Motorcycle Repair: Honda V65 Magna Steering Wobble, honda v65 magna, rear swing arm

Question
Hi,

I have an 85 V65 Magna that has a wobble that is getting progressively worse. Last year I had the entire front end rebuilt by our local Honda dealer. I had the upper and lower steering head bearings replaced, fork fluid and seals replaced, front wheel and tire replaced.

This made the bike feel like a new bike. Then about six months after the rebuild all my symptoms began returning. Although not to the degree that they were before the repairs. I took the bike back to the shop and had them inspect it. They say it's not the front end causing the problem. However, they don't know what is causing the problem. They suggested it could be caused by the rear swing arm bushings but they want another $450 and won't guarantee it'll fix the problem.

It feels to me like it's in the front end. It seems very loose. Is it possible that something in the steering head could have loosened up? I'm unable to produce any abnormal movement in the front end by hand. But I'm not convinced that I would be able to due to the force required.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Dean

Answer
Dean,
this is a problem with Magnas, could be the forks
or frame flexing. Check the steering head bearings,
tires, tire pressure. Add extra air if you are carrying a load. Are fork tubes even at the top and using 10-15 weight fork oil in them. Do you have a fork brace? Is it
cracked? Are your handlebars straight and tight?
You could lay some long flourescent bulbs beside
the wheels and see if the wheel alignment is good,
Should be even on both sides with no offset.
Swingarm bushings are a possibility as well,
but you said after the front end rebuild it felt good,
Are your tires wearing okay with no scalloping?
I have heard this complaint from other V65 owners
and if things are good mechanically you may be
stuck with some handling instability. (Nature of the beast)