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Mar 9, 2009 | 07:44 AM

MJHJEA

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Road Warrior

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 1,471

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From: Toledo, Ohio

Anyone experience this?

I recently purchased an 06 softail deluxe and rode it the other day for the first time, wanted to check it out real good. The handlebars wobble pretty bad starting at exactly 40mph and subsiding at 35mph decelerating with hands off handlebars. Not really noticeable with hands on. Is this normal for the deluxe? Someone else said theirs did same thing from day one. My bike has stock front and is in mint condition with only 5,000 miles, so I'm very concerned. Will I be wasting $$$ taking it to Harley and finding out nothing is wrong? Appreciate any comments!

Mar 9, 2009 | 08:09 AM

Aaron01

Cruiser

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 152

Likes: 1

From: Colorado

My 07 started doing the same thing and the steering head nut (not sure if that's the correct name) needed to be tightened. The book calls for using the "fall away" method which I never could get to work right. I torqued mine to 40 ft. lbs and all is well now. You will need a 1 1/2" socket though to fit the large nut.

Mar 9, 2009 | 08:13 AM

devo5566

Advanced

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 91

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From: Toronto, Canada

stearing head bearing

I had that and it was just an adjustment on the steering head bearing
Try doing a search on this site. I saw a few threads that helped me out with that same problem

Mar 10, 2009 | 07:35 AM

tk353

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 5,257

Likes: 6

From: Leander Texas

mine did that and it was front wheel bearings

Mar 10, 2009 | 09:48 AM

78fxs78

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Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 481

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From: Bgosh,WI

Wobble is not good ! I agree the steering neck is probably too loose. You want it snug but not to hold in one position (off the ground). If too loose along time the bearing races get flat spots, then you tighten it up it'll feel rough. Wheel bearings and ballance can also be a prob but with only 5k its unlikely but go there if the first does'nt work.

Last edited by 78fxs78; Mar 10, 2009 at 09:55 AM.

Apr 3, 2009 | 11:02 PM

oct1949

Club Member

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 145,895

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From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..

agree with 78, probably need to lube and check steering bearings.. wouldn't think the wheel bearings with that low of miles unless someone really maintained poorly.

Apr 3, 2009 | 11:19 PM

SD Night Train

Cruiser

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 209

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no one has mentioned this but a good thing to check is your tire pressure

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Apr 4, 2009 | 09:38 AM

mgmmgm

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 2,710

Likes: 6

From: Spokane, WA.

+1 on air psi

I agree, air pressure in the tire is a possible cause; not to say that checking bearings is not a bad idea. My Fatty front tire will wallow around a bit if I do not watch tire pressure so I heck before each ride and have tire pump handy for that.

Ride Safe,

mark