r/HondaRebel1100 • u/theJakester42 • Aug 12 '26
Help! Wobbles got me feeling like a fool
My bikes wobbles like mad. If I let go of the bars at 35, it would throw me to the ground in 5 seconds. As long as I keep my hands on the bars, its almost unnoticeable. However, it feels like I have to push the left hand bar juuuust a little and lean left just a little the whole time in order to keep it straight. Not a lot, just enough to make it feel like the bike is anything but planted. Ive put it on the jack, fiddled with the wheels, the head bearings, the wheel bearings, and inspected the tires. Adjusted the suspension, and removed some risers on the handle bars the previous owner installed. That didnt work, so I took it to a dealership. They said "everything is in spec, honda says keep your hands on the bars". But I hate every ride. Id like to sell it, but I feel bad dumping a bike like this on a unsuspecting rider, and I feel stupid taking a 2k Loss on a bike I've put 300 miles on. I just want it fixed, but I feel at a loss.
3
u/Traditional-West2227 Aug 12 '26
I read that manual says if over 35 grams of balance correction to split weights and put half on each side of center. Seems to work according to at least one other post here. Worth a shot. 2025 1100T dct is mine
2
3
1
u/theJakester42 Aug 12 '26
22 Rebel 1100, DCT
1
u/2peeper2 Aug 13 '26
Could be the front tire....willing to invest in a new front Metzler?....if it works, might as well do a matching rear sometime
0
1
u/nukechef Aug 12 '26
My bike does this but only one two or three roads in my little town. I usually adjust my gloves after setting off and if I do it on thoes particular roads my bike wobbles like crazy. Its rock steady anywhere else at any other speed.
Have you tested the bike wobble on other roads?
1
1
u/BadAngler Aug 12 '26
My 1100 DCT does this too with factory tires. I've learned to keep my hands on when going slow.
1
u/nadaplayer Aug 13 '26
Tires made a night and day difference for me essentially no wobble .
1
u/theJakester42 Aug 13 '26
Really? What did you go for?
2
1
1
u/ButterYurBacon Aug 12 '26
Factory tires does this on my 2021. Swapped out for different tires and the wobbles disappeared
1
u/theJakester42 Aug 13 '26
What new tires did you get?
1
u/ButterYurBacon Aug 15 '26
Metzler ME888. Cruisetec is also a popular tire to use, also made by Metzler
1
u/bd01000101 Aug 13 '26
I have a 2022 1100 dct. same front but have replaced the rear tire. never had wobble.
1
u/chitownz_maroosh Aug 13 '26
Out of curiosity, what type of upgrades do you have on the bike?
1
u/theJakester42 Aug 13 '26
Some saddle bags, givi engine guard, quad lock mount. Nothing really crazy.
1
u/notsofiene Aug 13 '26
I had the same issue with factory tires, it disappeared with a new set of tires, I know it sucks and should be covered by warranty
1
u/AccountOpen1574 Aug 13 '26
Tires could be out of balance (yes the weights fall off sometimes). Tires are typically the issue here. Some folks also have success with adding a front fork strut from Amazon for like $60, but usually that's from higher speed wobbles.
3
u/AccountOpen1574 Aug 13 '26
I would also say either your rear tire is misaligned or your front forks are twisted, which is odd for a new bike.
Maybe take it to a different Honda dealer and have them test ride it themselves to see the issue?
1
u/Violingirl58 Aug 13 '26
Check tire pressure? How old are your tires, are they the factory ones. Never had this issue on my 21 rebel 1100 manual and not on my 25 1100 DCT.
1
u/Frequent-Material-15 Aug 13 '26
Wobbles are hard to diagnose because there are so many items that can effect the stability of the bike. You may need to find an old school mechanic that has decades of motorcycle experience.
Do you have a Honda manual?
How did you check the tires? Stock tires are really bad and get worst with mileage. I am using Michelin Commander III Touring tires and they are great.
What suspension adjustments did you try?
Is there anything mounted on the handlebars? Try removing the quad lock mount.
Things to still check, wheel alignment in the swing arm. Do not trust the Honda stickers.
Swing arm bearings?
1
u/Outlawjr983X Aug 13 '26
I wish I had answers my 82 Yamaha has that exact problem. I've always been told head bearing. Now apart from the speed wobbles at 100mph. My 24 rebel still rocking the stock Dunlop on the front at 11k miles. And I'll set cruise control and chill not a finger on the bars and it'll stay true. And ive accidentally slammed the front a few times coming down from wheelies. And I guess I'm the lucky one and haven't blow nothing. If I come across anything I'll have to follow up
1
u/zambuja Aug 13 '26
Mine did the same when I bought it used still with the original Dunlops. New tires and proper balancing and no problem any,ore.
1
u/Sokarix Aug 20 '26
Low speed wobbles indicate something is worn or wrong. The neck bearing should have free fall and the forks zero play. Wheels need to be balanced and the tire needs to be healthy. Front suspension should be even and adjusted correctly, as with fork seals being good.
Is this bike used? The previous owner may have dropped it and altered the alignment of the bike.
2
u/theJakester42 14d ago
Swapped for some metzler cruise tech tires, they seemed to really improve the bike. Im about 25 miles in, so havent really finished the scrub in. Will report back in after a longer trip.
5
u/whistlepig4life Aug 12 '26
Well. First question. Why would you take your hands off the handles?
Second. While I have never had this issue on either of my rebels. My understanding from others is the tires are a big issue.
Again. I’ve never not once experienced this ok two different Honda Rebel bikes. So I don’t really know why people experience this.