Troubleshooting

Unstable handling

~1min read

Handlebars

- Bent or improperly installed right handlebar

- Bent or improperly installed left handlebar

1. Steering head components

- Improperly installed upper bracket

- Improperly installed lower bracket (improperly tightened ring nut)

- Bent steering stem

- Damaged ball bearing or bearing race

2. Front fork leg(s)

- Uneven oil levels (both front fork legs)

- Unevenly tensioned fork spring (both front fork legs)

- Broken fork spring

- Bent or damaged inner tube

- Bent or damaged outer tube

3. Swingarm

- Worn bearing

- Bent or damaged swingarm

Rear shock absorber assembly

- Faulty rear shock absorber spring

- Leaking oil

Tire(s)

- Uneven tire pressures (front and rear)

- Incorrect tire pressure

- Uneven tire wear

Wheel(s)

- Incorrect wheel balance

- Deformed cast wheel

- Damaged wheel bearing

- Bent or loose wheel axle

- Excessive wheel runout

Frame

- Bent frame

- Damaged steering head pipe

- Improperly installed bearing race

Test yourself

A quick Yamaha YZF-R125 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.