Pointing, Shimmy, Rocking: Instability Issues

Rest assured: the manufacturers have gone to great lengths to keep your two-wheeled vehicle stable. But since it does not have exactly 4 wheels, but only half and, moreover, they are located on the same axle, it is normal that you will run into some instability problems when riding a motorcycle... And that's whether you're driving at high, medium or slow speeds.

Among the most common problems we find steering, shimmy and darts... What to do to avoid leadership? What is shimmy? What are the causes and characteristics of motorcycle rocking? Find out everything you need to know about these three motorcycle behavioral disorders.

Instability problems: what is a guide bar?

Leadership leads to sudden and violent steering vibrationsby forcing the fork to move back and forth. This lateral movement usually occurs when both conditions are met: acceleration and external excitation.

In other words, you can provoke and fall prey to steering when driving at high speeds, when accelerating quickly (especially when starting off), or when exiting a bend. Especially if you are driving on rough terrain with bumps and other things.

To minimize leadership risk, remember to follow front and rear transmission adjustments your motorcycle, depending on the condition of the road you intend to ride.

Instability problems: what is shimmy?

Shimmy causes the front fork to wobble, resulting in uncontrolled and, of course, uncomfortable vibration. That's why we also called him "The front axle is shaking" or "staggers" in English. This straight-line vibration occurs when both of the following conditions are met: moderate (or even low) speed and defective wheels.

In other words, the risks of shimmy increase when driving slowly, that is, at speeds less than 100 km / h, and this with a wheel showing anomalies: worn out, poor balance, deformed rim installed. Inverted, poor suspension, bad bearing, etc. The best way to prevent shimmy check it out and make sure everything is in order with the wheels before you hit the road.

Instability issues: what flies?

Swing is a more or less variable vibration that can occur both when driving in a straight line and when cornering. Unlike the handlebar and shimmy, this usually occurs when both of the following conditions are met: driving at medium speed and dynamic problems.

In other words, wobble can occur if you are driving at an average speed of 140 km / h, and has changed or disturbed the balance of your two-wheeled bike : Rear end loaded with rather heavy luggage, improperly inflated tires, poor balance, poor rear wheel alignment, etc.