Hi all, I recently bought a 2007 XT660R. My previous bike was a GS1200 ADV. So far I enjoy the bike but my only problem is that the steering starts swerving/whobbling when I go on the highway and go above 110kmp/h. Sometimes it doesn't happen but it is a bit scary. A few people told me that it is the mudguard or extended windshield catching the wind. It seems a bit crazy that they would bring a bike out like that. Any suggestions please. Thanks. Luke

Hello. Mine does it with new Knobblies, low or too high air pressure in them.
I'm sure a more clued up members of the forum will help u out

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Yep - knobblies don't help with high speed stability. As above, knobblies seem to be quite pressure dependent with regard to on-road handling.

It is also worth checking the steering head bearings for excessive play, notchiness, or over-tightness. They can play havoc with handling and its quite a common XT failing as they never got a full dose of grease at the factory.

Same at the rear - check the swingarm pivot and shock linkage for excesssive play. Slop here can have the same effect and cause wobbly, odd-feeling steering.

Try adding more preload at the rear, something as simple as that can have quite dramatic effects. While you're at it, it's also worth checking the suspension sag front and rear is even and adjusted within reasonable limits - work on 30% of total travel for rider or dynamic sag (ie: with you on board).

It could be loads of other thing too... indeed high screens, mudguards and luggage/top boxes can all cause vague steering at speed. Also think about you riding position; too far back, too upright, grip too tight on the bars? Try different positions.

Main thing is, try an adjust only one thing at a time. Do too much all at once and you'll never isolate the cause.

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Also try reducing the pressure


Xt660x 04

Something really silly, but loosen your grip a little on these babies. I find it to be more stable if I do not hang on so tightly. Also if you have bark busters installed, they also tend to make a little havoc on higher speeds.

But yeah, I also do not feel over confident when I hit the road high speed.

I'd check tyre pressures first then steering head bearings - whilst they may feel ok (sometimes it's difficult to really tell if the cables and wiring are acting as a 'damper' when swinging the bars from lock to lock); it may not have noticeable play but they may be very dry and probably haven't been not greased since leaving the factory.

I was amazed at how dry the head bearings on my three year old bike were when I did them recently.

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Brighton, UK