Subject: RE: Wobbling theory

Author: Zerhackermann

Date: Jun 3, 2002, 1:35 PM

Post ID: 1710367407

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

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