Handling problem

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Jun 21, 2009 | 03:28 PM

GT_RoadGlide

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Road Master

Joined: May 2007

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From: Milwaukee, WI

Handling problem

Have you ever driven on rain groves or on a bridge deck that is open metal grate? If you have then you know how the bike wants to “dance” around. My problem is that above 55 mph my 07 RG wants to do the same thing. It doesn’t do it all the time, just most of the time. This is a straight line driving problem. If I’m in dirty air behind a truck it gets worse.

It started after I had new tires and wheels installed. I run the tires at 40 psi.

Any ideas what the problem might be? I sure could use some suggestions.

Thanks for the suggestions. The RG comes with a cast spoke wheel and I had the below wheels installed. The new tires were the same Dunlops that came new with the bike.

Here's what fixed the problem. I was watching a motorcycle program yesterday and they were talking about suspension tuning and tires. That got me to thinking about air shock pressure. I dropped the front and back tire pressure to 37 psi and increased the air shocks to 12 psi. That took care of the problem! Thanks again.

And for beer, I'll take a Newcastle brown.

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Last edited by GT_RoadGlide; Jun 22, 2009 at 10:22 AM. Reason: Update

Jun 21, 2009 | 05:16 PM

C R

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Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 804

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From: East Central Mississippi

It probably would'nt hurt to make sure the're still balanced right(spokes,cast wheels ?) it's not unheard of for a stick on weight to come off a cast wheel.I would at least take it to where you got them and tell them the problems you're having
and have them double check every thing they did .

Last edited by C R; Jun 21, 2009 at 05:36 PM.

Jun 21, 2009 | 05:46 PM

Splatter

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Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 967

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From: Eastern Massachusetts

I'd blame your tires. If they have tread lines that run parallel to the walls of the tire, they're going to have a groove problem. Most modern motorcycle tires have tread lines that diagonal to the walls for that reason. If your bike is getting tossed around in the turbulance behind trucks, that's a different issue. I have a Super Brace on mine (Dyna Super Glide) that cleared up any tendencies in that direction -- though it was a pretty stable bike to begin with.

Jun 21, 2009 | 06:01 PM

badwhine

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2007

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From: Earth

spokes? tire pressure? neck bearing/fall away? aftermarket trinkets? tires? just a few suggestions.

Jun 21, 2009 | 10:08 PM

RexBuck

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If you have D402s or Michelin Commanders, you will think your bike has turned into a professional dancer across grated bridges, rain grooves and grooved pavement. Try E3s or Metzlers and your problem will likely be resolved.

Jun 21, 2009 | 10:10 PM

VTwin-Goodies

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Joined: Nov 2007

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From: SoCal

Tires that do not have grooves that go the same way as the rain grooves on the pavement will make all the difference in the world. I found a great difference from running Metzler's or Avon's.

Jun 21, 2009 | 10:37 PM

asm481

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Joined: Aug 2008

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From: Southeastern Wisconsin

I have found making a slight change in attitude helps on things such as metal bridges. What I mean is to drift from one side of the lane to the other. Nothing radical mind you. Just a bit of input to control the bike.