Kickback
A sharp sideways movement at the front (fork moving back and forth), it is intermittent and very fast, usually occurs during acceleration, and is set off by an external impact (a bump, join in the tarmac).
Shimmy
A sustained sideways wobbling of the front fork at low speeds (<60 mph/100 km/h) while slowing down.
Weaving
A wave-like movement of varying severity that may occur when riding in a straight line or on a curve, and usually appears at an average speed of around 90 mph (140 km/h).
Vibrations
These occur throughout the whole front fork/wheel, usually at speeds of around 55 to 80 mph (90 to 130 km/h).
Tires are not always the only issue
Weight distribution has a significant impact on whether or not a vehicle will develop a problem. The addition of accessories or modifications (non original top boxes, bags, fairings, windscreen, handles, seat, wheels, etc.) may also play a part in performance.
FAQ
Read our Frequently Asked Questions.
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Handlebar vibration at 90–130 km/h: usually wheel imbalance or incorrect tire centering on the rim. Requires professional correction—take the bike to a dealer.
Shimmy/wobble at low speeds: continuous sideways oscillation at the handlebars, typically 50–100 km/h. Caused by worn or underinflated tires, suspension issues, or improper load distribution. Loosen grip on handlebars (don't tense up); the shimmy often reduces as speed decreases.
Weave: rhythmic side-to-side movement of the whole motorcycle at higher speeds. Related to tire type mismatch (bias when radial required), excessive wear, incorrect pressure, or suspension issues. Decelerate gradually—do not brake suddenly.
Kickback: sharp, rapid front-end movement, typically triggered by a bump or road imperfection. Usually not tire-related but can be worsened by incorrect front tire pressure.
Do NOT tense up and grip the handlebars hard—this amplifies the oscillation.
Loosen your grip slightly—allow the handlebars to self-correct without your input amplifying the wobble.
Do NOT brake suddenly—this shifts weight and can worsen instability.
Decelerate gradually by closing the throttle; the wobble should diminish as speed decreases.
Once safely stopped, inspect tire pressure and wear. Get the wheel balance and tire centering checked by a professional before riding further.
Sustained vibration that wasn't there before: tire damage, delamination, or severe imbalance.
Unusual steering heaviness or resistance to lean: potential tire damage, severe underinflation, or sidewall damage.
Visible bulge or deformation in the tire: internal damage—stop riding immediately.
Audible 'slapping' or uneven sound from a tire: potential flat spotting or delamination.
Rapid air loss: slow pull off the road if possible—do not brake suddenly on a rapidly deflating motorcycle tire.
Mild weave sometimes diminishes as speed changes or the road surface improves. However, you should not continue riding at speed after experiencing weave without understanding its cause. Weave indicates something is wrong: wrong tire type (bias fitted when radial required), excessive wear, incorrect pressure, suspension fault, or improper loading. Continuing to ride ignoring the symptom risks a more severe episode. When the motorcycle safely slows and is controlled, pull over, check tire pressure and condition, verify tire compatibility, and—if the cause is unclear—transport the bike to a dealer rather than continuing.
Rider input significantly affects handling. Counter-intuitively, gripping the handlebars too tightly is a common cause of handlebar wobble amplification—a relaxed grip allows the suspension to work correctly and the handlebars to self-correct. Looking at the road immediately in front of you rather than through the corner causes the rider to make multiple small corrections rather than a smooth arc, creating instability. Target fixation (staring at what you're trying to avoid) is a leading cause of riders running off the road in corners. Train the habit: always look where you want the motorcycle to go.
