2018+ Softail Models Breakout

2018 Deluxe with a stiff neck.

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Old Mar 28, 2026 | 03:04 PM
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Julie Peraza's Avatar
Julie Peraza
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Exclamation 2018 Deluxe with a stiff neck.

So I have a 2018 Deluxe with around 25K miles and after sitting for a while it acted like the fork lock was engaged, even though it wasn't. FInally "worked" it out and now it seems to be "catching" while turning. Like when power steering on a car starts to go out. Read somewhere that there is a pin in there that can cause problems when it is catching on things, but honestly I might as well have been reading Greek. So looking for possible diag before I head to the dealer so they can't #^$^ my eyeballs out!

Thinking a neck bearing or faulty fork lock mechanism, but could there be something else, maybe something more D-I-Y-ish?
Thank you!
 
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Old Mar 28, 2026 | 03:27 PM
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Did you lubricate the lock mechanism?
 
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Old Mar 28, 2026 | 04:51 PM
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Originally Posted by MesquiteFLD
Did you lubricate the lock mechanism?
I did, though not sure how well. I will try that again.
 
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Old Mar 29, 2026 | 01:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Julie Peraza
I did, though not sure how well. I will try that again.
Did or do you power wash your bike in the neck area?
 
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Old Mar 29, 2026 | 01:45 PM
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You need to pull the ignition switch lock and inspect.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2026 | 01:02 AM
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When turning the handlebars the upper half of the clutch cable slides through an insulated P clamp mounted on the LHS of the Nacelle. Check this is still sliding freely with steering movement, without undue wear or jamming 🤞🍻
 
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