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not sure what to do

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New member
I'm in a bit of a quandry. I have a 76 r90 that I bought thinking this would be the bike I could crisscross America on while making yearly reliability and comfort improvements. Sort of like the Breakfast 101 story in the current ON-I love that story!

After a 1700 mile trip last summer, it became obvious that future trips will not be happening until/unless I am able to resolve the bike's handling issues pertaining to grooved roads. I can't be calling every state's DOT and ask whether my planned route has grooved roads on it. I know the various techniques for riding on such surfaces, but I'm telling you it is downright frightening and I grew up riding dirt bikes in snow, gravel, etc, so I'm hardly a novice when it comes to handling bikes on various terrains.

What don't want to do is sink a bunch of money into the bike only to find to find the issue is only slightly improved. I know there are fork braces, swing arm braces, suspension changes and tire changes available, but am real reluctant to go down that road without hearing from others that such expenses are well worthwhile.
If I didn't have this problem, I'd be looking to get a custom seat and some different handlebars this year.

Right now I'm running year-old Michelins and the front tire has a groove right down the middle.. I'd be willing to sacrifice that tire for another if others can attest to such a move and recommend a specific tire.

Should I just accept the bike for what it is and get something else or there reasonable changes that could make a world of difference.

Thanks
 
Well, obviously you need to ensure that the bike is set up mechanically correctly and that you're running the proper pressure. I think the first thing to do is to address the front tire. A groove down the middle strongly contributes this problem. As this past post indicates, the narrow front tire only makes it worse.

http://forums.bmwmoa.org/showpost.php?p=614639&postcount=11

More info here:

http://forums.bmwmoa.org/showpost.php?p=600406&postcount=9

I think that's the easiest first thing to do.
 
I've had good luck with Dunlop 491 and 404's. Neither tire has a continuous groove running around the tire. That seems to make a lot of difference. The worst rain grooves always seem to occur in multi-lane congested traffic. I hate that, "I'm not really steering this bike feeling"
 
Assuming the bike is in OK mechanical condition the root cause is the flex in the small diameter forks, when the grooves in the tire try to follow the ridges/grooves in the pavement.

The two direct attacks to minimize the problem are a fork brace and a front tire without circumferential grooves. My candidate would be a bias ply Metzeler 880 front tire if the 100/90-18 will fit instead of the original 90/90-18. There are others.

You might still notice some steering oscillation but it should be less than frightening.

This of course assumes:

Sound swingarm bearings and adjustment.
Decent rear shocks.
Sound and properly adjusted steering head bearings.
Good wheel bearings.
Good forks, not worn, (with oil preferred. :) )

By the way, if milled pavement is exciting don't try steel grate bridges, especially those with a diamond grate pattern.
 
The two direct attacks to minimize the problem are a fork brace and a front tire without circumferential grooves.

+1 on the front tire replacement.

I had all kinds of low speed wobble issues and after much tweeking of fork stem bearings, aligning of sliders, etc. it came down to the front tire being OLD... it was a low mileage Continental RB2, but it was old... and no longer compliant. I replaced both of mine with Bridgestone S11 Spitfires... completely new bike, no wobbles, no "hunting" on rain grooves, etc.

You could do a search of past "tire" discussions and totally overload your head on which ones would work the best; like this one for example... But I would bet a Pfennig that just about any brand new tire(s) would solve your initial problem. Cheapest route right now; replace the front tire.

That said... perform the requisite mechanical checks; steering head tightness, or is there any "notchy" feel when you turn the forks? Have you checked/drained/refilled the front forks?

These are still great bikes. But they're old and need to be regularly maintained, and maybe more importantly, understood.
 
+1 on the Bridgestone S11 Spitfires (and a great value).

Another option is Avon RoadRiders, that come in proper sizes for Airheads. The folks I know that have them swear by them and the tread design doesn't have said grooves down the middle. That would concern me too.
 
Big windshields and a large heavy load on the back can cause problems too. Check rear sag, might help some. Not saying it is, but it's free to check. Weak fork springs also.

My R80 G/S was terrible with groves and bumps mid curve. Little thin fork tubes!!! Even with upper and lower bracing it wobbled though they helped some!!! A R100GS front end cured the problem, but it was an expensive fix.

#1 on what Paul said!!!make sure all the head set and swingarm bearings are good!!! Check the headset for looseness and notchyness.
 
Dunlop:)

My '78 R100/7 has run Dunlops for so very long now, I cannot remember when I first changed over, as the original owner of this bike! Its certainly one of the finest tires and a great price you can get for that bike. I am currently using the 404s. About 75$ for a front. I'm sure others exist too, but I found my tire a very long time ago in Dunlop on the old airhead:). Randy
 
dealer recommendation

Went to our local dealer to get his thoughts-he recommended Metzlers-I forget which model. When the weather improves, I'll spring for some tires. He assured me it will make a big difference-said in fact that even some modern bikes have that same problem.
If that doesn't work, I guess I'll get something else.
Thanks to all that have replied.
Chuck
 
As others have said, there are a lot of things the add up to the sum of a good suspension. Its great to have multiple minds on it--nobody is as smart as all of us.

I do think that any tire with a groove up the middle can't help in the situation like you describe. While I do like the S11 Spitfires, they too have said groove...as do the Metzlers (Lasertecs, not Marathons). Prior to my S11 switch, I had Metzler Marathons and they did not have a groove in the center. They last a loooong time as least in my case but lack in the grip department compared to the S11 and from what I've heard about the Avon RoadRiders.

I think the S11 Spitfires are very similar to the Lasertec's, but a far better price point. They have a good rep for wet road handling, longevity and are plenty sticky on dry pavement. Snowbum had a good write-up on them as one of his favs. You can pick them up for $55-75. Lasertecs, not so much. The Avon RoadRiders are a bit more perf oriented and priced accordingly.
 
I have had a similar problem with other bikes (front end following rain groves), the fix is to change tires and raise air pressure. I always run the pressure in my tires right at the limit recommended by the tire manufacturer.

Good advise about the amount of weight on the rear of the bike too. The farther forward (and lower to the ground) the load is the better the bike will track.

My 78 R100S had ancient, hard Conti's on it when I bought it and handled like a turd. I wanted a vintage look so I put Dunlop K70's on and I really like the way it handles now. Tracks like it is on rails on the freeway and seems to stick real well on the curves.
 
I always run the pressure in my tires right at the limit recommended by the tire manufacturer.

If you are talking about that "max pressure cold" label on the side, that is NOT the pressure you should be running at on a regular basis. That is "2 up, carrying all but the kitchen sink" pressure. you actually get slightly poorer tire life, and you definitely compromise handling.

however; your bike, your choice.
 
you actually get slightly poorer tire life

That's right. By increasing the pressure, you reduce the tire-road contact patch. All the power now has to go through this smaller patch, thus wearing it out faster. Not to mention less surface area for heat transfer. Stiffer sidewall due to higher pressures and smaller contact patch...also contribute to compromised handling.
 
If you are talking about that "max pressure cold" label on the side, that is NOT the pressure you should be running at on a regular basis. That is "2 up, carrying all but the kitchen sink" pressure. you actually get slightly poorer tire life, and you definitely compromise handling.

however; your bike, your choice.

Well, I am not exactly a light guy. I really don't care if I get a few extra miles out of a tire, although I seem to be getting about what others seem to get out of similar tires.

While I don't claim to be an expert I DO have some experience (21 years in the motorcycle business and riding for 44 years). What I have found over time is that generally speaking, the closer to max tire pressure (within 5% or less) I keep my tires the better my bikes seem to handle.

Of course YMMV.

P.S Most of the bikes that I have dealt with that had handling issues or odd tire wear problems almost always had low tire pressure when I checked. Some of them were as close as within 15% (40 PSI recommended max but down to 32), when I raised the pressure the wobble went away. Some of this is obviously the individual tire characteristics, but generally I'll stick with my statement. check tire pressure and go for a test ride before you start disassembling your bike.

And one more thing........wasn't the OP talking about being on a trip, which would imply that the bike was loaded down?
 
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I will have to go with the higher tire pressures. When I first started running Metz. in the 80's the bike handling was not the same as the Conti. Talked to my dealer who call the tire dealer and said to increase the tire press. Increase to 42 on rear and handling problems went away.

Don
 
Well, I am not exactly a light guy. I really don't care if I get a few extra miles out of a tire, although I seem to be getting about what others seem to get out of similar tires.

While I don't claim to be an expert I DO have some experience (21 years in the motorcycle business and riding for 44 years). What I have found over time is that generally speaking, the closer to max tire pressure (within 5% or less) I keep my tires the better my bikes seem to handle.

Of course YMMV.

P.S Most of the bikes that I have dealt with that had handling issues or odd tire wear problems almost always had low tire pressure when I checked. Some of them were as close as within 15% (40 PSI recommended max but down to 32), when I raised the pressure the wobble went away. Some of this is obviously the individual tire characteristics, but generally I'll stick with my statement. check tire pressure and go for a test ride before you start disassembling your bike.

And one more thing........wasn't the OP talking about being on a trip, which would imply that the bike was loaded down?

Hey, if it works for you, head on!!! I'm a pretty heavy fella too, and my GF often rides with me, and I use 32 PSI as a baseline...good compromise between wear, handling, and comfort...but then again, I'm not a guy that's gonna whip out the slide rule and do a ton of research to see if 32.5 PSI is actually a LEEEETLLLE bit better than 32.6 PSI!!! That's not why I ride...
 
Hoo boy...from tires to tire pressure in 15 posts?

Here's what I've noticed over decades of motorcycling and many years of internet forum surfing: Tires and their effect on handling are highly subjective. The variables, to name a few, range from riding style, size of rider, condition of local roadways, choice of handlebars tire pressure a a host of others unique to each bike/rider/load combination.

Some very broad generalizations can be made about what works best but ultimately the rider is going to have to put miles under their butt testing out the range of options available. It is somewhat helpful that the range of tires suitable for a 35 year old motorcycle is limited, but that does not eliminate the need for empirical testing.

To the OP: Take heart, there is a tire out there for you and I say that as someone with over 100k miles of airhead riding (plus another 100k or so on other types, not bragging; I've been using bikes as main transport for 28 years, the miles add up in small increments) you "just" have to filter the results you get here and go riding.

Don't give up!
 
In general, pavements are grooved to provide a smoother ride for cars and to correct irregularities due to contractor errors in paving. The majority of grooved pavements are on Interstate highways and high volume divided four lane non-interstate routes.

As an airhead, perhaps your solution lies in avoiding these types of highways when possible and sticking more to "back roads" and lesser travelled by-ways.

It has been said that the Interstates are to best way to NOT see America.:)
 
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