unstable fxdx @ high speed curve
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Cruiser
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unstable fxdx @ high speed curve
i've tried to seek any post with the same topic but didnt find it. so here it goes
recently i found my 'o4 fxdx super glide sport quite unstable especially @ 60mph when going through a long curving road, the rear shocks are set to 1 click before the hardest. I changed the rear shocks with the 412s progressive. I've asked the guy @ the workshop whether i should change the front springs. But he suggested that may be i could try and change the oil with the screaming eagle racing or heavy duty one.
Any suggestions? thanks a lot.
owh, by the way, does installing a fork brace give a significant better handling?
recently i found my 'o4 fxdx super glide sport quite unstable especially @ 60mph when going through a long curving road, the rear shocks are set to 1 click before the hardest. I changed the rear shocks with the 412s progressive. I've asked the guy @ the workshop whether i should change the front springs. But he suggested that may be i could try and change the oil with the screaming eagle racing or heavy duty one.
Any suggestions? thanks a lot.
owh, by the way, does installing a fork brace give a significant better handling?
Novice
Joined: Jan 2006
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From:
RE: unstable fxdx @ high speed curve
Having front or rear proload off, damping off, or steering head bearings not correctly adjusted can all cause you handling woes. I set the front and rear sag to properly and started the damping adjustments at the factory suggested "clicks" and it made an amazing difference in the handling of my FXDX. To set sag measure from the center of the wheel to a fixed point on the frame as directly above the wheel center as you can. You want to measure that distance with the wheel fully extended and off the ground. After getting those measurements have someone measure them again with you on the bike in riding gear and preferably feet on the pegs with the bike upright- need a thirs person to hold it or just barely have your feet touching. The difference in the measurement is sag. It should be 25-33% of the total wheel travel. Use the preload adjusters to increase or decrease the amount front and rear. If you change on setting you need to re-measure the other because they often change too. Steering head bearings are hard to describe how to evaluate. They can cause problems if either too tight or too loose. Best I can suggest there is compare to others or have the dealer check it out. Good luck- you will be surprised what a difference this makes on a FXDX if the settings were off.
Chuck
Chuck
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Cruiser
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RE: unstable fxdx @ high speed curve
unstable as in the handle bar vibrates just a little or perhaps wallows, or wobbles..i dont know, it felt like the front part of the bike a bit loose when curving high speed. But okay when going straight. I never find this problem on road king or ultra, or even my previous night train. Tire pressures were just about right.
ow yeah, what about the fork brace? any one?
ow yeah, what about the fork brace? any one?
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: currently NC
RE: unstable fxdx @ high speed curve
First off I would check the obvious, tire pressure, cupping, etc. Then I would check the alignment. It is hard to do without a wheel aligner, but you can get close by measuring the distance between the rim and the swing arm on both sides. I had a similar problem and it turned out that the rear wheel was out of line causing the bike to dog-leg.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: MA
RE: unstable fxdx @ high speed curve
why did you take off the best rear shocks HD ever put on a bike in favor of the 412s?
unless the 412s are 13.5 inches eye-to-eye, you have changed the steering geometry.
the front suspension of the fxdx has significant adjustment - you might want to try other settings
unless the 412s are 13.5 inches eye-to-eye, you have changed the steering geometry.
the front suspension of the fxdx has significant adjustment - you might want to try other settings
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RE: unstable fxdx @ high speed curve
i didnt get this dyna brand new, i'm the 3rd owner, and the stock right rear shock was already broken, oil out and stuff, so i had to buy a new pair of 412s. these 412's are only 0.5' lower than the stock 13.5. Yes, i'm thinking of adjusting the front suspension, would probably change the oil to the heavy duty one. I wonder if that would solve the wobbling. hate it when have to do a few try outs...
Also i notice this small turn-switches with "soft-hard" writings on the front fork up cover. What do they do? i 've twisted to hard but i still dont feel any different.
any one's opinion on fork brace?
Also i notice this small turn-switches with "soft-hard" writings on the front fork up cover. What do they do? i 've twisted to hard but i still dont feel any different.
any one's opinion on fork brace?
ORIGINAL: glide05
why did you take off the best rear shocks HD ever put on a bike in favor of the 412s?
unless the 412s are 13.5 inches eye-to-eye, you have changed the steering geometry.
the front suspension of the fxdx has significant adjustment - you might want to try other settings
why did you take off the best rear shocks HD ever put on a bike in favor of the 412s?
unless the 412s are 13.5 inches eye-to-eye, you have changed the steering geometry.
the front suspension of the fxdx has significant adjustment - you might want to try other settings
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Cruiser
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RE: unstable fxdx @ high speed curve
was still able to set my foot flat on ground with 13.5, but now i'm much more comfortable with 13"
ORIGINAL: glide05
sounds like you're on the right track.
i don't think the 1/2 inch lower rear is going to hurt you.
as others mentioned - make sure the tires are in good shape.
sounds like you're on the right track.
i don't think the 1/2 inch lower rear is going to hurt you.
as others mentioned - make sure the tires are in good shape.