'04 VTX1300C (22K)/Tire Pressure Suggestion/Front Handlebar "Shake" Help

I had my tires replaced in 2010, and I now have:

Front (Metzler ME 880 Marathon Touring Front, Size 110/90H-19)
Back (Michelin Hydroedge 89T, 195/65-15 Green).

As stated in my topic line, I have 22,000 miles on my bike. Barely even broke in.

My good mechanic buddy said to bring the new bearings just in case - to the mechanic who was putting on the tires. Mechanic who put on tires stated at the time, THAT I DIDN’T NEED TO REPLACE THEM.

Right now I run the front tire at 39 lbs. and the back tire at 41 lbs. and I am the only one who rides on the bike. I am 162 lbs, but I load up my saddle bags, ride with a back pack (on my back), plus use the luggage rack too. Yes, I am the kitchen sink!

What suggestions do you recommend for tire pressure, since I load up my bike heavy?

Secondly - My handlebars “shake” between the speeds of 39-50 mph. It doesn’t happen any other time, only at these speeds! I know, it is so weird because I read other people’s posting and they say they have a high speed “wobble”. Mine is definitely a “shake” in the front handlebars at the speed range of only 39-50 mph.

My mechanic buddy just RE-BUILT the master brake cylinder, made sure to change out the brake fluid, and put new brake pads on the front. Still, same problem.

Question – Will reducing the tire pressure get rid of the “shake”? Should I try to go down to say maybe 32 lbs in front and maybe 35 lbs in back to see if “shaking” will stop?

I am not super techy, so you’ll need to explain things really slow, and in a language that I will understand LOL

Thank you for all your help in this matter!

Swap out your neck bearings for alls balls bearings. That is a very common problem with the 1300's. Swapped mine out at about 9,000 miles.

Jerry

Yep, replace the head bearings with the All Balls set. That will take care of that wobble.
I ran a Metz 880 and Hydroedge on my 1300. 40psi in the front and 34psi in the rear.
While your at it, check your shock bushings too.

Thank you so much for the responses. I am sending the information to my mechanic friend.

Question to 00 Doc - Did you have a 1300"C", and was your bike around the same year as mine? Apparently then, Honda has a systemic problem with the 1300's in general with the front end???!!

9,000 miles and changing out the bearings - Shoot with that timetable, I am way overdue to change them out!!!!!

I had an 06, but they all had the same crappy ball bearings in the steering head.
It is a bad design, but Honda won't acknowledge it. The 1800 uses a roller bearing design
and they don't really have the same problem.
Just wondering, how did you balance your tires?