Gold Wing Wobble

I recently bought a 1984 GL1200A in excellent shape with 62K miles. I took it in to a dealer for a 45 minute safety inspection. They checked fork seals, shocks, bearings, fluid levels, tires etc. It passed with flying colors. Anyway, I have a front end wobble when I turn and especially when making a sweeping turn at 50 miles per hour. Zero wobble going in a straight line but only when I turn. I've read on line that this is a common problem and could be many things.....of which I've checked tire pressure, tires for uneven wear, I put it on the center stand and had a freind keep the front tire of the ground and hold the handle bars while I checked for play in the front wheel. It was solid.
Any suggestions on a fix or is this something I will need to get used to?

This is definitely not something that should be "normal" for any bike. It sounds like you've checked all the normal trouble spots with no success. Though the tire looks okay, I would put money that it's the front tire. Had a similar problem on an 83 Honda V65 Magna. The outside may look good, but if the cords are breaking down inside the tire it may not be handling the side load properly when you lay the bike into a turn. This could turn dangerous if things go wrong at the wrong time if you know what I mean.

Personally I'd shell out a few bucks and throw on a new front.

I agree that first thing to check is the front tire.

Second guess would be front fork: There were some third party fork braces kit available correct such problem. Goldwing 1200 is a heavy bike and whenever it is steered sharply, the fork is bending and may go out of alignment if it is not held parallel with a brace at the level of the rubber seals. This was called a "performance kit". You may guess that such excessive flex is not desirable in terms of handling and premature wear of fork seals... This is why third party are marketing such products:

For instance, have a look at
Superbrace, fork brace, motorcycle fork brace, super brace, honda goldwing, fork truss

Kryakyn - GoldWing - Fork Brace & Chrome Dust Covers

http://wingstuff.com/pgroup_list.php...d=196&type=des

or even on Ebay for used ones if you are certain it is not bent or corroded. You must replace bolts with new ones, for safety, so there is not much to save buying used ones.

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There is nothing like riding a Honda MC !

It's well known that Gold Wings Wobble. The issue is that the front tire is slightly worn, when they wear the wobbles begin, and the tire only needs slight wear for this to happen. Another cause is under inflation of not only the front but back tire as well. Too much weight over the rear tire can also cause the bike to wobble. or too much rearward weight.

This can be minimized by checking that the steering head barrings are in good condition as well as the forks and fork seals. (no sticking)

I agree with John clues (I did own a GL1100 which is very similar to GL1200). If suspension and tire pressure is properly adjusted and in good condition, wobble is minimal, especially with optionnal front fork braces.

One other possible issue to rule out is a worn out rear swing arm bushing and (more likely) pneumatic suspension pressure out of balance with current load. It is quite common to see leaks from aging rubber components, especially on rear suspension.

More on tires:
You should also check to make sure the tires are the exact OEM dimension and properly matched (yes, it is important). It is not uncommon to wear 3 or 4 rear tire for one front tire, so the front may just look good but it may no longer maintain the exact angle required for proper handling. If the rear tire has been changed for a bargain price tire instead of brand name and model match with a good quality front tire, wobble is quite likely to occur too.

You must also make sure the tire pressure is matching the tire manufacturer' s specification for load. For instance, on my GL1100, recommended OEM Dunlop and Avon tires did NOT necessarly require the same pressure at a given load because of different tire design. This is why both tires must be a matched pair of a model recommended for this specific motorcycle. OEM specific model may no longer be available, so you must do some homework to get something that will be compatible for your GL1200.

Good handling has a price, and it starts with a matched pair of good quality tires that are specifically designed for the Goldwings high weight and very high torque. Devil is found into NEGLECTING such details... if you don't want to become an angel too soon.

Happy ride !

__________________
There is nothing like riding a Honda MC !

With a Gold Wing it's also a good idea to replace both tires at the same time for the reasons Lamimartin stated above. Dunlop makes a great tire for the GL-1200, the Elite 3 - it really helps minimize the wobble.

Common problem BUT NOT a normal operation on the front end. Bearings wear, the front end becomes loose and wobbles. Drop the front end and change out brngs and races then properly tighten the tree nut. While the front end is off change out fluid and fork seals.

GL1200 may be different than GL1100, but I can tell despite the fact GL1100 is known for the same front fork problem, I never used or needed to use a brace on my Goldwing GL1100 interstate (full fairing and all rigid cases weight included). As our friend pointed out, it was riding fine just original with proper maintenance no matter how sharply I did steer or ride on degraded roads (I live in Qc Canada, so I get more than my share of degraded pavement).

One thing to keep in mind is that Goldwing front end is a weak point of that model that deserves more attention. The very purpose of fork braces is to PREVENT not correct deficient handling due to prematurely worn components on the front end. A complete revision of the front end, as suggested by our friend is a very good advise.

I might add you should use a shop manual to troubleshoot. I don't want to be rude, but trying to shake the front wheel by hand may not be an efficient way to properly diagnose bearing and steering and suspension problems. Goldwings are marvelously well balanced and smooth machines when properly maintained. It certainly deserves some TLC after over 25 years. If you give it a chance to get back in full shape, you will love it.

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There is nothing like riding a Honda MC !

Thanks - I bought new Dunlops. I have not put them on yet. Thanks for your info!

Thanks to all for your input on my issue!!!