New Purchase

[zhmurki]

I just test rode a bike today that I am thinking about purchasing. I have not been riding all that often during the last few years. The bike that I rode was a 96 Suzuki gsx600f Katana. During the ride, I noticed that under 50 mph I experienced a wobble (a degree or two off ninety degrees oscillating). I never felt uncomfortable on the bike and after 50 mph the problem seemed to disappear. Given that I have not been riding that often in the last few years, it is possible that this was just a problem with my ability. Can anyone tell me if they are familiar with wobble problems? Particularly, it would be helpful to know whether this would be a good bike to buy or if there are mechanical problems that would be expensive to fix or likely to kill me. I did check parts such as rear and front wheel, front fork, and swing arm for slop and found nothing.

Thank you

[funstuff]

[quote=zhmurki;437566], I noticed that under 50 mph I experienced a wobble (a degree or two off ninety degrees oscillating).

Bad news here:::::::::::::::
Start with the tires are they cupped?
Front wheel - any signs of curb checking? Are the wheel weights missing?
Are the forks seated in the triple clamps at the marked point?
Are the bars bent?
Is the rear sub frame misaligned ie. bent?
Check the rear tire and wheel the same.
Has anything been added or removed to cause a weight and balance issue on the bike?

Lastly what was the road that you were on was it off camber ?

Better yet find another bike and save the effort. Do not accept any wobble at any speed it is a sign of bad things ahead.

my 2cents worth

[TxFLSTC]

I had an Intercepter that did something similar. It ended up being a bent fork that wore out a bearing... it was like that when I purchased the bike.

If it is that good of a deal... have a mechanic check it out before you buy it... your life could depend on it.