Squirrelly Vulcan

[Sakitome]

Hello,
My 96 VN800-A2 has some handling problems. At slower speeds it jerks the handlebars when the front tire encounters stones or irregularities in the pavement (cracks, grade changes, etc). This is my first bike. I've had it for three months and it has 6300 miles on it. It has a new Dunlop 80/90-21 48H tire on the front. A mechanic has suggested trying a wheel from a Clasic model with a smaller diameter and wider tire. Anyone tried this or have experience with this problem? Will the wheels even interchange? I also get some wheel shimmy at 35 & 60+ mph. I had the wheel balanced and is supposed to be ok. I'd rather be looking out for cars than cracks in the road. Thanks much.

[jbsmd]

I think what you are dealing with is common for the type of front wheel you have. Thinner/tall wheels seem to let you feel everything. Don't know about interchanging with a classic, but if your mech says it would, there is a good chance it may. May need a different fender too, plus the rake will feel slightly different, since the front end will be lower.

[jeffs99vulcan]

I've read that in order to interchange the wheels on the A and B models, you have to modify the forks... try the search fhunction, I believe there is a thread or post on here regarding that...

[CowboyBob]

It shouldn't be that much problem, did he check the steering stem bearings, or the axle bearings or axle itself. It is more likely there, your bike is a 96 and those parts may be worn. Balancing the wheel may help, but did he check to make sure the wheel is true and the runout is acceptable? Older spoke wheels can be out of true and that would make a difference, also is the tire over inflated? That will make a front end really notice little rocks or bumps. Check out those things, you may find it is one of them. A 21" front wheel shouldn't be that squirrely.