A bit of a novice question this, but I couldn't find a definitive answer elsewhere, so I thought that I'd come right out and ask the experts
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On my 2012 DL650 and the BMW R80RT that I had before it, if I took both hands off the handlebars (at speeds of about 20mph and above, sitting upright), the handlebars would begin to wobble from side to side with ever increasing severity (until I would have to hold them again to bring it under control). In normal riding circumstances (I.e. with both hands resting on the grips) there is no sign of any front wheel wobble.
My question is, simply,
is this normal on a modern V-Strom ?
And no, I don't mean is riding with no hands on the bars normal
, I mean is it normal for the front end of an adventure/touring motorcycle to wobble when all the weight is centred nearer to the rear of the bike and (in my case) there is a top box fitted, too? In fairness, I think that the V-Strom wobbled even before I fitted the top box.
However dangerous it may be
, I would sometimes like to briefly take both hands off the bars to pull my gloves on tighter or stretch my arms above my head to relieve shoulder ache, when on a quieter stretch of road. Because of the front-end wobble though, I am reluctant to even try this.
So, should I be concerned about the set up of the bike and be looking to have wheels re-balanced, tyres replaced, suspension/steering components checked etc., or is this simply 'one of those things that happens when you don't use a bike in the way it was intended to be used'?
What are your experiences with doing this on your bikes ?
All input welcome
!