California Motorcycle Handbook - Antevia

several times. If the throttle cableis stuck, this may free it. If thethrottle stays stuck, immediatelyoperate the engine cut-off switchand pull in the clutch at the sametime. This will remove power fromthe rear wheel, though enginenoise may not immediatelydecline. Once the motorcycle is“under control,” leave the roadand stop.After you have stopped, checkthe throttle cable carefully to findthe trouble. Make certain thethrottle works freely before youstart riding again.WobbleA “wobble” occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenlystart to shake from side to side atany speed. Most wobbles can betraced to improper loading,unsuitable accessories, orincorrect tire pressure. If you arecarrying a heavy load, lighten it.If you can’t lighten the load, shiftit. Center the weight lower andfarther forward on themotorcycle. Make sure the tirepressure, spring pre-load, airshocks, and dampers are at therecommended settings for thatmuch weight. Make surewindshields and fairings aremounted properly.Check for poorly adjustedsteering, worn steering parts, afront wheel that is bent,misaligned, or out of balance,loose wheel bearings or spokes,and swing arm bearings. If noneof these are the cause, have themotorcycle thoroughly checkedby a qualified professional.Trying to “accelerate out of awobble” will only make themotorcycle more unstable.Instead:• Grip the handlebars firmly, butdon’t fight the wobble.• Close the throttle gradually toslow down. Do not apply thebrakes; braking could make thewobble worse.• Move your weight as farforward and down as possible.• Leave the road as soon as youcan to fix the problem.Chain ProblemsA chain that slips or breaks whileyou’re riding could lock the rearwheel and cause your motorcycleto skid. Chain slippage orbreakage can be avoided byproper maintenance.• Slippage. If the chain slipswhen you try to speed up orride uphill, pull off the road.Check the chain and sprockets.Tightening the chain may help.Replace the chain, thesprockets, or both before ridingagain, if needed.• Breakage—You’ll notice aninstant loss of power to the rearwheel. Close the throttle andbrake to a stop.Engine SeizureWhen the engine “locks” or“freezes” it is usually low on oil.29