FXDWG front forks problem
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
FXDWG front forks problem
I just picked up a 105th anniv Wide Glide last weekend, and I have a question about the front suspension. Whenever I hit a square edge bump, the fork sounds like it bottoms out. Is this common? We're not talking about a pothole or something that could swallow the bike whole, just something that's a little rougher than normal. Any thoughts? I've checked everthing and nothing appears to be loose up front. Thanks!
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 805
Likes: 6
From: Burb of Chicago
RE: FXDWG front forks problem
I'm not sure about the bottoming out statememnt, however, Wide GLides have been known to go CLUNK !!!
 \\;
I'd suggest you take it back into the dealer and have them check out your steering head nut, sounds like it's loose. \\; While your at it, make sure you have the upgraded washer which goes beneath it.
 \\;
Respects,
Ed
 \\;
I'd suggest you take it back into the dealer and have them check out your steering head nut, sounds like it's loose. \\; While your at it, make sure you have the upgraded washer which goes beneath it.
 \\;
Respects,
Ed
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
RE: FXDWG front forks problem
Actually, the clunk noise is what I'm hearing. I checked the steering head nut and it seems fine, but I don't have a lift to get the front wheel off the ground. Maybe that's what it is. What's the upgraded washer that you mentioned?
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 805
Likes: 6
From: Burb of Chicago
RE: FXDWG front forks problem
Take a look at this thread for detailed info......
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https://www.hdforums.com/m_3535829/tm.htm
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https://www.hdforums.com/m_3535829/tm.htm
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,615
Likes: 9
From: Escondido, CA
RE: FXDWG front forks problem
When we put chrome legs on my sons 07 Wide Glide we put about 3 oz less oil in than stock. He says the front end rides so smooth now it makes the rear end feel harsh. You may have too much fluid in the forks from the factory.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
RE: FXDWG front forks problem
ORIGINAL: Other Sheep
When we put chrome legs on my sons 07 Wide Glide we put about 3 oz less oil in than stock. He says the front end rides so smooth now it makes the rear end feel harsh. You may have too much fluid in the forks from the factory.
When we put chrome legs on my sons 07 Wide Glide we put about 3 oz less oil in than stock. He says the front end rides so smooth now it makes the rear end feel harsh. You may have too much fluid in the forks from the factory.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,615
Likes: 9
From: Escondido, CA
RE: FXDWG front forks problem
ORIGINAL: rounder
interesting. what made you put 3 oz. less than recommended???
ORIGINAL: Other Sheep
When we put chrome legs on my sons 07 Wide Glide we put about 3 oz less oil in than stock. He says the front end rides so smooth now it makes the rear end feel harsh. You may have too much fluid in the forks from the factory.
When we put chrome legs on my sons 07 Wide Glide we put about 3 oz less oil in than stock. He says the front end rides so smooth now it makes the rear end feel harsh. You may have too much fluid in the forks from the factory.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs, CO
RE: FXDWG front forks problem
This is the famous wide glide clunk. \\; Seems to be real common on the WG's, but not so much \\;on other bikes. \\; Although, my new '06 Superglide had the same issue. \\; \\; Anyway, there are a number of things you can do to make it better. \\;
 \\;
Tighten the triple tree bearing nut. \\; This nut is underneath the tip tree. \\; You have to remove the top tree to get to it. \\; Only tighten about 1/8-1/4 turn. \\; Not much at all. \\; That's how I fixed my '06. \\;
 \\;
Add an extra ounce of fluid. \\; That really helped on my '97 WG. \\; \\; Don't know why removing fluid would work, but I guess it does. \\; Hard to argue with success. \\; \\; Using heavier fluid stiffens the ride, but does not change the clunk. \\;
 \\;
A fork brace did nothing. \\;
 \\;
The final answer is Race Tech gold valves. \\; Wow. \\; Now there's an improvement. \\; They worked so well on my '97, I installed them on my '06 when it had less than 1,000 miles on it. \\; \\; Huge improvement. \\; Rides like a completly differant bike. \\;
 \\;
Tighten the triple tree bearing nut. \\; This nut is underneath the tip tree. \\; You have to remove the top tree to get to it. \\; Only tighten about 1/8-1/4 turn. \\; Not much at all. \\; That's how I fixed my '06. \\;
 \\;
Add an extra ounce of fluid. \\; That really helped on my '97 WG. \\; \\; Don't know why removing fluid would work, but I guess it does. \\; Hard to argue with success. \\; \\; Using heavier fluid stiffens the ride, but does not change the clunk. \\;
 \\;
A fork brace did nothing. \\;
 \\;
The final answer is Race Tech gold valves. \\; Wow. \\; Now there's an improvement. \\; They worked so well on my '97, I installed them on my '06 when it had less than 1,000 miles on it. \\; \\; Huge improvement. \\; Rides like a completly differant bike. \\;
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 114
Likes: 3
From: west chester, pa
RE: FXDWG front forks problem
the torque was about 10lbs shy of what the manual called for on the front and rear bolts on the gas tank.. \\; for my fxdse the manual calls for 10-18 i think.. \\; set it to 16 and fixed it.