Can't cure speed wobble
Can't cure speed wobble
Have a 2009 night train. Has always had a speed wobble above 70, even when it was stock. Did a make-over this past winter including powder coat, lowering rear 1.5", front 2" by way of a smaller wheel/fatter tire. Front tire had some chop to it that I picked out of the junk pile when I worked as a tech at my local harley as a for-now tire. Put a new front tire on it 2 weeks ago, wobble is better but still exists. Both wheels have new bearings installed, new neck bearing, both wheels balanced perfectly (did all myself). Only other thing I can think of doing is buying a steering damper, unless someone else has an idea. Other than this the bike rides great and handles just the same. Just cannot get rid of that wobble.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,427
Likes: 164
From: Home
Everything that needs to be checked for the wobble should include, but not be limited to:
• Air Pressure
• Rear Wheel Alignment 0.793mm In Between Side To Side
• Tires Not Balanced
• Rim / Tire Out Of Round
• Steering Head Bearing Incorrectly Torque
• Wheel Spacers
• Wheel Bearing
• Engine Mount
• Transmission Mount
• Equal Amount Of Fluid In Both Forks
• Loose Axle Nut
• Caliper Alignment
• Neck Bearing Adjustment
• Swing Arm Pivot
• Shocks Rear Aligned Equally
• Top Of Forks Not Extending More Than 10.66mm - 12.7mm And Be Equal
• Steering Stem Nut
• Swing Arm Bushings
• Air Pressure
• Rear Wheel Alignment 0.793mm In Between Side To Side
• Tires Not Balanced
• Rim / Tire Out Of Round
• Steering Head Bearing Incorrectly Torque
• Wheel Spacers
• Wheel Bearing
• Engine Mount
• Transmission Mount
• Equal Amount Of Fluid In Both Forks
• Loose Axle Nut
• Caliper Alignment
• Neck Bearing Adjustment
• Swing Arm Pivot
• Shocks Rear Aligned Equally
• Top Of Forks Not Extending More Than 10.66mm - 12.7mm And Be Equal
• Steering Stem Nut
• Swing Arm Bushings
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: nj
same problem on my 13 blackline. took it to the dealer and there telling me neck bearing and have the spokes adjusted. Haven't gotten that done yet but should be taking care of that but this weekend coming up. truthfully i don't think thats the problem. i put 14'' apes on and lowered the rear 2'' and thats when the problem started. Recently i just lowered the front 2'' with the burly slammer kits and replaced the front and rear tire now the problem is even worse then before. its at the point were the bike is dangerous to ride "not kidding". I was also thinking about installing the damper kit that wrenchy is talking about. I've been told to put it back to stock and obviously i don't want to do that. ill update if i find a fix
I had a problem with this on my 07 NT with the 14" apes I had on it. Swapped back over to drag bars and everything was good. There are a few threads out there I started on this; check them out.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,762
Likes: 12
From: north jersey
This is such a nightmare problem to diagnose dude.
Try eliminating the easy stuff first. I'd start with the wheels, soecifically the front wheel. See if somehow you can put a different wheel on the front and go ride it. Maybe it's a problem with the rim.
If you're saying the wobble was there even when the bike was stock then I think you might be screwed by being stuck with a problem that came from the factory.
Good luck man.
Try eliminating the easy stuff first. I'd start with the wheels, soecifically the front wheel. See if somehow you can put a different wheel on the front and go ride it. Maybe it's a problem with the rim.
If you're saying the wobble was there even when the bike was stock then I think you might be screwed by being stuck with a problem that came from the factory.
Good luck man.
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1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: nj
No the problem wasn't there when it was stock. it seems like a front end issue but for some reason i think installing the rear lowering kit had a part in this dilemma. I'm going to upgrade to the legend air ride as soon as i can get the money and see if that helps.
thanks for the input.
thanks for the input.
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Always had the problem for as long as I have owned the bike. I bought it with 12" apes on it, and they're very comfortable, so I don't want to change them out. All adjustments and torque are correct, I did it all myself with the help of an HD master tech while I worked in the bike shop. Going to see if I can swap wheels with someone and see. Or I'll just buy a damper and see if i can be done with it that way.