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When I let go of my handle bars, after a second the front end begins to cavitate. When I re-grasp the bars the vibration stops. I have a new Metzler front tire and everything seems like it tracks okay. Any ideas on what could be causing this?

here you go Randaroo. Mine was like that also and by doing this tech tip it fixed the problem. Let us know if you have any problem with it.
http://abbikeboard.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=209

Yep, Tighten up those steering head bearings and that tank slap should be gone. If when your done you still have a little vibration "tank slap" then you still need to tighten it up some more. Be careful as to not over tighten. Too tight can be even worse than too loose......

If the steering head adjustment doesn't quite make it, or even if it does, I would recommend a superbrace. I can ride mine down the road with no hands, no vibration, no wobbles. I feel the superbrace also helps with brake feel, firms it up and stops twisting of the fork tubes.

I just noticed tonight that if I ride through town with no hands, my bars wobble like crazy. I never even noticed with my hands on the bars. I guess I'll be doing some work.

Thanks for the great emails and suggestions!

I followed Charlie from Illinois' tech tip and it solved the problem. It took maybe 45 minutes counting the test drive. Thanks to all those who responded. This is a great group of folks!

I notice that all is said to tighten up the bearing but when should you look at replacing these bearings?

If you are experiencing problems with it. With the front tire off the ground does it have forward or backward movement? Any catching left to right? Sound?

Charlie from Illinois....no I have heard nothing from the front end, there is no catching right or left and I will be checking the front and back play when I install the progressive fork springs and tighten up the steering nut. I was just wondering if a guy should change out the bearings because it is a 1986 but it does have low milage.

When I made the adjustment to mine I could find no play in the front end either. It did not take much to get rid of the problem though. Just about a quarter turn on the nut......