HD Fat Boy Steering

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Apr 9, 2015 | 02:25 PM

Fat Boy SIFFMC

Thread Starter

Stage II

Joined: Apr 2015

Posts: 2

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From: Virginia

HD Fat Boy Steering

I have a 2008 HD Fat Boy, and I was wondering what ideas people might have as to the next thing to check.

I had loose steering head bearings a while back, I got the "clunk" when I hit a bump, and handle bar wobble on deceleration. I had a trusted local shop check it and they were loose. They were tightened, and he said he tightened them just a touch more then required because it " rides better". The other night I got it out on the interstate and up to 70 miles an hour. I wasn't able to hold a straight line very well. The bike almost had a mind of its own moving around the lane, there was a cross wind maybe 10 to 15 MPH, so I expected a little movement from it but this was pretty bad. It didn't wobble, or shake, I can only describe it as it being overly sensitive. I changed riding positions, locked my elbows out, let them hang loose, gripped the bars tightly and loosely, nothing changed It felt like I was one gust away from laying it down. Below 60 MPH its just fine. The tire pressures are correct, even adjusted up and down just to try it, no change. They are not gouged or cupping. They are Dunlop American Elite with about 1k on them. This is the first time I have gotten it up that fast in a while, so I am not sure when it really started. I was thinking maybe the head bearings were to tight and caused the sensitivity.

Any one had any experience with this, or knows something I don't???

Mike

Apr 9, 2015 | 02:45 PM

mkenkel

Cruiser

Joined: Apr 2014

Posts: 154

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From: senatobia ms

crosswinds get me pretty good on my heritage also. a 15mph gust could almost make you change lanes if you aren't expecting it. its nothing wrong with my bike,its been the same with every bike I have owned (30yrs worth). its just two wheels don't do well with crosswinds at speed.at least that's my take on it.

Apr 9, 2015 | 03:02 PM

Fat Boy SIFFMC

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Stage II

Joined: Apr 2015

Posts: 2

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From: Virginia

Yeah there is not doubt the wind will make a bike dance around, but this doesn't feel like the typical wind gust movements I have had before. It is by far worse with the winds, but still does it on calm days, but the wind does make it worse

Apr 9, 2015 | 03:12 PM

Jackie Paper

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 38,591

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From: Honah Lee

I think personally that having the fall away setting a little tight does the exact opposite. These bikes are inherently stable except in crosswinds and uneven roads. Nothing fixes that except slight corrections, mostly with body English after many miles of ridding. That way, you do not overcorrect which on your Fatboy is even more prone to do as compared to my Deuce and I drive both. The tapered roller bearings only need a slight preload and in fact can be set just till play is out. Years ago when Pontiacs (cars?HA) had tapered bearings in the front wheels, they said to set them with .001 play. Being too tight does two things. Since they are not running in an oil batch, too tight creates wear by squeezing grease out. Second, tight tends to causes over steer and you are constantly correcting back and forth. Set them to the minimum fall away or torque if that is your call out and try it.

Last edited by Jackie Paper; Apr 9, 2015 at 03:15 PM.

Apr 9, 2015 | 03:32 PM

olongapo1

Road Master

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 970

Likes: 19

From: Philippines

Take it back to your shop and tell them to adjust it to specifications. Not "a touch more than required". If the problem is still present after the steering head is adjusted corrected you can eliminate it as a cause and look to other issues. I would inspect everything; Wheel Bearings, Axle Nut Torque, and even Rear Wheel Alignment.

Apr 9, 2015 | 03:46 PM

Tampa Fatboy

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2012

Posts: 13,456

Likes: 10,452

From: Sunshine State

If you've had it awhile you know the FB solid rims and the wind gusts suck for handling. I'm guessing this is new and no reference to my above mentioned, and if so I'd be looking at everything from wheel bearings to the tree.

Apr 9, 2015 | 04:54 PM

8828alex

Advanced

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 79

Likes: 2

From: new jerseNorth Carolina

i had a handling issue on my fatboy when the dealership put my tires on backwards, so it couldn't hurt to check directional arrows on sidewall. also check that rear tire is in alignment and axle nut is tight.