it start to slap (a little bit) and the handle bars start to oscillate. Well, last night I took both hands off and it worsened to the point it has me concerned now. It appears it is only around this speed. I raised the front end and grabbed the forks to see if it was loose and it appears okay.

I have a 2003 Vmax with 18,000 kilometers (11,000 miles). New Metzler 880's with 2000 kilometers (1200 miles) and it basically stock. I haven't seen anything in the forum and am wondering if it is just me or is this common with others?.

thanks
mikE

Tank slapping and weaving issues are a common problem with the VMax that can be traced to either the head bearings being too tight/too loose/needing grease or the front tire being under inflated or some physical issue with the tire. Do a quick search, there is a test to see if your steering head bearing is at the correct tightness.
When this is fixed, you won't have this issue.

I found the step by step for checking the steering head bearing. It is here

 

[dannymax]

Also run a search on 'The Bounce Test' what you're describing is a 'low speed wobble'...as Buster said, very common!

 

[Frosty72]

But for now stop waving and doing the "look Ma, no hands"!!

 

[rusty]

http://www.youtube.com/user/one2dmax#p/u/10/OW-CmACI5xQ

 

[alorio1]

Better get that special tool that Dingy sells, you will wanna check your head brgs often, plus all the other suggestions others have made. Be sure and do the bounce test also.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW-CmACI5xQ

 

[firefly]

A weave can be caused by over tightened steering nuts while a wobble is due to a loose steering nuts, the wobble is what you're experiencing

 

[Lumberjack]

Thanks guys, I did the bounce test and it needs to tighten it. Will do it tomorrow as it is too late tonight...

 

[VMAX NV]

What's the definition of "tank slapper"?

 

[satariel666]

What's the definition of "tank slapper"?

Wobble mostly but, people names a "wave" also by using this phrase.

 

[KJShover]

What's the definition of "tank slapper"?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WU5RH3zaf2Y

 

[tugla]

do not over tighten it, very easy to do that by accident.

 

[Lumberjack]

Definition of "tank slapper"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_wobble

 

[eat crow]

be sure to also check front rim for damage as this ,combined with a damaged tire caused me great problems

 

[ninjaneer]

http://youtu.be/WU5RH3zaf2Y

OOOH that's gotta smart