Hey all,
I had the front end shimmy on my 08 Fat Boy. Had the dealer tighten it up at the 1K service. Started to shake again at 4500. I decided to research and try it myself. I think I have them a little too tight but the shimmy is gone.
Question is: what are the negatives if I leave them a little tight? Steering is a little harder but not a lot. I know it's hard for anyone to say. Should I loosen them up a little or let them wear in?
Any opions?

 

The shimmy is gone. I think you did just fine. It's not a bearing that's continuously rolling like a wheel bearing. Don't know if the 08 has a Zerk grease fitting on the side of the steering head, but if it does, fill 'er up.

 

Sounds like it is working just fine for you, but I'm new to HD's.

 

Yes Dorkman it does have a zerk. I bought a tube of Lucas grease to try. In my search of the archives it sounded like you would want a grease that stayed in there. Not melted and ran down the forks.
Thanks for the replies.

 

when did you feel the shimmy? on decel? thats when i feel it and i wonder if its the bearing needing tightening. i greased the crap out of it and it seemed to help some. is it better to tighten when the front wheel is off of the ground? and what size is theat big ole nut? thanks

 

To ST Deuce: Yes on decel and yes to front end off the ground. You're susposed to do fall away test. Very scientific test,LOL. I was going to try like a wheel bearing where you tighten it up and then back off. I don't really want to do this every 3000mi. so I might have it a little snug but at least the wheel isn't shaking on decel.
The book also states that if it doesn't seem to tighten much you may have to hit the fork tubes with a dead blow hammer.
The head on the bolt is 15/16" and my cap is SCREWED on. Good thing I tried that first instead of a prying tool. That's my .02

 

I think the fall away procedure leaves them too lose. If you don't have a shimmy you are good to go.