Twitchy super glide
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Stage IV
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
Twitchy super glide
I had been without a bike for several years until last summer. I bought an '03 super glide. It wasn't what I really wanted but it was cheap. I used to have an old shovel head wide glide. The wide glide felt solid and stable, the best I remember. This super glide is twitchy feeling to me. Is this because it has less rake than the old wide glide? I know there could be several reasons for this, like tires, alignment, ect. I've read that the super glide is more agile, am I mistaking agility for instability, or is something wrong with it?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,717
Likes: 273
From: Minnesota
Could be you where sittin a little lower in the wideglide,
I know it's $$ but having a shop look it over for alignment and bearings an such will at least check those worries off the list.
New tires can do wonders man.
I know it's $$ but having a shop look it over for alignment and bearings an such will at least check those worries off the list.
New tires can do wonders man.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 67
From: Phoenix
It is possible there's something actually wrong with it, but yes, the Super Glide will feel more agile and less stable due to the decreased rake angle versus the Wide Glide. If you're still concerned, first thing I would check is tire pressure (since that's the easiest), followed closely by the steering head bearing ("fallaway adjustment"), and if the rims are laced, have them trued. If it still feels too twitchy to you and you want more stability (but less agility) you can try lowering the forks a few millimeters in the triple clamps. This will raise the front end and make the bike a little more stable.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
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From: SW Ohio
Are the front fork tubes in the correct position in the triple trees?
If they've been slid up by the previous owner in an attempt to lower the bike that would make the steering more responsive.
If they've been slid up by the previous owner in an attempt to lower the bike that would make the steering more responsive.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2015
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From: Galt's Gulch - MI
One other factor to consider would be how is the Super Glide set up with bars, pegs, seat, etc. If you're riding heavy on the bars and using them for support you may be putting extra input into the bars and that could also account for the twitchy sensation you're experiencing; you're forever fighting the front.
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Stage IV
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 4
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From: Atlanta
Thanks for the replies guys. The bike is stock other than forward controls. It has OEM type Dunlop tires with just over 1k miles on them, they still look new. The forks are almost flush with the top of the tree. I guess I'll take it to a shop and see if they can figure something out.
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Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Tennessee
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Northwest
Nothing wrong with forwards... they don't hinder the bike's performance at all. They may affect someone's riding style though.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 67
From: Phoenix
Thanks for the replies guys. The bike is stock other than forward controls. It has OEM type Dunlop tires with just over 1k miles on them, they still look new. The forks are almost flush with the top of the tree. I guess I'll take it to a shop and see if they can figure something out.