Motorcycle Wobble & Weave Prevention Tips
Motorcycles can have some manufacturing issues that don’t stem from bad practices or poor construction. One of the most common issues that bikers have is the propensity for the bike to wobble and weave while in motion. This is a problem inherent to the design of the motorcycle itself.
When a bike is stationary, it needs to be held up by a stand or propped against something, and when the bike is in motion, it relies on a balance of forecast to remain upright. If the stabilizing forces somehow fail, then the bike will wobble or weave. If the rear of the bike is your issue, then it’s a weave, and if the front of your bike tries to shift, then it’s a wobble. Both conditions are dangerous and put you, the rider, at risk if you don’t know how to combat them.
Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County in Westminster is your southern California motorcycle dealer. Here are some of our best tips for avoiding motorcycle wobbling and weaving while you’re riding.
Why Does It Happen?
Wobble and weave are generally held at bay by tire friction on the roadway as well as the steering-head bearings on your bike. Often, wobbling and weaving are caused by an alteration on the bike that isn’t standard, so it changes the natural wiggle rate of the bike. Another common cause is a poorly-maintained bike that has low tire pressure or loose bearings.
The aerodynamics of your motorcycle are also of concern; installing a windshield might cause your bike to wobble at higher speeds, for example, due to the increased wind resistance. Making adjustments to your bike should be done by a professional mechanic and you shouldn’t overload it with aftermarket additions that the bike is not designed to handle.
Escaping Weave & Wobble
If you encounter weave on your ride (remember: that’s when the rear of your bike wiggles around), you can generally escape it easily if you have some space and know what to do.
If you’re going through a corner, don’t straighten up: steer the bike however you need to and apply the front brake as hard as possible, but safely. Weaves happen at higher speeds, so reducing your speed should stop them.
Wobbles are a lot trickier, since they happen on the front of your bike where you’re steering. If your bike completely locks up into a wobble, you’re liable to crash. Try applying the rear brake gently to slow the bike’s speed. If you’re heading for an obstacle and can’t steer away, the best thing to do is to throw yourself off the bike and let it crash. You won’t suffer as much if you hit the ground and slide than you will if you bear the brunt of a full-on impact.
Prevention
Your best bet to avoid weave and wobble is to eliminate the underlying causes. Many weaves and wobbles are caused by neglect. This means that you should check your tires and air them up to the correct pressure before you ride, while also ensuring that your wheels are in good condition with plenty of tread. You’ll also want to ensure that bearings are tightened.
Performing some maintenance at home is good, but taking your bike into a professional mechanic on a regular basis is the best way to ensure it remains in good working order. Also, try not to overload your bike with too much weight or with an unbalanced load. Pay attention to your bike’s weight limits when loading on cargo, especially for a long trip.
Remember: if you need assistance with motorcycle maintenance, you can always get in touch with our service department to schedule an appointment. If you’re searching for a motorcycle, contact our dealership in Westminster or visit our website to get an idea of what we have in our inventory of new and used motorcycles for sale. Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County proudly serves all of our southern California customers in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan region.