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[quote author=redfish link=topic=40986.msg89170#msg89170 date=1450151345]
My Drifter has developed a healthy head shake at any speed below 55. All it takes is a small bump or rough road and it develops. Both hands on the bars, it's controllable. One hand on, it's iffy, but DON'T let go with both hands even for a second. I know tires can cause this or a loose steering stem nut. Project fix won't be put off since it is getting worse every week. The tires seem fine with no excessive or abnormal wear or cupping, so a loose nut seems the most obvious culprit.

My question is; Are Drifter front ends more prone to wobble due to the oversize, heavier fenders? Seems all that mass up there could exacerbate the oscillations. Thoughts?
[/quote]

How many miles on your scoot? Most call for servicing the head bearings between 15 & 20 thousand miles and almost no one thinks to do it. Kawasaki's head bearings look like something out of a 30 pound bicycle. A Voyager I purchased with 21,000 on it had the same symptoms and the head bearing looked like a hand full of rust in a plastic cage.

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Posted by pcarrell

- December 15, 2015, 11:50:59 AM

I've had the problem of the shakes due to both tires, and neck bearings, and at different times. In the past, tires have been the culprit. Change the tires, no more problem. Right now I have fairly new tires, but the neck bearings are going (one of my winter projects).

Posted by DC

- December 15, 2015, 11:29:35 AM

It was the neck bearings on mine. Replaced those and no more shakey jakes.

Posted by gdrudd13

- December 15, 2015, 09:53:43 AM

Quote from: redfish on December 14, 2015, 21:49:05 PM
My question is; Are Drifter front ends more prone to wobble due to the oversize, heavier fenders? Seems all that mass up there could exacerbate the oscillations. Thoughts?

Seriously doubt it. The fenders are plastic and really aren't that heavy at all. Especially not compared to every other component on the front end. If the parts on the front end are loose/worn, the problem would still be just as bad with no fender at all.

Posted by chief

- December 15, 2015, 09:52:58 AM

Don't think it is any more susceptible. The steering neck bearings and BOTH tires usually end up being the source. You can't always 'see' a problem in the tires. I had a moderately heavy wobble, replaced tires and it went away. Neck bearing maintenance in also important.

Posted by 99tango

- December 14, 2015, 21:49:05 PM

My Drifter has developed a healthy head shake at any speed below 55 during deceleration. All it takes is a small bump or rough road and it develops if you let go of the bars. Both hands on the bars, it's not noticeable. One hand on, it sometimes can be felt and is controllable, but DON'T let go with both hands! I know tires can cause this or a loose steering stem nut. Project fix won't be put off since it seems to be getting worse every week. The tires seem fine with no excessive or abnormal wear or cupping, so a loose nut seems the most obvious culprit.

My question is; Are Drifter front ends more prone to wobble due to the oversize, heavier fenders? Seems all that mass up there could exacerbate the oscillations. Thoughts?

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