[Ducati] 748 suspension problem?

[John Sheerin]

Hi guys and gals,
I have a '98 748 with around 17k miles, and it's recently started bouncing a
bit while I'm riding.  It basically bounces up and down, not a huge amount,
just enough to make it feel a little nervous, including in corners.    One
ride it was fine, the next (and subsequent test rides), it bounced.  The
frequency doesn't seem to vary much with speed - I'd put it around twice a
second on the bouncing, but that's just a rough estimate.  Road condition
doesn't seem to make a difference.  Pulling the clutch and coasting doesn't
seem to make any difference, and the brakes don't pulse when I use them, so
I'm assuming from that, it's not a drive train or brake problem, but rather
tires or suspension.  It also seems to be better when accelerating, so maybe
a front wheel / suspension problem?  I haven't hit anything that I know of
(potholes, curbs, etc.), and I don't see any flat spots on the tires or
rims, but I'm planning on checking more closely.  The front and rear
suspension doesn't seem to stick when I bounce on the bike in the garage,
but I suppose that doesn't mean anything given my level of experience with
these things...  I looked at all the nuts and bolts - everything's tight.  I
don't see any spots where wheel weights have obviously been lost, and I
still have a decent amount of tread on both tires.

Some of the guys I work with suggested checking the fork oil (I haven't
noticed it leaking...) and making sure the swing arm is greased.  Could
anyone recommend other things I might look at?  Where would you start?

Thanks,
John
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