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low speed wobble

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Old Sep 30, 2007 | 06:16 PM
  #1  
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Default low speed wobble

I have a FLSTNI. At very low speeds, like 5-10 MPH, I have a pretty significant wobble. I noticed it as I let go of the handle bars to adjust mygloves. Since then I have let go just to see if it still does it. I notice nothing at speeds above 25 MPH. My tire pressure is good and the tires are fairly new. It starts out lightly and will get worse as I go. If I keep my hands on, I don't notice it. Any ideas?
 
Old Sep 30, 2007 | 06:22 PM
  #2  
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Default RE: low speed wobble

Maybe your steering head nut is a little loose?
 
Old Sep 30, 2007 | 06:26 PM
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Default RE: low speed wobble


ORIGINAL: IRready

I have a FLSTNI. At very low speeds, like 5-10 MPH, I have a pretty significant wobble. I noticed it as I let go of the handle bars to adjust my gloves. Since then I have let go just to see if it still does it. I notice nothing at speeds above 25 MPH. My tire pressure is good and the tires are fairly new. It starts out lightly and will get worse as I go. If I keep my hands on, I don't notice it. Any ideas?
Check the fall away.

Remove all accessory weight (Windshield etc.)and clear the clutch cable so as not to affect the test.

1 - Support the bike in an upright position so the front end is off the ground and the vehicle is level.

2 - Take a piece of cardboard thats about 8" long and tape it on the front fender tip.

3 - Set a pointer so as to point to the center on the fender. The pointer is to be standing on the floor.

4 - Tapping the fender in one direction until it falls away. Then mark that spot on the cardboard. Check in the opposite direction and again mark that spot.

Measure the distance between the 2 marks and it should be between 2.0 and 4.0 inches.

If the distance is less then the head bearings would need to be tightened. Or, if, the distance is greater then the bearings should be loosened.

It is touchy.
 
Old Sep 30, 2007 | 06:33 PM
  #4  
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Default RE: low speed wobble

Thank you for the replies. I appreciate it.
 
Old Sep 30, 2007 | 06:36 PM
  #5  
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Default RE: low speed wobble

There are so many posts on this subject in the last week. do a search for a list of really good information. In addition to that and you will find this link: Go to:
[ol][*]http://motorcyclemetal.com/ Than on the Left handside, click on:[*]"Do It Yourself" Than click on:[*]Steering Shakes, What The Manual Doesn’t Tell You:[*]This is a good starting point. Any more, feel free to contact me. I am EST in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
[/ol]
 
Old Sep 30, 2007 | 06:40 PM
  #6  
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Default RE: low speed wobble

ORIGINAL: wlbowers


ORIGINAL: IRready

I have a FLSTNI. At very low speeds, like 5-10 MPH, I have a pretty significant wobble. I noticed it as I let go of the handle bars to adjust mygloves. Since then I have let go just to see if it still does it. I notice nothing at speeds above 25 MPH. My tire pressure is good and the tires are fairly new. It starts out lightly and will get worse as I go. If I keep my hands on, I don't notice it. Any ideas?
Check the fall away.

Remove all accessory weight (Windshield etc.)and clear the clutch cable so as not to affect the test.

1 - Support the bike in an upright position so the front end is off the ground and the vehicle is level.

2 - Take a piece of cardboard thats about 8" long and tape it on the front fender tip.

3 - Set a pointer so as to point to the center on the fender. The pointer is to be standing on the floor.

4 - Tapping the fender in one direction until it falls away. Then mark that spot on the cardboard. Check in the opposite direction and again mark that spot.

Measure the distance between the 2 marks and it should be between 2.0 and 4.0 inches.

If the distance is less then the head bearings would need to be tightened. Or, if, the distance is greater then the bearings should be loosened.

It is touchy.
Thanks for that post. I get a low speed wobble when I have the bike loaded up with luggage, etc. Don;t feel a wobble, but with hands off the bars, front end wobbles on decel, and when going slow.
2006 FXDI

DougJ
 
Old Sep 30, 2007 | 07:01 PM
  #7  
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Default RE: low speed wobble

check the balance on the rear wheel. Don't ask me how I know.
 
Old Sep 30, 2007 | 07:35 PM
  #8  
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Default RE: low speed wobble

Been doing it through 3 rears, and brand new front tire this time around.
Probably the fallaway.

DougJ
 
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