Not sure where the problem is, but I am having a bit of a stability problem, rode the bike about 1500 miles with no issues before the problem started.
So how is the best way to know if you have a bad swing arm bushing / bearing?
I have had someone sit on the bike as I tried to shake the rear tire from side to side, there is a bit of play, you can feel it bumping slightly, I just don't know if its normal or not.
The first time the problem surfaced, it was over some very light bumps, since then, it has not been as noticeable, but it feels like the bike wants to slip on the road, usually in corners. Speed doesnt seem to really play into it, happens anywhere upto 70mph.
History on the bike: 1996 wide glide, kept inside, around 10K miles. I got the bike from a buddy of mine around three months ago. It has done more garage sitting than moving, by far.

 

wow...14 yrs old w/ 10k miles. What a shame.

If the tire moves back and forth, that is definitely a problem. I would address it before any further mileage.

 

it is a shame, had to call HPS (harley protective services) and report previous owner.
Okay, so any movement is bad movement? right? so what causes slack to get in there in the first place? When I first go it, the thing felt like it was glued to the road, at least compared to the old 79 bmw I was used to.

 

What's that number again?

 

Should not be any slack if there is it will get worse,How about them tires what shape r they in ?I had an FXRS that was impossible to keep in a straight line especially at lower speeds 5mph on up to 30mph it was narly and it turned out to be the swing arm bushings,found this out after 2 inner primary bushings.

 

Thanks for the input folks. Trip to harley house is in order for tuesday. At least I won't sound like a total idiot now and will have some idea of what to tell them.
Thanks

 

I ment bearings

 

man be careful

 

The swing arm bearing went bad on my 08 at 27,500 miles... it was still under warranty.
It was handleing the same as you describe... like it was slipping on those hot asphalt-crack-filler snakes out in the country.
I noticed accessive play in the swing arm when I was doing some fender work. I had the rear raised on the jack, the shocks were off & the wheel was resting on the ground. With my hand on the top of the wheel I could 'wiggle' it back & forth. I pulled the wheel off & could wiggle the rear fork even more.
I re-assembled everything & rode it to the dealer who replaced the bearing at no charge.
I now check my swing arm bearing every time I have the rear wheel off... at least once a year for a new tire. I haven't had any issues with it since. I'm currently on rear tire #4 at 34,500 miles.

 

Well Damn it. took it in to the Harley house, told them I thought it might be in the swing arm. They said it had loose spokes on the front and rear. Well maybe so, thanks for handling that boys, but the F###ing problem is still there. Nice....real nice.