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Wide Glide handling ???

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Old Jul 28, 2006 | 05:06 PM
  #1  
dart65's Avatar
dart65
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Default Wide Glide handling ???

Hi.
I want to ask something again but explain it better.

I tried a 96 wide glide that I planning to buy, but I felt something wired when I drove it.

First, I have to tell you that I have never had a harley before, so I´m not familiar with the weight nor the vibrations.

So here is my eperience:

1 I felt lot of vibrations. Not clear if is the engine or something on the wheels, but they were worse when I approched to a stop light and leave the bike running without accelerate (only with the inertia).

2 when did slow turns, I felt the bike didn´t wanted to turn..... was like the bike tried to continue straight...

My question to the experts is ... IS THAT NORMAL in a WIDE GLIDE.
My only experience with harley was with a softal springer (3 years ago), and I don´t remember it so hard to turn either the vibrations.

thanks a lot.


 
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Old Jul 28, 2006 | 05:09 PM
  #2  
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Default RE: Wide Glide handling ???

this is the bike......

[IMG]local://upfiles/15706/01F5E9AC273241009E123875A05F1F26.jpg[/IMG]
 
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Old Jul 28, 2006 | 05:13 PM
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mikec
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Default RE: Wide Glide handling ???

Come on......this is a joke? LOL

mikec
 
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Old Jul 28, 2006 | 05:52 PM
  #4  
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Z
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From: Mountain View, California
Default RE: Wide Glide handling ???


ORIGINAL: dart65

Hi.
I want to ask something again but explain it better.

I tried a 96 wide glide that I planning to buy, but I felt something wired when I drove it.

First, I have to tell you that I have never had a harley before, so I´m not familiar with the weight nor the vibrations.

So here is my eperience:

1 I felt lot of vibrations. Not clear if is the engine or something on the wheels, but they were worse when I approched to a stop light and leave the bike running without accelerate (only with the inertia).

2 when did slow turns, I felt the bike didn´t wanted to turn..... was like the bike tried to continue straight...

My question to the experts is ... IS THAT NORMAL in a WIDE GLIDE.
My only experience with harley was with a softal springer (3 years ago), and I don´t remember it so hard to turn either the vibrations.

thanks a lot.

I own a 98 Wide Glide. They vibrate, especially when sitting at a light, so that's normal. They also have a lot of rake so they won't corner like bikes with less rake do. Chances are the bike you're testing is fine, but I'd definately have it checked out by someone (like a Harley dealer) who knows them well before buying. I saw (and replied) to your other post. Your bike has definately been modified (the console is gone from your tank which probably means it's an aftermarket one, and I see no speedometer on it), so be sure you know what you're buying before you put your cash on the table.



 
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Old Jul 28, 2006 | 06:46 PM
  #5  
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Default RE: Wide Glide handling ???

That is not a Wide Glide tank. Looks like an FXR tank. Something is strange there.
All Dyna's vibrate when idling. It's the rubber motor mounts.
Resistance to turn could be a lot of things: Low tire pressure, wheel bearings, neck bearings, clutch cable dragging on frame, etc. I would check the last two first.
 
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Old Jul 28, 2006 | 06:51 PM
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Default RE: Wide Glide handling ???

The verdict is still out as to what happpened to the gas tank on that bike. I bought a used wide glide and had similar sensations when riding it. Once I replaced the motor mounts and the front tire which was nearly bald, I felt like I had a different bike. Check the front motor mount. The tire doesn't look bad but it doesn't look stock. I put a Avon Roadrunner on the front and gained a lot of control. It freaked me out[:-]
 
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Old Jul 28, 2006 | 06:58 PM
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Default RE: Wide Glide handling ???

OK, Dart 65:

The Harley Davidson V-twin Does have some vibration at idle and the Wide Glide is longer and has more rake than any of the other bikes Harley makes. (The only acception here may be the V-Rod ) Because of the amount of rake and length the Wide Glide is not the quickest handling Dyna Glide for sure. But that does not mean that it is like riding a chopper with 12 inches or more over and so much rake that the fork tubes are almost parallel with the ground. Ride the bike and get used to the characteristics.
The Softails have the Twin Cam 88B engine and will be smoother at idle, and as stated above they would also have less rake and would handle a little quicker. Once you get used to the Wide Glide you will appreciate the extra room, especially the forward controls. The vibration has been tamed down quite a lot over the years but it is just part of what makes the Harley Davidson V-Twin what it is. (If you feel that the bike might have legitimate problems then you might get a knowledgeable mechanic to check it out.)

Good luck with it.
Zyklon


 
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Old Jul 28, 2006 | 08:32 PM
  #8  
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Default RE: Wide Glide handling ???


ORIGINAL: WdGldDave

The verdict is still out as to what happpened to the gas tank on that bike. I bought a used wide glide and had similar sensations when riding it. Once I replaced the motor mounts and the front tire which was nearly bald, I felt like I had a different bike. Check the front motor mount. The tire doesn't look bad but it doesn't look stock. I put a Avon Roadrunner on the front and gained a lot of control. It freaked me out[:-]
Thank you guys for the info.
WdGldDave, the gas tank was replaced with this aftermarket. The owner still have the original along with seat and handelbar.About the motor mounts, it is normal to replace them on a 10 years bike?..How easy is to change them???.
Because the vibrations on the bike, I checked the frame looking for any damage, but look pretty good.
thanks.
jp
 
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Old Jul 28, 2006 | 08:35 PM
  #9  
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Z
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Default RE: Wide Glide handling ???

Hey, I actually saw a product marketed for the uh... ladies. It's a sort of nub that attaches to the seat that's supposed to put those vibrations to good use! Every cloud has its silver lining I suppose, though I doubt this particular product is as effective as some would like it to be.
 
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Old Jul 28, 2006 | 08:46 PM
  #10  
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mikec
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Default RE: Wide Glide handling ???

After I got my bike and it sat in the driveway, the guy next
door yelled over "new toy?" I replied yes. He told me I need
to get my wife a toy. I told him it's on the back and doesn't
require batteries LOL.

mikec
 
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