front end wobble
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
Well, here is the latest update. I had Harley spend 2hrs installing polyurethane bushings, adjust the neck, and adjust the fall away. Cost me $178. Ouch. So, I have about a lil over $500 invested in doing drag bars, wish I did apes at this point (those always worked fine for me). You guys have any input if I should proceed? The bike has less than 200 miles on it, so I don't see what the problem could be. I don't won't to dump any more money into this current setup, and the dealer told me they can't guarantee that this will be covered under warrantee. So, I guess what I'm looking for is should I keep throwing money into this (seems senseless) or pursue something else such as apes. I find it odd that my 18" apes on my old road king ran fine, but a set of 6" drag bars with 4" pull back have caused me so much time, money, and headache.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, Calif.
I'm no ace mechanic, but it has to be a problem in the steering head or the wheel. The problem is not the handlebars. Whatever it is, it should be covered by warranty. You just spent 20 grand on a machine. You should get at the very least get a safe ride in return. And a wobble like that just isn't safe or normal.
I'm curious -- did Harley tell you the neck bearings did need adjustment after doing the fallaway? If it did and they did the adjustment, it should work properly now
I'm curious -- did Harley tell you the neck bearings did need adjustment after doing the fallaway? If it did and they did the adjustment, it should work properly now
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 132
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I hear ya. That's why I was getting so worked up. After all the money I spent on it, I couldn't fathom how a set of drag bars would make such a big problem. I know that the HD techs said that the steering head nut was a bit loose, so they tightened it up. They also did the fall away and put in poly bushings. I'm supposed to call the guy about it tomorrow after he talks to the other service writer. Said he can't promise that it would be covered under warranty. At this point, I don't see how it could be anything else but a warranty related problem. Talk about a PITA.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 415
From: Southern Maryland
Deuce
I rode mine yesterday, and it is steady as a rock when I let go of the handlebars at most speeds, but around 40-45 it wobbles also. Never noticed it before, and would not have noticed it now if it had not been for this post. Could it be the engine also causing it to do that?? Mine is stock except for the windshield and saddlebags, but I did grease the steering head with boat axle grease.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,984
Likes: 8
did they check the front wheel balance? did they check and make sure the wheel or tire was not out of round? I put 36" beachbars on my 06 fatty and have zero problems. I would go back to original and see if you still have the same problem.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 132
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I don't think they checked the balance of it. Probably cause it has less than 200 miles on it, so they prob assumed it was ok. I'm tempted to go back to the stock bars...but, I don't care for the stock bars that much. Between parts, labor, etc... I have over $500 into this current setup which would suck to take a hit on that. But, I'm getting pretty frustrated with it. Sucks having a brand new bike that has something wrong.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 132
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I just got off the phone with the dealership. They said to drop it off to them for a couple days and they'll check it out. I asked them if it's going to cost me anything. They said they would write it up under warranty work, but if they determine that the problem stems from the bars it won't be under warranty work. I'm a bit nervous. I don't want to drop it off to them and they say it's cause of the bars and I'm stuck with another bill 
What do you guys thinK?
What do you guys thinK?
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, Calif.
I just got off the phone with the dealership. They said to drop it off to them for a couple days and they'll check it out. I asked them if it's going to cost me anything. They said they would write it up under warranty work, but if they determine that the problem stems from the bars it won't be under warranty work. I'm a bit nervous. I don't want to drop it off to them and they say it's cause of the bars and I'm stuck with another bill What do you guys thinK?
What do you guys thinK?I just don't buy the "it's the bars" explanation at all. As far as I know, given a smooth flat road surface and balanced tires and properly adjusted steering head, there shouldn't be any noticeable wobble, regardless of what kind of bars you have, or no bars at all. Again, I'm not an expert and I could be wrong, but I doubt it. It sounds like one of those old "that's just the way Harleys are" explanations.
But if the dealer insists it is, I wouldn't let him switch your bars back. But I would make sure he gave me written documentation as to why the warranty won't cover the problem and an estimate as to how much it would cost you for them to switch the bars back to the originals. Then take the bike elsewhere (look for a reputable independent shop) and have it done, or do it yourself (It's a pain in the *** if the wiring is inside the bars, but it's not hard to do, at least it wasn't on my Softail Springer Classic, and I've done it 2-3 times). If the problem is still there -- and I'll practically bet my life it will be -- you'll have 'em by the *****. Since their "it's the bars explanation" won't wash anymore, they'll have to fix the problem on warranty and reimburse you for the cost of the switch back -- and, I would think, yet another switch back to the drag bars you wanted in the first place. And of course, you'll have another shop to back you up if you have to get nasty with the dealer.