Lots of Headshake, whats the problem?

Ducati Forum

Help Support Ducati Forum:

EvoL

EvoL

Joined
Feb 25, 2013
Messages
1,043
Location
Tampa, FL
I am in need of a bit of help here, here's the situation.

I swapped the Supercorsas to the Michelin Cups because of a nail, same size and everything. I went out on a nice 100 mile or so ride today and realized the bike has a big issue.

When Im accelerating, and get above 115 or so, there is terrible headshake. Almost like you would get when your WOT in second, but worse. Once I noticed that, I feel like the rear also wobbles or something because Im noticing a difference with the whole bike.

Obviously my question is what could this be? Im thinking one of the following:

1 - Incorrectly balanced tires.
2 - Too much or too little air pressure (Checked and I am at 30F/32R, so fine there).
3 - Something incorrectly installed on the bike, something loose?

Ive never had this problem before, so any help would be great. I am going to take it back to the shop that changed the tires, but if I can sort it out myself that would be best.




FIX:

I think we have the issue figured out. The tires needed rebalancing and we need a bit stiffer steering damper to counteract the lack of front upright grip with the V shaped tires.
 
Last edited:
Almost has to be balance I reckon because as you said the problem has only become apparent since the new tyre was put on.

I hope it's something simple like that anyway!
 
Also, forgot to mention that the headshake is a lot worse when your hard on the throttle. Cruising at 110 or so isn't bad, but definitely noticeable.
 
Sorry to hear man. Have you checked your front and rear ride heights? Especially before with the Supercorsa and after the Michelin Cup swap. Typically, front end instability can be caused by too steep geometry, which in turn can be caused by too high rear ride height and/or too low front ride height (forks raised in the triple clamps).

When you get on the throttle, this can un-weight the front, accentuating a front-end oscillation that can lead to a full lock-to-lock tank slapper.

I've only had my Pani a weekend and 120 miles but I've noticed that is already is a bit "twitchy" and you need to be very light on the controls. If your Michelin is substantially taller than the OEM Supercorsa (5mm or more) then it could get even twitchier.

Just one opinion. Good luck fixing it and ride safe!
 
Ive been reading a lot and it seems to be a balance issue. If anyone has any more suggestions I am all ears.
 
JeffD said:
Sorry to hear man. Have you checked your front and rear ride heights? Especially before with the Supercorsa and after the Michelin Cup swap. Typically, front end instability can be caused by too steep geometry, which in turn can be caused by too high rear ride height and/or too low front ride height (forks raised in the triple clamps).

When you get on the throttle, this can un-weight the front, accentuating a front-end oscillation that can lead to a full lock-to-lock tank slapper.

I've only had my Pani a weekend and 120 miles but I've noticed that is already is a bit "twitchy" and you need to be very light on the controls. If your Michelin is substantially taller than the OEM Supercorsa (5mm or more) then it could get even twitchier.

Just one opinion. Good luck fixing it and ride safe!
Click to expand...

They're the exact same tire sizes so I have no clue if they're taller or what. Others have ran the same tires and not reported an issue. I doubt I need to adjust geometry for new tires, I have never had to on any other bike.

Thank you for the suggestion though.
 
Had similar issue with race bike few years back, 5 grams out of balance, only noticeable at higher speeds, i.e 200kms nearly threw me off the bike with shaking, go get them re balanced at a reputable place with a decent machine, quick on bike check lift wheel up off ground and free wheel it (spin) and see if it drops back to the same place each time. Hopefully that's the only issue for you.
 
EvoL said:
They're the exact same tire sizes so I have no clue if they're taller or what. Others have ran the same tires and not reported an issue. I doubt I need to adjust geometry for new tires, I have never had to on any other bike.

Thank you for the suggestion though.
Click to expand...

I think Carl1199 is on to something with a similar issue being due to balance, as you are suspecting.

However, be aware that even though manufacturers categorize their tires by the same spec, i.e. 200/55-17 or 190/55-17, DOES NOT mean that they are the exact same size. It is very common for different manufacturers tires to actually vary in height by 5mm or more. Also, the characteristics of tires can very greatly, such as how much they grow when at speed. Racers often make geometry changes when changing tire brands to keep the same steering characteristics of their previous setup.
 
Carl1199 said:
Had similar issue with race bike few years back, 5 grams out of balance, only noticeable at higher speeds, i.e 200kms nearly threw me off the bike with shaking, go get them re balanced at a reputable place with a decent machine, quick on bike check lift wheel up off ground and free wheel it (spin) and see if it drops back to the same place each time. Hopefully that's the only issue for you.
Click to expand...

Thanks. If that is the case Im sure it is the only issue. The bike has been flawless otherwise.

The shop balanced it on a static balancer I think? It just sat there. I think I need to find somewhere with a machine.
 
JeffD said:
I think Carl1199 is on to something with a similar issue being due to balance, as you are suspecting.

However, be aware that even though manufacturers categorize their tires by the same spec, i.e. 200/55-17 or 190/55-17, DOES NOT mean that they are the exact same size. It is very common for different manufacturers tires to actually vary in height by 5mm or more. Also, the characteristics of tires can very greatly, such as how much they grow when at speed. Racers often make geometry changes when changing tire brands to keep the same steering characteristics of their previous setup.
Click to expand...

Makes sense, I just hope I dont. Nobody else has reported the need.
 
Also ensure they didnt leave anything in the tyre when fitting, like a rag, wheel weight as seen this many times before, was a tyre tech in my past life.
 
Castor Troy said:
You aren't cheap, you just half-assing it :D

Who installed the tires?
Click to expand...

Hah, really I just have nowhere to keep the damn stands.

This place around the corner from me, called Motorcycle Boutique. Im going to give them another chance before I bring it to the dealer, or add DynaBeads myself.
 
They are probably clueless on how to balance tires since 99% of their customers are slow ... posers, just look at their handy work. "Specializing at 360 kits and other ugly horseshit"...well maybe it doesn't say that on their website, but it should.
 
Castor Troy said:
They are probably clueless on how to balance tires since 99% of their customers are slow ... posers, just look at their handy work. "Specializing at 360 kits and other ugly horseshit"...well maybe it doesn't say that on their website, but it should.
Click to expand...

Probably.

They added DynaBeads to the tire, so I will ride it and check it out.
 

Similar threads

T
2010 1198S Slow Turning Over Issue
Replies
0
Views
52
ThatOne1198
T
N
Looking for advice and tips
2 3
Replies
41
Views
855
baggerman
B
C
Cracked brake lever plunger.
Replies
1
Views
123
SBK-SP
SBK-SP
M
899 Feels like Limp Mode Rear TBS no Feedback.
Replies
2
Views
185
baggerman
B
L
Terrible Experience with Ducati Parts Unlimited
Replies
0
Views
342
LuLuLu
L

Register CTA

Register on Ducati Forum! This sidebar will go away, and you will see fewer ads.

Recent Discussions

Back
Top