05' Springer Classic
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 181
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From: Peculiar, MO
05' Springer Classic
Hello all, this is Mrs. wmko1 aka Bisquit-just borrowing the id-I need help before I take my bike to the stealer for some work. I went on a 120+ mile ride on Friday out on some country highways including some chip & seal, and noticed my bike having a slight vibration in the handlebars and a mild to moderate wobble sporatically when loose pressure was applied to my bars. I blamed it on the roads due to the grooves etc. I got to my destination safe and sound, looked over the tire just to make sure I didn't have nothing stuck in them, they were fine, they have about 5k on them so fairly new. I parked for the night woke up the next day to take off and now I have a more moderate wobble and also its a lot more consistent. Since the tire is fine, the wheel isn't bent,wheel balance is correct, I'm wondering if I possibly have a bearing trying to break lose or something, or maybe the front brake is trying to drag.....I am not a mechanic however just fairly mechanically inclined so just wondering if anybody else has any thoughts as to what the problem could be before I take it to the stealer for a diagnosis. Any help would be great and thanks in advance.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 584
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From:
RE: 05' Springer Classic
I would bet my biscuits on the steering bearing nut. It just needs to be tightened. If the dealer has the right wrench it will only take about 20 minutes. My springer did the same thing on a road trip. This is something the dealers are supposed to check for if you bring it in at 500 miles like your supposed too with a springer. I do all my own oil changes, so its something to watch for. Shouldnt be a big deal. Let me know what happens.
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9
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From:
RE: 05' Springer Classic
Appreciate the responses, checked the spokes, they are all tight. Checked the steering bearing nut I was able to get 1 1/2 turns out of it, can anybody tell me how tight this should be...as tight as possible,or just muscle tight?
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9
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From:
RE: 05' Springer Classic
Okay, thanks to all for help. Problem resolved, wobble/vibration is gone. The steering bearing nut being loose was obviously the only problem. After tightening "she" was back to being my same old baby. Just a little fired up because I just had my 20K service at the dealership and they obviously failed to check it, but neither did I. Lesson learned I suppose and I learned that I have one more bolt to check before I go out on the road. Thanks again.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 181
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From: Peculiar, MO
RE: 05' Springer Classic
Hello all, this is biscuit's old man, I tightened down the steering head nut and as I have always known, it is supposed to be pretty tight. When I cranked on it the rubber washer between the bearing and the nut folded and tore. Can anyone tell me how tight this nut is supposed to be. I can't find any specs on this.
I cranked it down and it fixed the wobble issue but I don't want to cause any other problems.
Thanks,
wmko1
I cranked it down and it fixed the wobble issue but I don't want to cause any other problems.
Thanks,
wmko1
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 181
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From: Peculiar, MO
RE: 05' Springer Classic
Your not being an ***, thats what I was trying to find out. I have wrenched on my Jap cruisers but this is our first Harley's. They are quite different in build.
Thank you for your input.
Thank you for your input.