Researched and read many posts in the forum regarding the head shake during deceleration. It appears this is fairly common to the 2012+ 650 Vstroms.
I just installed a new set of Bridgestone Battlax T30's (sport touring street tires) front and rear on my 2013 Adventure model (it has 19,000 mile on it). Brought the bike up to Suches, GA for the summer. Very impressed with their smoothness and grip.
After about 250 miles I too noticed the head shake especially down mountain. It is especially noticeable with hands off the bars, but can also be felt with a light grip on the bars. I must admit this is not confidence inspiring.
Brought the bike to my mechanic and he lifted the front wheel off the ground and moved it side to side and for and aft checking the steering head bearings. There was no for and aft movement, BUT when moved side to side it would "center itself" in a notch and this could be felt each time it was repeated.
My mechanic wants to replace the steering head bearings with the "all balls" brand of steering head bearings and believes this will resolve the problem.
This bike has never been ridden off road and I use it as a street bike. I am on the fence about doing this and am considering trading it for something different.
Has anyone tried removing the stock steering head bearings and replacing the with the up market "all balls" brand? Your responses would be greatly appreciated.
I just installed a new set of Bridgestone Battlax T30's (sport touring street tires) front and rear on my 2013 Adventure model (it has 19,000 mile on it). Brought the bike up to Suches, GA for the summer. Very impressed with their smoothness and grip.
After about 250 miles I too noticed the head shake especially down mountain. It is especially noticeable with hands off the bars, but can also be felt with a light grip on the bars. I must admit this is not confidence inspiring.
Brought the bike to my mechanic and he lifted the front wheel off the ground and moved it side to side and for and aft checking the steering head bearings. There was no for and aft movement, BUT when moved side to side it would "center itself" in a notch and this could be felt each time it was repeated.
My mechanic wants to replace the steering head bearings with the "all balls" brand of steering head bearings and believes this will resolve the problem.
This bike has never been ridden off road and I use it as a street bike. I am on the fence about doing this and am considering trading it for something different.
Has anyone tried removing the stock steering head bearings and replacing the with the up market "all balls" brand? Your responses would be greatly appreciated.