1987 Honda GL 1200 Aspencade Gold Wing Logo
Posted on Mar 13, 2009
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Front end wobble/shake when at low speed or in a corner.

1987 Honda Gold Wing 88000 miles. When starting off and making a tight turn like in a parking lot the front end shakes and is hard to control. When you get it straight it then bounces a little until gaining a little speed. At high speed through a turn there is a shake while in the turn. I have replaced the tire with no real help. A local mechanic (not a dealer) said he tested it and all was well. I am not so sure I trust his judgment.

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  • warren_taylo Mar 13, 2009

    Thanks for the suggestions and I will look close at the roters. I have tried moving the wheel back and fourth and did not notice anything at all. The individual I have taken my bike to was working as a mechanic before the shop closed and moved to far for him to commute so he is working on the side out of his home. He has most all of the tools and he rides a Goldwing so I would think he could solve this problem but I am just not convinced he has done so.



    Thanks again for your help and if anyone has any other suggestions please let me know.

  • warren_taylo Mar 13, 2009

    Thanks, I am on my way!

  • Anonymous Mar 15, 2014

    front end speed wobbles at high speed

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  • Posted on Mar 13, 2009
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Hi,
There can be a few issues going on that will cause this.
(1) Bad wheel bearings
(2) Warped rotors
(3) Bent front rim

First thing to do is get the bike up on the center stand, or bike jack so the front end is off the ground. You may need someone to push down on the rear to get the front tire off the ground.
Grab the tire and try to move it side to side. If you feel movement, then you will need to have the bearings replaced.
Next rotate the tire and watch for wobble in either the wheel, or the rotors. The shop that replaced the tire should have noted a rim problem when they balanced the tire if that was the issue.
Warped rotors will give a very pronounced wobble at low speeds, and more of a vibration at higher speeds, and it will be most noticeable when braking.
If you have run into anything with any force lately, you may have a bent front axle. I'm assuming that is not the issue.
...word of advice...find a good bike mechanic. Most auto mechs have no clue when it comes these Goldwings.
Hope this helps...Ride Safe...Have Fun


  • Anonymous Mar 13, 2009

    You can go to www.nakedgoldwings.com forum. They are some of the best mechs around for these GW's

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  • Posted on Aug 15, 2009
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I too have had the same issue with my 1987 GL 1200 and found this info on MCWorld.com really helpful: http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/letters/Letters10032.pdf

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  • Posted on Aug 09, 2009
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Check The head bearing and see if it is tensioned correctly I had this problem with my 1985.Adjusted the head bearing problem solved,


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