Motorcycle Repair: Honda 500 shadow canadian, wheel alignment, cork ireland

Question
I get a "shimmy"in the back wheel as if I am in a road dividing crevice. Happens at all speeds. Is it shocks or something else. Quite disconcerting and uncomfortable.
Mike Durcan, Cork, Ireland

Answer
Could be low tire pressure, or either the wheel or swing arm bearings. You should also check the rear wheel alignment.

The procedure for checking the bearings involves seeing if there's any lateral motion on the rear wheel. Grab the wheel and see if it moves side-to-side.