Buckled front wheel causing vibration through bars. Repair/Replace?

[sinkers]

I just got the suspension overhauled on my 2014 Tiger Sport 1050. All the bearings and bushings at the back needed replacement, one even required an oversize fitted. Lack of maintenance over the 70,000km the previous owners travelled I suspect. The front was as bad, no nylon left on the forks, oil like treacle, etc. All sorted now and feet grand I thought.

Something I did notice after getting the bike back was vibration coming through the bars. I sent the bike in to get the front wheel balanced as there were no weights on it at all. The mechanic pointed out a buckle on the right side of the rim which is very noticeable (once pointed out). The tyre is not losing pressure but the rim is buckled outwards.

I did a 2,300km round trip down to Spain from Ireland last week and noticed the front tyre squaring off a good bit but the rear is perfect. Bridgestone Battleaxx T31 Sport Touring for those interested. The vibration is there but not enough to numb my hands once i keep a light grip.

Sometimes coming into roundabouts I feel a little click which I thought was the suspension but am now putting down to the brakes. Have I got the warped disc issue or is it simply a buckled wheel.

I can get the wheel repaired for about €90 where a new wheel is €1,000 approx. On a 73,000km or 45,000miles bike, Is it worth it, and more importantly is repair going to be successful?

Cheers folks.

[Callamity]

It really depends on the quality of repair.....

It's not a job for your local handyman.  Dunno if the guys suggested here are on your radar or a similarly competent businesses in the Republic. 

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/new-rider/2010/october/oct1510-what-to-do-with-a-damaged-wheel-/
https://www.thersbywheelrepair.co.uk/

Otherwise a breaker is the cheapest option....

[sinkers]

Thanks Callamity.

Found a chap in Bray that says he can do it. Costs €150 approx. A lot steeper than a car wheel but it's a lad I can trust as I've seen his work previously. I rang several places specialising in wheel straightening but none do motorcycles even though their websites say they do it for €90.

I don't know would I trust a second hand wheel, could end up with similar issues, especially if it's off a crashed yoke.

I'll bite the bullet next week. I just hope it fixes the annoying vibration coming through the bars.

[sinkers]

OK.

I took the front wheel off to find the rubber seals worn, gouge marks around the spacers where said seals ran and play in the axle/ bearings.

Went to take out the bearings. Everyone says there are two notches in the sleeve between the two bearing races where you can get a drift to push out the bearing.

My sleeve doesn't have notches on either end, leading me to believe it was replaced with a made up part. Has anyone else experienced this or was there a change in the 2013 sport model?

[Puccio]

Hi,

I've had to repair my front wheel too from a dent, some months ago.

I confirm the spacer between bearings is not notched!
OEM bearings (in a 2016 model) are from Koyo, seals from Piooner Weston.

[sinkers]

20220923 152217

These are the parts. Those anodised spacers look wrecked. Are they OEM or did someone have them made up? Grooves definitely shouldn't be there.

The spacer that goes between the bearings doesn't have notches and looks badly corroded. Probably not OEM either as I don't recognise the part number. It looks like it was cut from a length of pipe.

[sinkers]

https://cdn.img.tiger-sport.com/20220923_152217.jpg

Image didn't work before

[ZuluTiger]

Nice little rebuild project. I'm sure you'll get it sorted.

[Tigermike]

Originally Posted by sinkers

https://cdn.img.tiger-sport.com/20220923_152217.jpg

Image didn't work before

The anodised spacers are oem, yes they have some grooves on the outside , possibly from some grit thats got in and worn but perfectly useable with some clean grease,..(the ones on my old tiger looked similar when i took the front wheel off after about 25k) the bearings and seals  look shot though so best to replace with new ones, the centre tube should be ok with s good clean up and plentiful grease when you put the axle back.
 

[Paul2bikes]

I'd replace the 2 outer spacers along with seals & bearings as a set, not expensive. Likely been ridden through a few winters.

The centre spacer looks normal, coat it in grease to stop it corroding.