Front end vibration, especially the brake lever

[Hugo Stiglitz]

Im trying to track down bar vibration in general thats increased- especially the brake lever. So it seems to be worsening. I noticed yesterday on the motorway that when riding along (not braking or turning) that the brake lever vibrates noticeably more than the clutch lever. A process of elimination? Tyres are 2017 vintage; change the front or both, could it be the tracking? I changed the screen from standard to a taller OEM Triumph original screen and I've noticed that the top half of this oscillates at speed. Could this be the cause? Any experiences? Headstock doesn't feel lose by the way and no loose cables. Before I start spending and resetting/tearing the bike back- anything obvious first? ...


Bike is a 66plate/2016 Triumph Tiger 800. Tyres must have been new/old stock as we're fitted by first owner earlier this year.

Edited by Hugo Stiglitz on Thursday 4th August 06:42

[the cueball]

I would start with taking your pads out and giving the caliper and pistons a proper clean.

Ensure the pistons are actually working and check the run out of the discs.

Rebuild everything back up and make sure that you set and align the calipers properly, don’t just whack them back on.

Are you still planing on your trip away? If so, I would get new tyres for that as a matter of course too.

But I’m a bit overkill when it comes to brakes and tyres!

[Speed addicted]

The screen vibration could be transmitted into the bars, I'd either put the standard screen on or take the screen off completely then go for a ride to see if it's made a difference as you might as well rule out the simple stuff first.
Have a good look at the tyres for cupping or weird wear patterns, my explorer was bad for that on Pirellis.

If it's not vibrating while lightly braking I'd be surprised if they were the culprits, any time I've had issues with brakes it's been fairly obvious where the problem was.

[ThreadKiller]

I’d have thought tyre balance or uneven tyre wear as most likely culprits.

[Krikkit]

ThreadKiller said:

I’d have thought tyre balance or uneven tyre wear as most likely culprits.

I agree and think it's this... But I'd start by swapping the screen back and see what that does. It costs nothing but time.

[jjones]

Krikkit said:

I agree and think it's this... But I'd start by swapping the screen back and see what that does. It costs nothing but time.

As does checking the front wheel balance, plenty of vids on you tube on how to do it for free, if it is out of balance some stick on wheel weights are pence from ebay.

Had this on a fireblade, vibration started around 75 and just got worse the faster you went. Balanced it myself and it was then silky smooth again, guessing the wheel weights fell off at some point.

[black-k1]

ThreadKiller said:

I’d have thought tyre balance or uneven tyre wear as most likely culprits.

That's where my money would go.

However, as said, if the screen swap is quick and easy I'd start there.

[Speed addicted]

Also check the rear wheel, a mate had weird vibration and handling issues on a run. When he got home the back tyre was almost flat!