I just purchased a 2005 Heritage softail and it fishtails on occasion when I apply the breaks... It even did it when I applied the breaks at 30 MPH. Any idea what would cause this to happen? I am an experienced rider with my prior bike.. Honda Shadow Aero 750 and never experienced the problem before. The bike only has 11,000 miles on it, so the pads should be AOK?

Lastly can ABS breaks be installed on this bike if that would be the answer to the problem?

Thank you in advance

I want to add that I had the forks polished. In order to do so the mechanic had to remove the caliper and wheel. Is there something he may have done incorrectly when he reinstalled the caliper?

 

Please tell me you're using the front BRAKES too and not relying solely on the rears.
Stomping on the rear brake alone can easily lock it up.

 

Thank you for your reply.. No, I never use just the rear break.

 

Maybe you're using too much rear and not enough front.
That's where most of the stopping power is.
Rear tire worn out?
That'll make it lockup and fishtail too.

 

You may be right... Also, I will check the air pressure. Maybe too much or too little. OR maybe I just need to get use to applying the breaks on this particular bike? Thanks again..

 

Check the rear axel alignment in relation to the swingarm pivot bolt.

 

One last question.. The tachometer is not working. Do you know if it difficult to replace it? It is simply a plug in or would I have to splice wires? 2005 Heritage softail

 

Found out how to check it on YouTube. Thanks for the info!

 

https://www.harley-davidson.com/en_U...IL/file-7.comp

 

99482-05 Service Manual