Topica Loopframe_Guzzi Archive


Subject: Re: Wobbling theory

Author: David Whalen

Date: Jun 3, 2002, 12:01 PM

Post ID: 1710366951


For the record, mine wobbles with the windshield on or
off. Makes no difference. I'm no speed racer. I just
slow down if I feel it coming on. Last time was on a
big sweeper at 55mph, felt it begin to wobble a bit
and backed off the throttle. It smoothed out. More
curves ahead, tighter ones at 35 or so. No wobble.
Like I said, this is with new neck bearings. Feels
good with the new bearings. I didn't expect the wobble
to remain. My previous Eldo wobbled, too.
dw
--- Charles Mullendore <Ambo-@netscape.net> wrote:
 Hi All,
I've never had my '69 Ambo with the Guzzi police
fairing show any sign of an uncontrollable wobble.
After an oscillation or two it settles down. Of
course I don't ride the old beast over 72 mph
indicated, unless it's downhill passing a car.:-)
Here's a theory: The Guzzi police fairing sits
fairly far back towards the rider and most H-D style
police shields sit farther forward. A police shield
along with the fork mounted spot/driving lights
normally fitted make for a good bit of weight
forward of the steering head axis. Once something
sets all of that weight in motion, it becomes a
"pendulum" swinging side to side, which can't damp
itself out and instead increases in severity with
catastrophic results. I'm sure all of the other
factors (steering head and swingarm bearings,
loading, etc.) definitely come into play as well,
but couldn't this also be a cause? Just food for
thought! Cheers,

Charlie


Greg Field <seen-@mac.com> wrote:

 
Sorry to hear about the crash. Guys, if you have a
wobbler, get it fixed
 or slow down. There are plenty of Eldo frames
around, so you might want
 to swap out your wobbler frame.

On the good side, I've just bought another Eldo
that's been off the road
 for years and should have it running in the next
month.
 
It's a 4LS 1974 police model with a Windjammer
fairing, solo seat, and
 bags. Anyone want a Windjammer?

The bike's in Scottsdale, so I'm going to have to
get it home somehow.
 Anyone have experience with any shipping companies?

Thanks!

GF
 
Hey Guys,

I just received this info from Frank. Not good
news for the Eldo
 
 numbers but
I am glad to hear Dave is ok.

Certainly a reminder to keep the swing arm and
steering head bearings
 
 nice
and tight and stay aware of the possible wobble.

I am still wondering why this occurs. I have had
my 69 Ambo at 80 and
 
 it was
as solid as a rock and at other times it wobbles
at 60mph as I pass a
 
 truck.
It has to be a number of factors coming together
that amplifies the
 
 wobble
into something nasty. Certainly I think the
windshield plays a role.
 
 
Regards....Ian

 Ian,

Dave Zecha crashed his nice Eldo. He got into a
speed wobble at
 
 
 75 mph and
dumped it. Those so called "Loop" frames will
ride you into the ground
 
 
 if
you're not careful. At the first sign of a
wobble, a guy needs to slow
 
 
 it
down in a hurry.

I was told the bike tumbled down the road and
into a deep ditch.
 
 
 I haven't
spoken to Dave, but it sounds like it's
totalled. The frame has got to
 
 
 be
bent, as well as the front end, etc.

Fortunately, Dave was wearing the proper
clothing. He had leather
 
 
 pants on,
gloves, full face helmet and a high quality
riding jacket. He still
 
 
 ended
up with some road rash I understand, and some
black and blue body
 
 
 parts.
This happened in Kansas City. The next day he
rented a car and
 
 
 continued on
to St. Louis.

CU later
Frank
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