speed issues on a train
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speed issues on a train
When I get to 55-60 mph, my '07 night train is a bear to handle - it is moving all over the road, and feels very "light" in the front end. I can't imagine going over 70 on it! I rode a couple of friends fat boys, and they were like driving a car compared to mine! I'm going on a couple of longer road trips soon, and wondered if there's any suggestions as to what I can do to improve the handling. I've heard a wider front tire (I've got the stock 21") or a new rim. Any others (especially less expensive suggestions!) would be great! Any other train guys have this problem? I've got 16" apes and it's lowered 2" - but I don't think those would cause issues this bad! If it's windy, I'm holding on for dear life! It's somewhat scary, and I find myself avoiding interstates and long fast rides.
Any help is appreciated,
thanks
rob
Any help is appreciated,
thanks
rob
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,749
Likes: 4
From: Augusta, Ga.
RE: speed issues on a train
I had mine doing over 90 today (for test purposes only) and it was fine.
Are you an experienced rider? You might just not be comfortable with it yet.
I agree though..the Fatties are much more stable but you'll get used to the Train.
Are you an experienced rider? You might just not be comfortable with it yet.
I agree though..the Fatties are much more stable but you'll get used to the Train.
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RE: speed issues on a train
Fairly experienced, but it seems much more unstable than anything else I've riden at that speed. I haven't riden lot's on major interstates w/lot's of traffic - from a small town in IL where there wasn't much traffic, and now in traffic infested Atlanta where 85 is going slow - but it's pretty rough. I'll check the spokes. It is probably just me, would a wider tire make that much of a difference? If so, it's worth it to change - to me.
thanks for the help!
rob
thanks for the help!
rob
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,051
Likes: 161
From: Between Chicago & Milwaukee
RE: speed issues on a train
ORIGINAL: bak n blak
When I get to 55-60 mph, my '07 night train is a bear to handle - it is moving all over the road, and feels very "light" in the front end. I can't imagine going over 70 on it! I rode a couple of friends fat boys, and they were like driving a car compared to mine! I'm going on a couple of longer road trips soon, and wondered if there's any suggestions as to what I can do to improve the handling. I've heard a wider front tire (I've got the stock 21") or a new rim. Any others (especially less expensive suggestions!) would be great! Any other train guys have this problem? I've got 16" apes and it's lowered 2" - but I don't think those would cause issues this bad! If it's windy, I'm holding on for dear life! It's somewhat scary, and I find myself avoiding interstates and long fast rides.
Any help is appreciated,
thanks
rob
When I get to 55-60 mph, my '07 night train is a bear to handle - it is moving all over the road, and feels very "light" in the front end. I can't imagine going over 70 on it! I rode a couple of friends fat boys, and they were like driving a car compared to mine! I'm going on a couple of longer road trips soon, and wondered if there's any suggestions as to what I can do to improve the handling. I've heard a wider front tire (I've got the stock 21") or a new rim. Any others (especially less expensive suggestions!) would be great! Any other train guys have this problem? I've got 16" apes and it's lowered 2" - but I don't think those would cause issues this bad! If it's windy, I'm holding on for dear life! It's somewhat scary, and I find myself avoiding interstates and long fast rides.
Any help is appreciated,
thanks
rob
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 823
Likes: 0
RE: speed issues on a train
my bike is basically the same as yours with a little more rake on the front(which makes it handle a little worse). i had mine right up to 120 today...got pulled over too!! nice cop, thank god............anyway, check your tire pressure....when my pressure is a little off, mine is all over the road. i currently have mine at 36 pounds and it feels good. also, check your front neck adjustement, maybe its a little loose??? how many miles are on the bike?? as someone already said, maybe spokes but they would have to be pretty loose....
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,035
Likes: 5
From: near Buffalo, NY
RE: speed issues on a train
No handlingissues at speedwith my bike either.
Dump your apes and your problems will be over. The smaller front tire makes no difference. In fact, it's better at speed.
NHRA Pro Stock bikes which top over 200MPH all use skinny front tires.
Dump your apes and your problems will be over. The smaller front tire makes no difference. In fact, it's better at speed.
NHRA Pro Stock bikes which top over 200MPH all use skinny front tires.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,749
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From: Augusta, Ga.
RE: speed issues on a train
I missed the Apes....no experience with em but they don't look all that great for stability but again that is based on zero experience. Tire Pressure is a valid point to check...then after that I'd say you just need to get used to it.
As for the wider tire question...yes it does make a significant difference in the way the bike feels. A lot of guys put em on their trains...I personally don't like it at all but to each their own.
Good Luck.
What brought you to Atlanta? I am a couple hours east in Augusta Ga.
As for the wider tire question...yes it does make a significant difference in the way the bike feels. A lot of guys put em on their trains...I personally don't like it at all but to each their own.
Good Luck.
What brought you to Atlanta? I am a couple hours east in Augusta Ga.
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RE: speed issues on a train
I figured the apes would have a little to do w/it, but my older bike (a custom w/apes) never had any of these problems. I'll do the checks on spokes/pressure when I get home next week. I appreciate the help!
hammer - I'm in Atlanta for the same reason so many people flood your city in the spring - I'm a golf professional. Weather, city, access to airport, etc brought me to Atlanta. You want to get some crazy looks - drive a loud, lowered train w/apes to the golf course in your golf clothes & shoes - I get some real "are you kidding me?" looks from people! I'll be looking for your train when I'm over that way!
Thanks for all the suggestions guys!
hammer - I'm in Atlanta for the same reason so many people flood your city in the spring - I'm a golf professional. Weather, city, access to airport, etc brought me to Atlanta. You want to get some crazy looks - drive a loud, lowered train w/apes to the golf course in your golf clothes & shoes - I get some real "are you kidding me?" looks from people! I'll be looking for your train when I'm over that way!
Thanks for all the suggestions guys!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,035
Likes: 5
From: near Buffalo, NY
RE: speed issues on a train
If you don't think the aerodynamics of ridingin the"Karate Kid" attack stance won't affect the bike, you're kidding yourself. With your arms in the air, you are creating a ton of turbulance.
Apes are cool if you like them, but you better slow it down.
Good luck on the curcuit this summer.
Apes are cool if you like them, but you better slow it down.
Good luck on the curcuit this summer.