Why am I tracking to the left?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 668
From: Texas
Slvr765;
Probably should have gone into more and phrase my question better. What I was asking is do you ride side saddle, like on one side.
For years on my '05 I've noticed that my speedo and bars didn't line up straight as one would think they should. Just off to one side a little. With a single speedo it's easy to spot. I've checked the wheels were straight and align with each other and plumb. Made frame measurements. Done the string test on the wheels for tracking straight. All were spot on. Randomly did this from time to time. Never noticed miss-alignment with other bikes.
One day I just happen to notice I was sitting side saddle in the seat to the right. Probably poor choice of words. Anyway, straightening up in the seat the speedo and bars align right up as they should be. I thought that having an issue with my left hip and leg cause me to sit that way naturally, but maybe I naturally sat that way to keep the bike from pulling left. Never thought about that. I do naturally sit on the right side of the saddle though. Thanks for bringing that up. Will check that out when I get out next.
I was thinking if you have an issue causing you to sit to the left, that could be the problem. Just something from what I experienced.
Probably should have gone into more and phrase my question better. What I was asking is do you ride side saddle, like on one side.
For years on my '05 I've noticed that my speedo and bars didn't line up straight as one would think they should. Just off to one side a little. With a single speedo it's easy to spot. I've checked the wheels were straight and align with each other and plumb. Made frame measurements. Done the string test on the wheels for tracking straight. All were spot on. Randomly did this from time to time. Never noticed miss-alignment with other bikes.
One day I just happen to notice I was sitting side saddle in the seat to the right. Probably poor choice of words. Anyway, straightening up in the seat the speedo and bars align right up as they should be. I thought that having an issue with my left hip and leg cause me to sit that way naturally, but maybe I naturally sat that way to keep the bike from pulling left. Never thought about that. I do naturally sit on the right side of the saddle though. Thanks for bringing that up. Will check that out when I get out next.
I was thinking if you have an issue causing you to sit to the left, that could be the problem. Just something from what I experienced.
Last edited by robarosa; Oct 29, 2019 at 03:39 PM. Reason: <sp>
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 556
Likes: 12
I agree with Leo. I put some additional weight in the right saddle bag. I use 2 lb fishing weights. On my v rod it took about 6 weights, where as my dyna 4 weights. I can ride it quite a distance on highway with no hands.
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 5
From: Oregon,Wi
My guess is that you need to check the condition of your rear motor mount . If that doesn't seem to be the problem adjusting the top motor mounting link can sometimes get rid of this issue. just my two cents.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 786
Likes: 177
From: wv
My 09 RK was tracking left (hands free) when I first bought it. I found the rear axle wasn't aligned properly. The axle center hole measured too far forward on the primary side.
edit: and the belt was tracking hard to the outside on the rear sprocket
edit: and the belt was tracking hard to the outside on the rear sprocket
Last edited by dgwv; Nov 12, 2019 at 04:17 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 6,322
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From: Tennessee
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 668
From: Texas
As a follow up on previous post; Took the Glide out the other day and it runs straight down the road sitting straight in the saddle. I have to sit to the left a noticeable amount for the bike to track left. I naturally sit to the right in the saddle some but doesn't effect the ride. ol' Glide does the Harley Shake at idle, but this old bike runs as straight and smooth down the road as anyone could ask for.
As others mentioned, check all mounts and alignment.
hth
As others mentioned, check all mounts and alignment.
hth
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