Fatboy alignment problem
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Franklin, TN
Fatboy alignment problem
Hello,
I am having a slight problem with a new 08 fatboy with under 500 miles on it. My handlebars seem to be pointed slightly right and the bike seems to be crabbing a little to the left similar to an airplane landing in a cross wind. I took the bike to the dealer and he checked and said he could not find any problem. This is my first Harley after years of dirt bikes I know rear wheel alignment could possibly the problem, can anyone give me a suggestion? This is driving me nuts. I love the bike I hope this is something I will not have to live with.
Thanks,
I am having a slight problem with a new 08 fatboy with under 500 miles on it. My handlebars seem to be pointed slightly right and the bike seems to be crabbing a little to the left similar to an airplane landing in a cross wind. I took the bike to the dealer and he checked and said he could not find any problem. This is my first Harley after years of dirt bikes I know rear wheel alignment could possibly the problem, can anyone give me a suggestion? This is driving me nuts. I love the bike I hope this is something I will not have to live with.
Thanks,
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 747
Likes: 1
From: Farnborough uk
RE: Fatboy alignment problem
My 2008 fat boy has handle bar probs, it been in once already and they are still pissed.
I am waiting now until its first sevice and they can have another go at it.
This is also my first H/D the bike other than this its good but first impressions were not so
I have never experienced this with jap or german.
You pay big bucks for these in the u/k and don't expect it from a H/D.
PS my head lamp was also way off ,blinding oncoming.
Be interested how you get on with this
Steve
I am waiting now until its first sevice and they can have another go at it.
This is also my first H/D the bike other than this its good but first impressions were not so
I have never experienced this with jap or german.
You pay big bucks for these in the u/k and don't expect it from a H/D.
PS my head lamp was also way off ,blinding oncoming.
Be interested how you get on with this
Steve
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Franklin, TN
RE: Fatboy alignment problem
Hello,
My headlight was also out of line. I will keep you informed I am taking my bike back in next week. I think it is going to be a rear end adjustment but not sure. I also considered that maybe the tank was installed crooked which could be creating an optical illusion. I have owned several jap bikes also and never had the problem except on dirt bikes after I had crashed.
Thanks,
Tim
My headlight was also out of line. I will keep you informed I am taking my bike back in next week. I think it is going to be a rear end adjustment but not sure. I also considered that maybe the tank was installed crooked which could be creating an optical illusion. I have owned several jap bikes also and never had the problem except on dirt bikes after I had crashed.
Thanks,
Tim
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 7
From: North Georgia
RE: Fatboy alignment problem
Guys,
I attached a thread reference to the problem I think you're having.
https://www.hdforums.com/m_2182865/m...tm.htm#2182865
I haven't changed bushings yet, but I have some new ones ready to try when I get some time to give up.
Sorry to hear about your frustraitions with the new bikes, but we've all been there to one degree or another. No, Harley's aren't perfect but the potential for them to be is overwhelming.
From another point of view; I bet you hated your new puppy peeing/pooping on your carpets. You hated that it chewed your favorate shoes or marred your furniture. But after a while I further bet (if you are a true dog person), that your pup is now your best friend and you can't picture life without him.
All I'm saying is to give your new bike some time to become part of your family. For many of us, our Harley's enrich our lives and provide new horizons to discover. We exchange ideas, share pics and part numbers, and have a brotherhood here way past tin, steel, and rubber.
[sm=deal.gif]
I attached a thread reference to the problem I think you're having.
https://www.hdforums.com/m_2182865/m...tm.htm#2182865
I haven't changed bushings yet, but I have some new ones ready to try when I get some time to give up.
Sorry to hear about your frustraitions with the new bikes, but we've all been there to one degree or another. No, Harley's aren't perfect but the potential for them to be is overwhelming.
From another point of view; I bet you hated your new puppy peeing/pooping on your carpets. You hated that it chewed your favorate shoes or marred your furniture. But after a while I further bet (if you are a true dog person), that your pup is now your best friend and you can't picture life without him.
All I'm saying is to give your new bike some time to become part of your family. For many of us, our Harley's enrich our lives and provide new horizons to discover. We exchange ideas, share pics and part numbers, and have a brotherhood here way past tin, steel, and rubber.
[sm=deal.gif]
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Franklin, TN
RE: Fatboy alignment problem
Thanks for you help. This is a great illustration of my problem. I think I will print this illustration and take it with me to dealer. I love this bike and I am looking forward to many good miles on it.
Thanks,
Tim
Thanks,
Tim
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 747
Likes: 1
From: Farnborough uk
RE: Fatboy alignment problem
its my first H/D and I love it to bits, but for the money and status you would expect it to be right.
I would class it as an icon bike with build quality above others and if so should be perfect when leaving the show room.
i must admit my first impression was not good this is rolls royce money, I woudntexpect this from a skoda.
If you look at the bars they are twisted, the yoke and the handle bars should be in line but they are not.
So in my case it is not wheel alinment.
My first gear realy clunks when cold it clunks so badly that i am worried it will knock out the gear box
I would class it as an icon bike with build quality above others and if so should be perfect when leaving the show room.
i must admit my first impression was not good this is rolls royce money, I woudntexpect this from a skoda.
If you look at the bars they are twisted, the yoke and the handle bars should be in line but they are not.
So in my case it is not wheel alinment.
My first gear realy clunks when cold it clunks so badly that i am worried it will knock out the gear box
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 597
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Fatboy alignment problem
ORIGINAL: eagle56
its my first H/D and I love it to bits, but for the money and status you would expect it to be right.
I would class it as an icon bike with build quality above others and if so should be perfect when leaving the show room.
i must admit my first impression was not good this is rolls royce money, I woudntexpect this from a skoda.
If you look at the bars they are twisted, the yoke and the handle bars should be in line but they are not.
So in my case it is not wheel alinment.
My first gear realy clunks when cold it clunks so badly that i am worried it will knock out the gear box
its my first H/D and I love it to bits, but for the money and status you would expect it to be right.
I would class it as an icon bike with build quality above others and if so should be perfect when leaving the show room.
i must admit my first impression was not good this is rolls royce money, I woudntexpect this from a skoda.
If you look at the bars they are twisted, the yoke and the handle bars should be in line but they are not.
So in my case it is not wheel alinment.
My first gear realy clunks when cold it clunks so badly that i am worried it will knock out the gear box
Sounds like you should have bought a BMW or Jap bike,
Harley bikes have caracter and are not smooth or quiet. They are a rough and ready bike and that's what makes it a great bike
Getting to know your bike and fixing it up is half the fun of owning it. [sm=biker.gif]
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 7
From: North Georgia
RE: Fatboy alignment problem
ORIGINAL: timjtyler
Hello,
What windshield did you go with on your 08 anniversary? Looks great.
Thanks,
Hello,
What windshield did you go with on your 08 anniversary? Looks great.
Thanks,
# 57141-05
Low Profile, Smoked
Fits '05-later FLSTN, '86-later FLSTC and '00-later FLSTF and '06 FLST models with or without auxiliary lamps. Additional mounting hardware not required. Windshield dimensions: Overall height 23.4"; height above headlamp 17.5"; width 23.1".
MSRP US $389.95
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 747
Likes: 1
From: Farnborough uk
RE: Fatboy alignment problem
Ive had Jap and also have German and an old Brit, if i wanted to buy another I would have done so
Yes the HD has charactor a bit like my old Moto Guzzi but better.
I like it to be different but still feel that the bike should be sold in a straight condition.
I will not change it unless its a different model.
I still think its a bad show that so many have these problems its not good for the brand.
Yes the HD has charactor a bit like my old Moto Guzzi but better.
I like it to be different but still feel that the bike should be sold in a straight condition.
I will not change it unless its a different model.
I still think its a bad show that so many have these problems its not good for the brand.