GET IT CHECKED..... Check your axel bolt.... I don't really know, but it should not have wobble like you explain.
The engine vibrates but that is all I have noticed.
The engine vibrates but that is all I have noticed.
Rear swing arm feels wobbly: GOOD or BAD?
Hi,
Got my first ever Monster recently, and I've noticed in the past day or two, the rear swing arm feels a bit wobbly at high speeds and in mild twisties.
Is the bike falling apart, or is this normal? Being an optimist I'm thinking it's just me getting familiar with how it's supposed to handle.
Your words of wizdom please!
- jiro
Got my first ever Monster recently, and I've noticed in the past day or two, the rear swing arm feels a bit wobbly at high speeds and in mild twisties.
Is the bike falling apart, or is this normal? Being an optimist I'm thinking it's just me getting familiar with how it's supposed to handle.
Your words of wizdom please!
- jiro
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
I was feeling some vibration from my M900 when I was out riding yesterday, but upon pulling in the clutch, verified that it was the engine and not the suspension. It's an easy test.
It could be suspension setup also. Is it a vibration or does it feel like it is washing out on you?
Thanks for the feedback.
After posting my question, it occured to me that the potential problem could be one of 5 things, and not just the swing arm. See I'm a newbie! In fact, all of your posts address every one of the 5.
1) swing arm
2) tire alignment / axel bolt
3) tire pressure
4) suspension
5) something else
The unstableness surfaces only at high speed freeway cruising, and on twisties. I'm sure it's not the engine vibration. On the freeway, I notice it the most when changing lanes and when I'm hit by side wind. On the twisties, the rear "slips" a little after I tilt the bike going out of a curve. I'm probably not going more than 20mph in these curves, so who knows what I'll feel going faster. The reason I thought it was the swing arm was that the center of the looseness felt very close to the center of the bike and not at the rear. But again, I'm a newbie.
I'm going to check the tire pressure and then take it out for a spin. And then maybe take it to the shop.
Thanks everyone! I'll keep you posted.
After posting my question, it occured to me that the potential problem could be one of 5 things, and not just the swing arm. See I'm a newbie! In fact, all of your posts address every one of the 5.
1) swing arm
2) tire alignment / axel bolt
3) tire pressure
4) suspension
5) something else
The unstableness surfaces only at high speed freeway cruising, and on twisties. I'm sure it's not the engine vibration. On the freeway, I notice it the most when changing lanes and when I'm hit by side wind. On the twisties, the rear "slips" a little after I tilt the bike going out of a curve. I'm probably not going more than 20mph in these curves, so who knows what I'll feel going faster. The reason I thought it was the swing arm was that the center of the looseness felt very close to the center of the bike and not at the rear. But again, I'm a newbie.
I'm going to check the tire pressure and then take it out for a spin. And then maybe take it to the shop.
Thanks everyone! I'll keep you posted.
Make sure your rear tire is properly aligned.
The correct way to check is to get a big straight edge, like a carpenter's level or a flourescent light bulb, put it against your rear tire as high as you can get it without touching anything but tire, and measure the distance from the edge to your front tire (or brake disc if you have two). Do it on both sides and make sure both are the same. If not, adjust the alignment of the rear tire.
If you don't have a straight edge handy, you can use string, or my favorite, just get the front tire lined up and eyeball it. I can eyeball a rear tire and tell within about 3mm of how well it lines up with the front, which should be close enough to keep it from acting strange.
Now that you've explained things a little better, rear tire out of line sounds most likely to me.
The correct way to check is to get a big straight edge, like a carpenter's level or a flourescent light bulb, put it against your rear tire as high as you can get it without touching anything but tire, and measure the distance from the edge to your front tire (or brake disc if you have two). Do it on both sides and make sure both are the same. If not, adjust the alignment of the rear tire.
If you don't have a straight edge handy, you can use string, or my favorite, just get the front tire lined up and eyeball it. I can eyeball a rear tire and tell within about 3mm of how well it lines up with the front, which should be close enough to keep it from acting strange.
Now that you've explained things a little better, rear tire out of line sounds most likely to me.
It could be a loose swing arm bolt. If it doesn't feel right, don't just check the tire pressure then try it again. Go to the dealer tell them your concerns. Let them ride it and make that determination NOT YOU. It won't cost you anything, DONT PAY ANYTHING. But if something is not right better them with knowledge, then you without. Good luck.
the duck
the duck
Well my friends, I think we made a big step forward.
I took the bike to the dealer, and told them my concerns. They took it out for a ride and pretty much narrowed it down to the suspension setting. They adjusted the front and the rear, and what do you know, the bike now rides with a lot more stiffness and stability. I haven't tried the twisties, so I'm not 100% sure but I'm hoping this took care of the problem. Their inspection didn't reveal any loose bolts or missaligned parts.
I'm just surprised that such quick adjustments can change the way a bike handles. Also, I was really impressed with the way my shop handled the situation. All in all it was a good experience for me.
Thanks again to all of you who pitched in with ideas.
- jiro
I took the bike to the dealer, and told them my concerns. They took it out for a ride and pretty much narrowed it down to the suspension setting. They adjusted the front and the rear, and what do you know, the bike now rides with a lot more stiffness and stability. I haven't tried the twisties, so I'm not 100% sure but I'm hoping this took care of the problem. Their inspection didn't reveal any loose bolts or missaligned parts.
I'm just surprised that such quick adjustments can change the way a bike handles. Also, I was really impressed with the way my shop handled the situation. All in all it was a good experience for me.
Thanks again to all of you who pitched in with ideas.
- jiro
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Ducati Monster Motorcycle Forum
A forum community dedicated to Ducati Monster owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, racing, news, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Top Contributors this Month
View All
jamestcurran
20 Replies
Supertjeduc again
14 Replies
Gasket
14 Replies
Recommended Communities
