LCGB Forums

Took my GP out for a post winter shakedown and after about a mile it started handling like I had a puncture in the rear tyre (or a loss of tyre pressure), managed to limp to a garage where I ensured both front and rear tyres were at the correct pressure and set off home. Same poor handling occurred! Back home I checked that the hubs, wheels and shock were tightened correctly. The engine mounts appear ok and the engine doesnt wobble in the frame, shock absorber isnt broken or leaking and steering bearings havent got any play. I'm at a loss as to what it could be and would welcome any suggestions. Thanks

With the scoot on its stand,jack the rear end so the rear wheel is just off the ground.
Grab the rear tyre firmly and shake every which way to check for play in the bearings. If there is any play, then it could be a loose gearbox endplate or a collapsed bearing. In which case, don't ride it anymore until its fixed.

Be sure to check that the front axle nuts are tight against the front fork links. I experienced the symptoms you describe and it turned out that the shiny new axle nuts I'd bought weren't machined deep enough, allowing play and therefore the axle to move slightly. I checked all the usual things thinking the handling issue came from the back of the bike whereas it actually originated at the front. I solved it by inserting suitable washers to take up the slack and the handling became acceptable once again.

Process of elimination.....change rear wheel

Tyre out of shape ?

Sh*te Indian non-concentric wheel rims

Forks loose at headset?

Storkfoot wrote:Forks loose at headset?

+1 Had a really bad handling problem a couple of years ago, did all the usual checks etc with no joy. I discovered it purely by accident when I had to lift the front end up - the three bolts on the headset/fork clamp had worked loose. Once tightened down with new nylock nuts- problem solved. Might be worth a look? cheers Paul

Scooterslag wrote:

Storkfoot wrote:Forks loose at headset?

+1 Had a really bad handling problem a couple of years ago, did all the usual checks etc with no joy. I discovered it purely by accident when I had to lift the front end up - the three bolts on the headset/fork clamp had worked loose. Once tightened down with new nylock nuts- problem solved. Might be worth a look? cheers Paul

Dead easy check too. With the scooter off the stand, push scooter forward with the index finger of your left hand pressing the join between headset bottom and legshields. Activate front brake. If the forks are loose, you’ll feel movement between the headset and legshields.