We called that 'soft hands' after the cricket batsman's way of playing, i.e. not holding the handle of the bat too tightly which allows for flexibility - shock-absorbing, even - especially in the arms.
Perhaps it's 'normal' for me since I haven't had the steering wobble on any of my maxis in 22 years of ownership.
I associate with the remarks about banding and other road-surface imperfections but riding with soft hands seems to work as it does in strong wind; we get lots of that up here on the coast.
Mike
Honda Forza 350 - Adso
Honda Vision 110 - Bright "Ignorant people will always be afraid of what's different and will always mock what they don't understand."
Capitano
Proud to be a member of the Ugly Bunch
Do you remember hitting any potholes or the like?
Check the front wheel is true, put it on the main stand, push the brake caliper a bit to release the pads from the disc, get an assistant to hold down the rear end, then spin the wheel, holding your finger as close to the rim as possible while bracing your hand against the fork leg, do this on both sides, the rim should not appear to move in and out.
Check the steering yoke clamps that hold the fork legs in place, are really tight.
Also check wheel alignment, you can do this with a length of string, get an assistant, stretch it from front to rear, it should touch both tyres on two points.
See if fork legs are straight, stand about ten feet away from the forks side on, squat down, and 'Eye up' the fork legs against each other to check one is not slightly bent.
Check steering yoke is straight, squat down and see if front wheel is in line with rear vertically.
I feel your pain, it is annoying when you notice it, weaving steering is a bugger to pinpoint.
No, I don't think I have hit any potholes, although there are a lot round here, and I always try look ahead and avoid them. I checked the fork steering yoke clamps yesterday and made sure the bolts were done up "FT", as was the wheel axle.
I had a ride on the bike for about 40 miles, and there was no shake if I held the grips even very lightly, at low, medium, or high speed, the shake only occurs if I release my grip on the bars.
Thanks black fingernail, for your very detailed response, which obviously comes from a lot of experience, and is much appreciated.
As I've said, I'm now going to leave it unless the wobble/shake occurs again whilst I am just gripping the bars lightly.
'FT' hmm... They should be 'RFT'. Happy to help.
Well... I've been a bike mechanic too long also MOT tester.... thankfully now retired.
I have thought up another possibility, get it on the main stand, get an assistant to hold the front end steady while you push and pull the rear wheel sideways to check the pivot bushes and rear wheel bearing.
I hope you find it.
