Vibration???

[chazglenn3]

Greetings! So, what are the chances that a worn front tire could cause a vibration that seems to be coming from the back half of the bike? Logic dictates that it would cause a vibration to felt in the front if at all. The rear tire is newer than the front and has much life left in it. I am overdue for a final drive oil change if that could have something to do with it...

[FJRoss]

Not the final drive oil - unless it has leaked out or you have an unrelated final drive issue (not likely).
Have balance weights fallen off the rear wheel? Might want to balance it again in any case.
Any unusual wear pattern in the rear tire?
Check rear wheel bearings too. If you rotate them with your index finger, do they feel "notchy"?
With the bike in neutral on the centerstand, push back the rear pads and give the wheel a spin. Listen for unusual noise, excessive resistance and runout of the wheel or rotor.

Yes, it could still be the front...

Edit: Check condition of brake pads and rotors although the vibration would be more on braking than riding at speed.

[raYzerman]

Nothing to do with the final drive..... check things out when you replace the front, and go from there. Any unusual wear patterns on the front or rear?
Where do you have your fork and shock damping set at?

[chazglenn3]

Thanks for the quick replies! I'll make time this week to do all of the suggestions you have given. I'll have to take a look at the fork and shock damping settings, although I have made no changes for years. I did replace the rear shock a few months back but it rode fine until the other day. The tires appear to be wearing evenly but I will give them a closer look as well. When Bryan (AuburnFJR) mounted my rear tire, he put tape over the weights as usual. The tape is still there, but I suppose that doesn't mean a weight hasn't escaped.

[Festus]

Steering head bearings loose?

[FJRoss]

Is it only noticed above a certain speed?
Proportional to speed (wheels, bearings, drive train), irrespective of gear or proportional to RPM (engine or clutch)?
Sometimes, retorquing engine mounting bolts can help but there is no reason for that to be needed if you haven't done anything.
Does it change when you pull in the clutch and let off the gas?
If you get it under load but not coasting, there is a slight possibility of a u-joint issue (very uncommon)

Headshake with hands-off deceleration from 50 mph? (Front tire or steering bearings)

Fun dealing with someone else's vibration issues (real or perceived).
Funny about personal sensitivities and how you feel issues from one day to the next. I sometimes worry about odd sounds, vibration or other anomaly one day and then marvel about how quiet, smooth and utterly perfect it seems to be the next day. Partly depends on if I have been riding the F700GS in between!

[chazglenn3]

I'll add those things to my list...thanks!

[wheatonFJR]

I'm sure Beemerdons would have something to say about the title of this thread.

[chazglenn3]

Since the front tire is shot, I ordered a replacement and after installing it I'll see if things have improved.

[chazglenn3]

Case closed! Man, when I pulled the front wheel and got a good close look at the tire, it looked like it had been stung by a group of hornets! Lumps all over the place! Fresh rubber and the bike rides good as new! Now to change the engine oil, rear differential oil, brake and clutch fluids...

[escapefjrtist]

Great news Charles...I always love the "new bike" feel you get with fresh tires!

~G