My 2016 F6BD is a great handling motorcycle. Sometimes I notice a slight (but noticeable) front wheel wobble. I've heard mixed reviews on fork braces solving this problem. Looking for collective wisdom: success with a fork brace? any particular brand work better or worse? any other wobble fixes I should consider? should I just live with it (which I could) unless tire wear, etc. will become noticeable? Thanks for any feedback.
This would be a good test. I have had success with Dyna Beads. Put 1oz in the front tire and 2oz in the rear tire after pulling the wheel weights off the rim. If you no longer have the wobble, join the club.
In my opinion if you are experiencing a wobble the most likely suspect is the fork head bearings. Not that they necessary need replacing but just an adjustment.
I know some have the feeling that these "fork braces" do help somewhat on certain issues...I cannot render any meaning-full opinions as I do not have one on my F6B....but I am having Traxxion fork springs, new seals, oil, etc. and AllBalls steering head bearings installed later this month by a large dealer here in Michigan that has done lots of these up-dates both on trikes and Goldwings by a tech that has worked on Wings for over 15 years, and he said the fork brace is not necessary and 95% of the bikes he has done do not use them and are fine.....If you are a really aggressive rider and like to take corners fast etc.., perhaps it might be worth a try...JMHO
Hey, opas ride where did you get the work done in Michigan?
If you opt for a brace, then my recommendation is to buy the fork brace that is adjustable. The original super brace was fixed in the center and clamped from the outside. Not every set of forks sits perfectly and this can cause binding. The adjustable ones allow you to adjust the width of the center piece to the fork tubes and tighten, then tighten the outside clamps. Once all secured it's as rigid as the fixed brace.
I had the Traxxion version on my 2003 Wing and it did not do anything for the wobble. It did make slow speed parking lot maneuvers easier, it just feels 'tighter'. Cornering felt better.
Not a problem if you release left side axle bolts and find the center of the movement of forks. The groove line is not an exact placement to prevent binding.Originally Posted by TheWalrus
You'll get as many opinions on the cause of wobble as you will on oil, so I'll throw in my two bits. IMHO, it is tire related. Either the tire itself or the installation (how it seats or balance). This is based upon 154k+ miles on a 2002 Wing and 20k miles on my 2016 F6B. I'll share my latest example. I put almost 11k miles on my F6B with the original Bridgestones and never had any wobble. Rock solid in the wobble range. Had front and rear Dunlop E4 installed and I have had a slight wobble from the very day of installation. It was not enough for me to take the time to go back to my dealer (who does great work on Gold Wings and always treats me well). After putting almost 10k miles on the E4s, the wobble is still there -- no better, no worse. If the wobble is there, you can mask the issue by holding the handlebars with both hands, or in some bases the replacement of the fork head bearings or a fork brace might help, but those just help cover up the real issue. When by Wing got the full monty Traxxion that bike got the near head bearings and the Traxxion (2-piece) brace. That helped with the wobble issue -- for the reasons I stated.
So, I take the time to get it taken care of -- if it is enough of an issue for me to take the time to do so. That being said, my assessment on tires is that I will go back to the Bridgestones next spring. After ~175k miles on the GL1800s, I concluded a long time ago that the Bridgestones had the best overall characteristics and were the best for me. Maybe not as many miles, but I don't like thin rubber anyway, and they were the best for me and my style of riding. Cost less than Dunlops also.
2016 F6B Deluxe
Jupiter Orange Metallic
I have a fork brace on mine I don't think it will help your wobble.
The bike feels a little more planted with the brace but not a big difference.
It does look nice.
The fork brace will turn your B into a curve eating R1. Worst case scenario is they look way better than the stock plastic junk that's already on there.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote