High Speed Steering Wobble
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Stage IV
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4
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From:
High Speed Steering Wobble
I recently had to do a high speed pass on my 07 Ultra CVO and unlike my Hayabusa (sportbike) the front end began to wobble. Could it be the batwing since it is attached to the forks and there is significant wind resistance? Any similar experiences? Remedies? Suggestions? (dont go so fast) I know I know.
Note: It was a windy day. I'm talking in the vicinity of 90mph+
Note: It was a windy day. I'm talking in the vicinity of 90mph+
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 809
Likes: 3
From: Anaheim
RE: High Speed Steering Wobble
no and thank god, that would scare the poop out of me...........[sm=escape.gif]
i had my baby up to 100 today, and was thinking about that same problem................[&:]
I would difantly have my alaignment checked.
i had my baby up to 100 today, and was thinking about that same problem................[&:]
I would difantly have my alaignment checked.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,303
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From:
RE: High Speed Steering Wobble
Could be may things.Steering head brg load,Tire alignment-front to back wheels-Engine to frame alignment.Tire wear,fork fluid levels or spring rate,bent wheels,tire design etc.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 625
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RE: High Speed Steering Wobble
I went 120 on my bike it got a little wobble @ 100 but cleaned up with more throttle god gave me a sack I figure ill use it once and a while! I figured out the wobble was uneven road.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 236
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From: CA
RE: High Speed Steering Wobble
I had the same issue when running fast in a sharp curve. The dealer checked the bike and said the head bearing wasn't as tight as they recommended (although it did meet factory spec). They tightened it up.
Now I'm not sure that was it or not. I've also found on the Ultra if you clamp down too hard on the bars you can get the same effect. Any little movement of the rider is transferred to the steering and feels the same. This is especially true when running fast leaned over. I never noticed this with my softail but I have with the ultra.
Now I'm not sure that was it or not. I've also found on the Ultra if you clamp down too hard on the bars you can get the same effect. Any little movement of the rider is transferred to the steering and feels the same. This is especially true when running fast leaned over. I never noticed this with my softail but I have with the ultra.
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Stage IV
Joined: Dec 2006
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RE: High Speed Steering Wobble
Talking to my "engineer" friends....the bat wing fairing design, in addition to being fork mounted, and severe winds creates the perfect environment for a "wobble". I tend to agree with them. My Bimmer and Busa have frame mounted (aerodynamic) farings and are not affected by any road or environmental conditions. Oh well, I still love the CVO Ultra.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Boonville, MO
RE: High Speed Steering Wobble
I've have had mine (07 SE Ultra) now 5 days and get the same wobble each time i go down the hwy. It's not constant and have not nailed down exactly what sets if off. Weather conditions have varied from very windy (20+) to no wind, with just me or 2 up riding. My normal speed down the hwy is 80-85. It is unnnerving, almost felt like the front tire was loose or wobbling on the axle, had to pull over and yank on the front tire. Glad to hear it's not normal, i'll have it checked out as well.
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: High Speed Steering Wobble
ORIGINAL: Screamin Eagle Dude
Talking to my "engineer" friends....the bat wing fairing design, in addition to being fork mounted, and severe winds creates the perfect environment for a "wobble". I tend to agree with them. My Bimmer and Busa have frame mounted (aerodynamic) farings and are not affected by any road or environmental conditions. Oh well, I still love the CVO Ultra.
Talking to my "engineer" friends....the bat wing fairing design, in addition to being fork mounted, and severe winds creates the perfect environment for a "wobble". I tend to agree with them. My Bimmer and Busa have frame mounted (aerodynamic) farings and are not affected by any road or environmental conditions. Oh well, I still love the CVO Ultra.
It's not the bat wing fairing, all by itself. That fairing has been around for eleventy-seven years, and never seemed to cause any high speed wobble problems. The touring bike high speed wobble has only become a problem with the new bikes - post-Shovel FL with rubber frames. I think the steering head/fork/rake/trail setup is the initial instigator. As long as everything is in alignment, or set up right- straight frame, swingarm good, tiresaligned/inflated properly, wheel bearings OK, neck bearings OK- there are no problems. Get one of those things a little too far out of whack, and that steering head design reaches out and slaps ya. Look around at other steering head designs. See any others with the fork tubes behind the neck?
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2006
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RE: High Speed Steering Wobble
So was the whole bike wobbling or did you just feel it in the handlebars. My front tire feels slippery on certain types of roads. Usually it's a new road with a rough surface. I just figured it was those low bid tires....