Subject: Wobbling theory

Hi All,
I've never had my '69 Ambo with the Guzzi police fairing show any sign of an uncontrollable wobble. After an oscillation or two it settles down. Of course I don't ride the old beast over 72 mph indicated, unless it's downhill passing a car.:-) Here's a theory: The Guzzi police fairing sits fairly far back towards the rider and most H-D style police shields sit farther forward. A police shield along with the fork mounted spot/driving lights normally fitted make for a good bit of weight forward of the steering head axis. Once something sets all of that weight in motion, it becomes a "pendulum" swinging side to side, which can't damp itself out and instead increases in severity with catastrophic results. I'm sure all of the other factors (steering head and swingarm bearings, loading, etc.) definitely come into play as well, but couldn't this also be a cause? Just food for thought! Cheers,

Charlie

Greg Field <seen-@mac.com> wrote:

Sorry to hear about the crash. Guys, if you have a wobbler, get it fixed
or slow down. There are plenty of Eldo frames around, so you might want
to swap out your wobbler frame.

On the good side, I've just bought another Eldo that's been off the road
for years and should have it running in the next month.

It's a 4LS 1974 police model with a Windjammer fairing, solo seat, and
bags. Anyone want a Windjammer?

The bike's in Scottsdale, so I'm going to have to get it home somehow.
Anyone have experience with any shipping companies?

Thanks!

GF

Hey Guys,

I just received this info from Frank. Not good news for the Eldo
numbers but
I am glad to hear Dave is ok.

Certainly a reminder to keep the swing arm and steering head bearings
nice
and tight and stay aware of the possible wobble.

I am still wondering why this occurs. I have had my 69 Ambo at 80 and
it was
as solid as a rock and at other times it wobbles at 60mph as I pass a
truck.
It has to be a number of factors coming together that amplifies the
wobble
into something nasty. Certainly I think the windshield plays a role.

Regards....Ian

Ian,

Dave Zecha crashed his nice Eldo. He got into a speed wobble at
75 mph and
dumped it. Those so called "Loop" frames will ride you into the ground
if
you're not careful. At the first sign of a wobble, a guy needs to slow
it
down in a hurry.

I was told the bike tumbled down the road and into a deep ditch.
I haven't
spoken to Dave, but it sounds like it's totalled. The frame has got to
be
bent, as well as the front end, etc.

Fortunately, Dave was wearing the proper clothing. He had leather
pants on,
gloves, full face helmet and a high quality riding jacket. He still
ended
up with some road rash I understand, and some black and blue body
parts.
This happened in Kansas City. The next day he rented a car and
continued on
to St. Louis.

CU later
Frank

__________________________________________________________________
Your favorite stores, helpful shopping tools and great gift ideas. Experience the convenience of buying online with Shop@Netscape!http://shopnow.netscape.com/

Get your own FREE, personal Netscape Mail account today athttp://webmail.netscape.com/

Subject: Wobbling theory

Author: Charles Mullendore

Date: Jun 2, 2002, 6:51 PM

Post ID: 1710362996

Entire thread: