at a loss
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 17
Likes: 4
From: OH
at a loss
Greetings !
New HOG owner here and I must say overall it's been a pleasant experience , now i have a problem and if any would like to help would be appreciated. My 2013 heritage softail classic has developed a steering problem there is not really much info as to what i should do so I am just gonna throw this out see what happens. After riding this past sat i noticed a wobble at times then when as I came into the area I live it was almost impossible to get the bike to track in a corner ? Now the forks are literally a muscle job just to get them to turn ? Some say replace the tree bearings others say adjust so talked to the dealer $ 350 to replace them WOW
So can i adjust this out or try and do this myself
New HOG owner here and I must say overall it's been a pleasant experience , now i have a problem and if any would like to help would be appreciated. My 2013 heritage softail classic has developed a steering problem there is not really much info as to what i should do so I am just gonna throw this out see what happens. After riding this past sat i noticed a wobble at times then when as I came into the area I live it was almost impossible to get the bike to track in a corner ? Now the forks are literally a muscle job just to get them to turn ? Some say replace the tree bearings others say adjust so talked to the dealer $ 350 to replace them WOW
So can i adjust this out or try and do this myself
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10,804
Likes: 7,430
From: OH
Got air in the front tire ?
Jack up bike and see if the forks are actually bound up at the stem..
Jack up bike and see if the forks are actually bound up at the stem..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,496
Likes: 30,782
From: Pennsylvania
If you do not have a HD Service Manual and are familiar with the procedures, best let a dealer or independent HD mechanic do it. $350.00 is not a bad price for that service.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,994
Likes: 2,081
From: Newport,TN area
Greetings !
New HOG owner here and I must say overall it's been a pleasant experience , now i have a problem and if any would like to help would be appreciated. My 2013 heritage softail classic has developed a steering problem there is not really much info as to what i should do so I am just gonna throw this out see what happens. After riding this past sat i noticed a wobble at times then when as I came into the area I live it was almost impossible to get the bike to track in a corner ? Now the forks are literally a muscle job just to get them to turn ? Some say replace the tree bearings others say adjust so talked to the dealer $ 350 to replace them WOWSo can i adjust this out or try and do this myself
New HOG owner here and I must say overall it's been a pleasant experience , now i have a problem and if any would like to help would be appreciated. My 2013 heritage softail classic has developed a steering problem there is not really much info as to what i should do so I am just gonna throw this out see what happens. After riding this past sat i noticed a wobble at times then when as I came into the area I live it was almost impossible to get the bike to track in a corner ? Now the forks are literally a muscle job just to get them to turn ? Some say replace the tree bearings others say adjust so talked to the dealer $ 350 to replace them WOW
So can i adjust this out or try and do this myselfyou how to do a fall-away test, but also to tell if your bearings are bad.
hth,
T.
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 17
Likes: 4
From: OH
After much research and tearing bike down for NO reason found it to be a bad valve stem in the wheel replaced the tire ( cause i didn't know if it was damaged ) cap and tube ! Fall away test after getting bike up was reasonable no drag
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,143
Likes: 11,219
From: San Diego, CA
There are many things that can cause your issue...
What is the mileage on the bike..?? What is the mileage on the tires...?? Has it has all applicable maintenance..?? Any new mods...??
People focus on the steering head bearings as the likely culprit... and it could be a good guess based on mileage and/or lack of service.. They could need adjusting, lubrication, or replacement.
But there are many other things like cupped tires, bad wheel bearings, new mods that affect front end, etc, etc, etc...
Start simple by inspecting the tires, for both pressure & wear, and the wheel bearings.. then move onto the steering head check, or have it done..
But keep you mind open, and evaluate any new changes/mods/quirks the bike has recently had ...
Good luck with your diagnosis...
What is the mileage on the bike..?? What is the mileage on the tires...?? Has it has all applicable maintenance..?? Any new mods...??
People focus on the steering head bearings as the likely culprit... and it could be a good guess based on mileage and/or lack of service.. They could need adjusting, lubrication, or replacement.
But there are many other things like cupped tires, bad wheel bearings, new mods that affect front end, etc, etc, etc...
Start simple by inspecting the tires, for both pressure & wear, and the wheel bearings.. then move onto the steering head check, or have it done..
But keep you mind open, and evaluate any new changes/mods/quirks the bike has recently had ...
Good luck with your diagnosis...
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Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Eastern NC
Reminds me of when I took delivery of a new 2016 night rod special. Dealer delivered it to my door, when it was unloaded I took it for a test ride. I said to myself Man this bike is a beast to steer, must be that massive rear 240 tire. Wrong, front tire from the dealer had 15 lbs air. So much for dealers prep. Glad you found your problem.
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