Handle bars juddering

[Iroh]

HI.

So I bought a Crosstourer but it had mechanical problems so I have since returned it to the shop. As I loved the bike otherwise I tried another one (first bike had 6k miles and second tested bike had 1.5k miles on it. Both had seemingly decent condition tires on) But, both had one problem in common... The front ends (mainly felt through the handle bars) felt very juddery for want of a better word. Shaky could be a better description. If I let go of the handle bars the bike would track straight and not crash so that was good but I need to ask if anyone else here experiences this on their CT's? It's like the bars are shaking constantly at any speed. Perhaps both bikes had something wrong with them but at least with the first one i tried the suspension settings in standard and then the set up that was recommended for a softer ride. Nothing seemed to change the shaking. I really want a CT and plan to test another one but is there any simple explanation or solution to this issue? It's not just vibes... they were properly shaking. Not felt this on any other bike and I've tested a lot!

Also the second bike seemed very snatchy on the throttle at low speeds...

[Beer Belly]

They shouldn't be like that Only so many things could cause it, wheel out of balance, damaged rim, deformed tyre through long term storage, headrace bearings not properly adjusted.
Throttles do tend to be over sensitive / snatchy.

[t15dja]

I would agree. I've had my CT since February and the bars are rock steady....not a hint of shake or judder. Seems a coincidence I know, but both bikes must have had some sort of problem. If I had a car that did this I would first check that the wheels were correctly balanced.

[Hound]

I wouldn't call mine juddery, but it does seem that I feel every imperfection on the road and there is a sense of slight vibration through them. I set the front forks to Veejay's specs which tamed them a bit, but I can't get a plush ride from the rear suspension whatever I try.

[CiprianStoica]

I think that all the things you mention relate to a well-known problem of the CT. The compression valves on the stock forks are too rigid so instead of compressing under road conditions, the forks just transfer the shock through the handlebar. There are workarounds, each with it's own pros and cons, but probably the best fix is to re-valve at a suspension store.

[Iroh]

Hi, Thanks for all the replies people.

It's very portable both bikes had sat in a dealer for a while and the pressures, balance etc might have been a bit off but all suggestions are very appreciated. Think I have to just keep trying more test bikes. I wander how expensive the suspension re-valve overhaul would cost? Anyone done this?

I did also wander if it's just that the front end is a bit stiff generally and the heavy weight of the bike tends to lighten the front end connection to the road which would encourage this behaviour.

Regarding the snatchy throttle - Bike A (the one I returned) actually had a fuelling problem. It seemed like it was constantly fighting the throttle like it was in cruise control going down a hill. Bike B (the last one I tested with just 1k miles on it) that one didn't have that throttle problem but was super snatchy, especially at low speed. If I find a new test bike that also seems snatchy... is there an easy or cheap fix for that?

[ArthurY]

Not sure if this other possible root cause was considered: the road surface condition.
Did you try it on a smooth road to compare?

[Klj]

Hi.  The crosstourer I have has rubber /steel cigar like weights pushed into each side of the bars . Anti vibe / resonance . But I know of some crosstourer s without them. Other than that IMHO the stock bike's fork rebound / spring settings are not optimal. Do a search on here . There's lots of advice on settings you can try . I had your issue but after trying another members settings the problem disappeared. I also had the twitchy throttle issue.  Our bikes are excessively leaned out for emission control reasons I suspect.  I fitted a Booster Plug gadget and it fixed my low speed / low rev twitchyness instantly.  Good luck :)