Test Rode a Softail Custom
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Novice
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 24
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Test Rode a Softail Custom
I've been looking at an used 07 custom the local dealership has and finally decided to take it out for a test ride. I like the riding postion of the custom but when I rode it the front end seemed to wobble back and forth quite a bit. I know its because it has a narrow front end and it also has apes on it. Must be about 12 inch apes but with the rear end lowered it puts my hands about at my shoulders, so the wind was catching me pretty good. I was just wondering if you guys that have customs notice this with yours a lot, or if its somthing that just takes a little getting used to? I'm guessing that if I was able to put 100 miles on it I probably wouldn't notice it anymore.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,760
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From: N. Texas
There is a fork brace avalable for about 135.00 that improves handling. I have one because it has been suggested by several friends with wide glides. My steering before that seemed ok so I not sure what your experiancing.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 144
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From:
I have an 07 Custom and have rode well over 90 miles per hour on several occasions.I have never felt any wobble of any sort. If you are serious about this particular bike I would have the dealer fix this problem or NO SALE!!!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,232
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From: Georgia
what Geoff said.the 80/90 tire really sucks with the wide front end.Go up to a 90/90 or 120/90 tire and it goes away.The standards and Trains are the same way with stock equipment compared to a FB or Heritage.Apes of any size catch wind.You learn to counteract it in no time.You'll be thinking more about what you want to change before ya know it.
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From: TOAK western branch
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 264
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From: Parker, CO
I have an '07 FXSTC just like you are looking at. Have the dealer check the tree for looseness. When I got mine, it felt loose at times. It was the pivot shaft was loose and the fall away was way too fast and easy. Its easy to check, just roll it forward about 6 inches and and grab a lot of front brake. I could feel the slop in the pivot shaft and the bump in the bars. Its a common problem and probably has nothing to do with the narrow front tire. When I would hit a bump in the road, I could feel the shake in the handle bars. Takes the dealer about 5 minutes to fix if that's the problem.