Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

I have noticed that when riding quite slow (under 20kmph) that I get a strange vibration through the bars.

A mechanic once told me that Kwaka's are a little unstable at slow speed due to the steering geometry; is this related and normal for these bikes?

Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated.

did you tell him to go and eat shit? coz he is full of it

I dont have that problem at all so you might want to go and get it checked out else where. maybe your tyres are buggered. I am sure Neka will have an input to this.

I've never noticed anything like that with mine. My guess would be tyres too.

Do you think your bike is unstable? If so, maybe you need to look at your suspension set up, otherwise don't worry about it. If it comes to a choice between listening to some mechanic or believing your own experience, then there should be no contest. Just because some wrench monkey can pull a bike apart and put it back together again doesn't mean he (or she) automatically knows shit about riding it - or setting your bike up properly for you.

I don't think my '06 is unstable at any speed (apart from normal rider-induced wobbles).

havent ridden one, but have ridden a few bikes... i can ussually take my hands off the bars and coast in low gears no drama..and im not the most stable bloke...

anyway..it sounds like shit to me...heres a checklist

tyres?? are the pressures ok?? are they flatspotted or worn unevenly?? are they square? are they balanced??

axl- is it bent??

are ur brakes wearing evenly?? are ur discs warped??

who set up ur suspension?? are ur fork seals gone?? are the forks bent??

could be a host of things..start with the simple stuff, and work thru to the harder stuff...

yres?? are the pressures ok?? are they flatspotted or worn unevenly?? are they square? are they balanced??

axl- is it bent??

are ur brakes wearing evenly?? are ur discs warped??

who set up ur suspension?? are ur fork seals gone?? are the forks bent??

Pressure front 34 psi 36 psi back
Axles,forks,seals are all straight as far as I know.
Dynoverks set up my suspension; well the guy next door to them; works with them.
Brake pads are less than 1000km old.

One thing is; it is nothing to over the top the vibrations.
I can take hands off the bars any time with NO steering wobble or anything like that.

Id love to give someone a ride who is familiar with these bikes and see what they think?
This problem could be in my head for all I know

eastla wrote:

yres?? are the pressures ok?? are they flatspotted or worn unevenly?? are they square? are they balanced??

axl- is it bent??

are ur brakes wearing evenly?? are ur discs warped??

who set up ur suspension?? are ur fork seals gone?? are the forks bent??

Pressure front 34 psi 36 psi back
Axles,forks,seals are all straight as far as I know.
Dynoverks set up my suspension; well the guy next door to them; works with them.
Brake pads are less than 1000km old.

One thing is; it is nothing to over the top the vibrations.
I can take hands off the bars any time with NO steering wobble or anything like that.

Id love to give someone a ride who is familiar with these bikes and see what they think?
This problem could be in my head for all I know

Throw me the keys one day. I owned one for 17,000 magic kilometres! They are an awesome bike and mine never had what you describe! Your right though, it may just be in your head. But best to be sure. I'll take a little run up the Reefton just to make sure for you!

Strika wrote:

eastla wrote:

yres?? are the pressures ok?? are they flatspotted or worn unevenly?? are they square? I'll take a little run up the Reefton just to make sure for you!

No offence but the Reefton is a bit far for me to travel to give you a test ride
If you are anywhere near Moorabin though; perhaps you could take it for a quick squirt.

eastla wrote:[
If you are anywhere near Moorabin though; perhaps you could take it for a quick squirt.

Moorabin?????? Do the words FUCK OFF strike a chord with you???? Happy to have a quick ride for you, but farked if I am travelling! Get your arse over my way and I'll happily check it!

Strika wrote:

eastla wrote:[
Get your arse over my way and I'll happily check it!

LOL!

What part of Melbourne are you situated?

Moorabin too far away ??? WTF ??? HTFU sucker !!!


EastLa - Strika will test your bike............test the lean angle, thats for sure (he will do a great job, and will definitely know what the story is with the vibration...)

could be a number of things. Tyre would be no1 guess, also try lifting the front wheel (may have to put it on the side stand and tilt!) and turning the bars full lock to full lock. It should be smooth and easy - if it's not stem bearings are shagged.