View Poll Results: Is this normal

No - It's because you weigh so much

Yes - It's the nature of a Softail

62.50%

No - you can't ride worth sh!t

37.50%

Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 8. You may not vote on this poll

Softail Slim Handling...

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Aug 10, 2017 | 01:32 PM

#11

spiv

Thread Starter

5th Gear

Joined: Jul 2017

Posts: 9

Likes: 1

From: Otawa Valley, Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLSSBart

Did you adjust the preload?

Yes, according to the chart - two clicks from factory is right for my weight. As the bike was still in the box when I bought it. I asked the dealership to make sure it was set up that way. I do not have the tool (or the mechanical confidence) to check to see if they bothered. I assumed that if they hadn't I might be bottoming out more. I wasn't aware it would affect overall stability (not mechanically inclined).

Thank you all for the time you took to answer

Aug 10, 2017 | 08:29 PM

#12

cobalt07

Road Master

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 792

Likes: 258

From: N.E.Ohio

Sounds like you're just heavier and older and memory may be slightly cloudy. Harleys are heavy and steady if anything. We're all getting heavier and older, don't let it bother you, it's all part of the process, just relax and enjoy the ride. Nothing feels like a Hog and a Hog makes you feel like your on top of the world....

Aug 13, 2017 | 04:54 PM

#13

splattttttt

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2014

Posts: 5,649

Likes: 430

From: MASS_hole

https://www.scribd.com/doc/229588119...Service-Manual

Consider checking front fork for bearing adjustment (Fall-away)

Aug 14, 2017 | 08:14 PM

#14

TeaRunner

Road Master

Joined: Nov 2014

Posts: 1,072

Likes: 212

From: Alabama

It's the tires.

My Fatboy was a lumbering beast compared to my previous bikes. Turned out, I just needed to put more body into the leans and a bit more strength into the bars than I was used to.

I'll trade that for the added passing stability plus laughing at grooved roads and grating.

Aug 15, 2017 | 02:46 AM

#15

splattttttt

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2014

Posts: 5,649

Likes: 430

From: MASS_hole

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiv

it's neat how quickly the bike responds but when I'm clipping along at 110 km (70 mph) - and i wiggle my numb *** to wake it up - the whole bike wiggles. If an 18 wheeler goes by and buffets me enough to move my shoulders - the bike moves a bit. Is this normal?

typically. I would suggest checking air pressure. But if you already did that and problem persists, check for front and rear wheel alignment and steering neck fall away

Aug 18, 2017 | 03:48 PM

#16

spiv

Thread Starter

5th Gear

Joined: Jul 2017

Posts: 9

Likes: 1

From: Otawa Valley, Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by splattttttt

typically. I would suggest checking air pressure. But if you already did that and problem persists, check for front and rear wheel alignment and steering neck fall away

Should that be an issue with a bike that's only 5 weeks old (and had it's first service)?

Aug 18, 2017 | 06:41 PM

#17

ejslim

Intermediate

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 31

Likes: 3

From: New York

I think you're overthinking it. I have never owned a bike that didnt sway at least some when passing a big rig. No disrespect.

Aug 18, 2017 | 06:52 PM

#18

Sticks24

Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2015

Posts: 1,469

Likes: 382

From: Ontario Canada

These bikes handle very easily. I could drive the thing with no hands all day if I didn't have to stop. The narrow back tire allows you to throw it around. I just got back from a 4000 km trip through 10 states, including the Tail of the Dragon, and the bike is just really easy to drive. It is very responsive for a heavy bike. You will get used to it.