[clrouns]

Curious If Anyone Experiences Headshake At High Speeds On Their 05 625 SMC? At About 85mph, My SMC Gets Headshake Easily On Rough Highways. Any Suggestions Or Just Suck It Up?

 

[Jolly705]

My 2004 did the same, you have to play with the suspension or throw a dampner on it. The bike is not meant for high speeds, one thing that helps out a lot is making sure your weight is over the front of the bike, there is a night and day diff.

 

[JoeKher]

Agreed! Rough roads and a dirtbike moving at 85mph = shakes. If you do alot of freeway try a dampner or removing the front fender, it acts like a big sail and catches alot of wind.

 

[Chris618]

My 04 was doing that coming down from wheelies about 85mph. I rotated the handlebars back slightly and that took it away. I also roadrace it at loudon, NH and the front end only gets nervous cresting over hills on the gas. Give it a try, it worked for me.

 

[sm171]

Yes, big time head shake. No rhyme or reason when it happens. Occurs on smooth road too. Seems to happen most on a straight at high speeds after I shift riding positions. I got use to it, but the guys behind me get kind of nervous watching my bike shake like that. :headshake

 

[backdrifter]

New tires cured mine, I believe it is almost completely tire-related. Those stock Pirellis look cool, but honestly kind of suck. I've gone to Avon Azaro SP's (currently on my second set) and I am well pleased with them. The headshake was gone instantly and has never returned. :thumbup:

 

[ThumpinPumpkin]

My 525exc has a very twitchy front end to. I will try to get it as good as I can (improper dish on the wheels, sag compression/rebound set-up...) BEFORE I put the dampner on it. Just my take on it.

P.S. Does it less when I sit on back, so I will try less compression more rebound and more sag on the back, but I am just a punter

 

[clrouns]

Thanks for the input. Still breaking in my 625, so trying different things. What kind of tire psi are you guys running?

 

[ohlarikd]

I posted this issue a month ago about my 625 SXC in SM trim on another popular KTM site, and everyone said I had a unique problem. At 70-80mph, it will run fine on a smooth rode, but the slightest handlebar pressure will get it to start wobbling. So yeah, I always think the car behind me must think I am about to crash or something when they see the front waving around.

Also, when accelerating onto the highway leaned over, it wobbles uncomfortable. I tried different fork heights and compression/rebound settings - no difference. This occurs on billiard table smooth roads.

So, must be inherent in the rake/trail numbers. I am getting a damper after trying for two months to fix it. I am glad to see I am not the only one! The Scotts guy told me
"Run the high speed at 1 turn out and the low speed 3/4 to 1 turn out. If the problem persists run the high speed at 3/4." Will try after I buy it.

Derek

 

[Chris618]

I rarely get head shake anymore. I have pilot powers with 30 psi front and rear(at the track), and I run 36 psi on the road. It may be the tires, because mine is very stable now.

Good Luck.

 

[TomCRMI]

Shimmy is often tire related. Had the issue on my CBR1000F once and it was fixed immediately by switching tires.

Try the Pilot Power or the Avon that Backdrifter recommended.

 

[INTREPER]

I hardly had this problem with the stock Pirrelis, but completely went away after switching over the PILOT POWERS. Either it was the tires or I ride diffrently now cause i'm glued to the blacktop

 

[megomagoo]

No Head Shake

I race at willow springs the big track, full throttle nearly the whole way (100mph+), the only head shake I have ever had was pulling out of somebody's draft.