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Adjusting the swing back seems to be a pretty primitive procedure in the service manual. I recently replaced the tires and the front tire is out of balance (I hope) and the vibration loosened the steering bearings. Just wondering if there's another way of checking for proper bearing adjustment?
I prefer a firmer steering fill over the loose, just don't want to over tighten. The book says too tight can interfere ability to absorb a weave?
Yep, just follow the manual and get it within the two marks. If you want it tighter, just tighten up a little more but so that it is still within spec.
It's a bull$hit method of measurement imo. It's dependent on stock weight & balance on the front end but how many people keep their front end stock? Most people at least change their bars.
I can't get it to be, both, within the 1" marks AND be within the service manual tolerance of 1.7-2.6" gap (fork-mounted fairing models). There is no guidence provided by the manual for this scenario.
Last edited by Dark_Flight; Jun 26, 2018 at 03:09 PM.
Reason: typo
Its not a fall away test on the Rushmores. It's called a swing-back. It's called a swing-back because, wait for it.....the front end SWINGS BACK to center. The new models have positive static stability during the bearing tests now, not negative. i.e. it can't fall away so it's not a fall-away test.
One problem with the procedure in the manual is that it doesn't account for the wiring and cabling causing resistance to the free swinging of the steering head. I found that it worked best for me to tighten the bearings just to the point that the front end wouldn't swing freely and then back off a bit from there. I did mine that way 15+ thousand miles ago and it's been perfect since. I can let go of the bars at any speed from 80 to 8 MPH and it won't oscillate.
What is the symptom that your bike needs the steering head adjusted? Mine feels good, I can go no hands at any speed and the bike is stabil. Am I Good to Go?
What is the symptom that your bike needs the steering head adjusted? Mine feels good, I can go no hands at any speed and the bike is stabil. Am I Good to Go?
The symptoms are most prevalent at lower speeds while decelerating such as approaching a stop sign. If you can remove your hands from the bars at 30 mph and decelerate down to 5-10 mph without oscillation you are good to go.
Its not a fall away test on the Rushmores. It's called a swing-back. It's called a swing-back because, wait for it.....the front end SWINGS BACK to center. The new models have positive static stability during the bearing tests now, not negative. i.e. it can't fall away so it's not a fall-away test.
I stand corrected., But why would they have the forks spring back to center so you can text while riding?
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Adjusting Swing-Back
