What causes tank slap and how do i stop it from happening. Scared the **** outa me twice now? How many mm are the forks, were a fork clamp goes on?
Tank slapper. First thing to do would be to change your fork oil... if its old and no good it will come out grey and smell like rotting arse. As for what causes it... If your bike develops a speed wobble on its own on a flat road then your headstem bearings need attention. Now if you are at speed and hit a bump or a pothole, you can overload the capabilities of the suspension. The shock will travel through and then the headstem bearing takes the load, and this upsets your steering. How to prevent it... don't push the bike beyond its own and your own limits and it will never be an issue. And if for some reason you like to tempt fate, get a steering damper.
Ahhhh ok, yeah it doesnt wobble at speed. Only when i hit a really rough patch. I got a steering damper to throw on. What mm are the for forks?
If your having 'wobble trouble' then push the forks down through the clamps until level at the top. I would also be looking for any looseness of wheel bearings (front and rear), fork bushes, steering head bearings, swingarm bearings, check the frame for breaks and tyres (condition of tread and pressure). Although very hard to relax when the wobbles start, if you can the bike will usually straighten itself.
I got the death wobbles up on my dirtbike...turned out the wheel bearings were completely knackered. (Grease had turned into dirt) Previous owner did zero maintenance!
