RaWarrior
Well-Known Member
My Vmax has had the infamous "speed wobble" since I got it. I'd tried everything from adjusting the head bearings, new tires, adjusting tire pressure up and down, furbur fix, ect. Nothing seemed to make an appreciable difference. I'm fairly handy, but have a very limited "shop" and tools to work on things, so I was kind of hesitant to change the actual head bearings.
I called up PCW and described the issue, saying I thought I probably needed new head bearings ('97 with about 24k on it). They asked a few questions about the bike, mileage, year, what tires, any mods to the suspension, where the wobble occurs and if anything else seems to trigger it. They initially quoted me about $200 to just change the bearings(which I provided). We talked a bit more about their "complete control" kit, which is 1" lowering blocks in the forks, Progressive fork springs(which I already had), and front end inspection/adjustment. They said based on past customers with the same issue, this kit cleared up the issue every time. Set up an appointment to bring the bike in. Brendan was very friendly and knowledgeable on the phone and we talked for probably 20 min about the specific problems and price options.
Dropped the bike off on a Tuesday and got a phone call Friday morning saying the work was done and they were just waiting for John to take it for a test drive and give it his a-ok before it went out the door. Got another call about 2 hours later saying it was ready for pickup, and a chat about the final bill and recommendations. They said the ebay special shocks on the back were 1/2" shorter than the originals to start with, and compressed about an inch when you sat on it, making the bike squat in the back under load and reducing weight on the front wheel, causing the wobbly handling. They sold me a set of like new stock rears for $40. Seemed very concerned about my satisfaction, said to call back if there were any issues or questions. On the way home I took it up to 130 and not the slightest hint of a wobble...it had never felt so solid. The 1" lowering is slightly noticeable sitting on the bike but it makes the initial turn-in and overall "confidence" in corners a lot better...no more wiggle when hitting bumps while cornering either.
I swapped in the stock rears anyway when I got home, I'll put the old ones up on ebay.
Anyway couldn't be happier with this shop and won't hesitate to refer friends to them or for any future work I don't feel comfortable doing myself. They don't try to sell you stuff you don't need, keep you involved with good communication, and stand behind their work 100%
Highly recommended.
I called up PCW and described the issue, saying I thought I probably needed new head bearings ('97 with about 24k on it). They asked a few questions about the bike, mileage, year, what tires, any mods to the suspension, where the wobble occurs and if anything else seems to trigger it. They initially quoted me about $200 to just change the bearings(which I provided). We talked a bit more about their "complete control" kit, which is 1" lowering blocks in the forks, Progressive fork springs(which I already had), and front end inspection/adjustment. They said based on past customers with the same issue, this kit cleared up the issue every time. Set up an appointment to bring the bike in. Brendan was very friendly and knowledgeable on the phone and we talked for probably 20 min about the specific problems and price options.
Dropped the bike off on a Tuesday and got a phone call Friday morning saying the work was done and they were just waiting for John to take it for a test drive and give it his a-ok before it went out the door. Got another call about 2 hours later saying it was ready for pickup, and a chat about the final bill and recommendations. They said the ebay special shocks on the back were 1/2" shorter than the originals to start with, and compressed about an inch when you sat on it, making the bike squat in the back under load and reducing weight on the front wheel, causing the wobbly handling. They sold me a set of like new stock rears for $40. Seemed very concerned about my satisfaction, said to call back if there were any issues or questions. On the way home I took it up to 130 and not the slightest hint of a wobble...it had never felt so solid. The 1" lowering is slightly noticeable sitting on the bike but it makes the initial turn-in and overall "confidence" in corners a lot better...no more wiggle when hitting bumps while cornering either.
I swapped in the stock rears anyway when I got home, I'll put the old ones up on ebay.
Anyway couldn't be happier with this shop and won't hesitate to refer friends to them or for any future work I don't feel comfortable doing myself. They don't try to sell you stuff you don't need, keep you involved with good communication, and stand behind their work 100%
Highly recommended.