HIGH SPEED WOBBLES on my F800 GS

[fractalsource]

At about 70 mph. or 112.65 kilometers per hour my bike began to feel wobbly on asphalt.
I'm running new TKC 80's.
I assumed it was the non-adjustable, upside-down forks and replacing them, - replacing the springs, and using heavier weight oil was an option for a remedy.
- My local BMW dealer told me it was my tires. - I checked my tire pressure and wear.
I adjusted my bike for my ride, using:
http://www.photos4aidan.com/actions/F800GSPreload.html

On the Interstate without wind or trucks to give me turbulence -
Still, a wobble.

So I bought a steering damper.
Installed it.
Adjusted it, as prescribed.
Wobble gone.
- Stabilized in Idaho.

[itsatdm]

There have been many complaints about the wobble. Most have been with tkc80 tires. At about 300 miles the wobble goes away. I initially jacked up the rear preload and dropped the forks 1/4" inch and the wobble went away.

Since that time I have changed out the front springs and cartridge tube. I added a Hyperpro spring to rear and added some preload.

It was a very good pavement bike. I have since added a Scotts stabilizer for off road. It made the bike feel like a heavier bike.

All together, the thing is a rock. I do not care what tire is has on it, it goes where where you point it. The most stable bike I have ever owned.

[itsatdm]

Easy fix. Go ride in the dirt. Never wash it. It must effect more than others, never bothered me.

[amackenzie]

I run the TKC80s and I found airing up the tires helps, especially the front. I've never really had much of a problem with it though.

If you're going to do a lot of high speed highway I'd keep them pretty hard.

[Snowy]

Yep.

Forks...shit. Options...shit. Solutions...like your link says:

On ADVrider, there is an extensive thread about the mythic Bitubo fork cartridges, imported from Italy. There’s one guy who actually has them, swears by them, but he does most of his riding in Staten Island. Fuck sake, lads. I need a better endorsement than that before I run out and chuck a bunch a dough at new cartridges.

Things like this stopped me in my tracks. Then there were the failures that started to emerge with the kits.

I have 2 motoX front ends awaiting that perfect moment where I have a surplus of time and money.

Then the BMW front end goes the way of the Dodo.

Front wheel clacking is most likely the disc pads floating in the caliper. Mine makes a hell of a noise. If you pull the front brake on and pump the forks see if it makes the noise then. It'll be the pads for sure.

The wobbles - itsatdm has the way of it. It's a geometry thing most likely. Play with rear pre-load and front height. Raise the rear and drop the front each by 20mm and it changes everything about the way it behaves at freeway speeds.

Some blame tyres, some blame pre-load...I just know this works after figuring it out on my own and then seeing that others agree.

[Dream Rider]

justbought 2012 f650gs. told dealer front wobbles then settles when i push left/right quick as inavoidance maneuver. usually above 65 mph. However, since the bike settles on its own that is "normal???" bike handles fine other wise. A little more shakey thatn my 1200 GSA behind semi's or in wind,but the bike is about 150 lbs lighter. Is this the same suspension as the 800 GS?

[fractalsource]

I'm pretty sure you have adjustable front forks on the 2012 F650 GS.
The F800 GS has upside down, non adjustable front forks. (What were they thinking?)

I like the diagrams for adjusting a bikes suspension, on pages 12 and 13 of this pdf. from Ohlins.
See: http://www.ohlins.com/Products/Owner...M_07241-02.pdf

Having said all that:
I weigh too much for my suspension. (300+)
So, I am getting an upgrade from:
See: http://sasquatchrider.com/products.html

My Scotts steering damper took out my high speed wobbles.
That damper works really well. I like it very much.
It does raise my bars. I can't use some wind screens, like the Windshield - VStream Touring Windshield - by ZTechnik without hitting my mirrors on the sides. Even with the mirror extenders. (I bought one and returned it.)
See: http://www.ascycles.com/detail.aspx?ID=76186

Now, I just have a bottoming out, issue. And a few noises I need to dampen.
Someday, I will dial in, this bike.