Shake when hitting 40-50 on new 2011 Shadow Phantom

[twinkie57]

Hi all,

Just got my 2011 phantom a couple weeks ago and when taking it to work and hitting 4th gear at about 40-50 it shakes real bad, almost like the tires are out of alignment or something. I thought maybe it was the road or me just being a new rider. But something is telling me that its not just me. I had them look at it at the dealer and they laughed and said I was prob just in the wrong gear and/or its just me being a new rider. Well on the way home from there I was on a new perfect paved road in 4th gear and it shook at 45-55 (didnt go higher than that though), so I don't believe this is on me being a new rider. Im thinking of taking to to one of my dads friends that has been riding for a long time and having him test it as well, to take myself out of the equation.

The reason for me writing is, has anyone else experience this and if so what was the solution?

Thanks in advance for any advise/suggestions!

James

["Captain D"]

I live in the rural area, and I MIGHT be shifting to third @ 45-50MPH when I take off from the house ~ Shift to fifth @ 85-90...
I wonder???? Check wheel balance???
Dennis
Sturgis2011

[Coop]

Have you hit a really big pot hole or curb or anything that could have screwed up your rim?
If not, check 3rd gear at 45-55?

[twinkie57]

Hm.. nope no pot holes or curbs hit, only has 75 miles on the thing.

It shakes in either 3rd or 4th, as I have tried it both ways. sorry for leaving that portion out. Seems like right when it goes from 39 to 40+ the bike shakes.

Here is what I have been doing shift wise most of the time:

0-15 1st (sometimes shorter)
15-25 (2nd)
25-35/40 (3rd)
40-55 (4th)

Is this the incorrect way to be shifting? This is the rundown the salesman gave me when purchasing the bike, so that's what I have been doing.

Again thanks for the assistance!

James

["Captain D"]

My book has a "suggested shift speed" listed, I`ve read it, but don`t remember what it is...
I shift according to feel...
You got a Chain??? Is it adjusted correctly???Did someone from the shop ride the Bike and check it fer ya???(prolly not)

[gwilo]

It sounds like one of your wheels is out of balance.

[Nehalem Dave]

Yes, out of balance which often shows up as a harmonic, ie: at certain speeds it get worse. Rim might have not been tweaked properly if it has spokes. That is easy to check by jacking and spinning. Tire belts can also do that and usually shows up as tires needing excess weighting during balance.

Take it to the stealership and toss the wise guy the keys.

[Normspeed]

It would be good to let your dad's friend take it for a ride. A noticeable shake or wobble on a new bike isn't right. I'm thinking tire balance or a wheel that's not trued up. Is it the kind of wobble that you feel through the handlebars?

Dealer should not be laughing this off. If your dad's friend feels it too, maybe he could accompany you to the dealer, and you might want to ask to speak to the owner/manager of the place if you get no cooperation. They have a responsibility and a reputation to think about.

[gwilo]

The balancing problem I know well from my Miata, they are known to have a 65 mph shake, after 68 it would stop.

Alot of 'experts' had their theries on every possible cause. I simply bought a quality set of wheels balanced to 75 mph (most are only balanced at 60 mph) and the problem was solved, had my old wheels re-balanced to 75, never had the problem again.

(the Miata has 230 wheel HP .... not your average Miata)

[Big B]

Yeah, have someone else ride it and see if they experience it