front end squirrely
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 158
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From: Ocala FL
front end squirrely
I rode out to the dealership yesterday to get some oil and on my way back i noticed my front end feeling kind of squirrely. I've always had a slight wobble at 42-48 mph but this just feels almost like the tire was low. checked pressure and it's in spec.
any other suggestions?
any other suggestions?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,666
Likes: 133
From: TEXAS
i think the standard things to check would be the tire for bubbles or strange wear, then the tension in the neck would be the the next thing i would check.
I had a similar thing happen , but mine was tracked down to blown rear shock, seems wierd but I had been noticing some strange handeling and alittle unstable at speed and i keep checking the front end and front tire. then just glanced over and saw fluid in the bottom of the shock. After it was fixed it felt back to normal
I had a similar thing happen , but mine was tracked down to blown rear shock, seems wierd but I had been noticing some strange handeling and alittle unstable at speed and i keep checking the front end and front tire. then just glanced over and saw fluid in the bottom of the shock. After it was fixed it felt back to normal
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,945
Likes: 85
From: Florida
I think he is referring to fall away.
It isn't difficult but you need a manual to walk you through it.
Recheck your front and back tire pressures.
Inspect both front and rear carefully. Any uneven wear or cupping?
Lift the bike and spin the tires. Put your hand lightly over them as they turn. Feel any bumps or or anything that is not totally smooth and round?
Check the bearings. Grab each tire from opposing sides and pull each way. Any play? Are the hubs hot after riding? Don't touch the brake discs, they will be...
What speed is it getting squirrely?
How many miles on the tires?
How many miles are in the bike?
How many miles have you personally put on this bike?
How many miles seat time do you have on all bikes total?
I ask because because a common cause is gripping the bars too tight.
It isn't rocket science, start with all the easy stuff first.
It isn't difficult but you need a manual to walk you through it.
Recheck your front and back tire pressures.
Inspect both front and rear carefully. Any uneven wear or cupping?
Lift the bike and spin the tires. Put your hand lightly over them as they turn. Feel any bumps or or anything that is not totally smooth and round?
Check the bearings. Grab each tire from opposing sides and pull each way. Any play? Are the hubs hot after riding? Don't touch the brake discs, they will be...
What speed is it getting squirrely?
How many miles on the tires?
How many miles are in the bike?
How many miles have you personally put on this bike?
How many miles seat time do you have on all bikes total?
I ask because because a common cause is gripping the bars too tight.
It isn't rocket science, start with all the easy stuff first.
Last edited by Jonesee; Feb 26, 2014 at 09:04 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,666
Likes: 133
From: TEXAS
this is from my 06 manual but as far as i know it is the same for most bikes.
I would check tires shocks first then do this check if you or someone you know has a lift. If you dont have a lift you can get a cheap one that will lift one tire at a time for under 50. I have 2 lifts. the one i use the most is a cheap scissor lift i got off amazon for $40
I would check tires shocks first then do this check if you or someone you know has a lift. If you dont have a lift you can get a cheap one that will lift one tire at a time for under 50. I have 2 lifts. the one i use the most is a cheap scissor lift i got off amazon for $40
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Ocala FL
thanks for the replies guys. to answer your questions:
What speed is it getting squirrely? i have a normal wobble at 42-48. this squirrliness happens at any speed above 30
How many miles on the tires? front.. at least 5k. rear.. probably 1k
How many miles are in the bike? just over 11k
How many miles have you personally put on this bike? 5k
How many miles seat time do you have on all bikes total? 5 or 10k
What speed is it getting squirrely? i have a normal wobble at 42-48. this squirrliness happens at any speed above 30
How many miles on the tires? front.. at least 5k. rear.. probably 1k
How many miles are in the bike? just over 11k
How many miles have you personally put on this bike? 5k
How many miles seat time do you have on all bikes total? 5 or 10k
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Ocala FL
as a side note. this squirrliness started on the way home from HD. On the way there i didn't feel it at all.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,718
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From: Bay area, CA
When you say squirrelly are you feeling a vibration or it feels like the bars are turning slightly side to side? 30-40mph doesn't seem fast enough to me, to have a wollowing type movement. If it came on so sudden, it seems like you may have thrown a weight off a wheel but that would be more of a vibration, and even still at such low speeds you wouldn't think it would be noticed. What year/ model bike? Spokes? Mags? Also check torque on front/ rear wheel, rear wheel alignment
Last edited by monster715; Feb 26, 2014 at 10:46 PM.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Golden Meadows
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......................... You have more than a slight pressure problem ; in about a week , you have lost 15 lbs of air ( that's about 50% of the tire total capacity) ? You most likely have a leaking tire !
Last edited by Flickerdart1; Mar 2, 2014 at 08:04 PM.