Swaying back and forth (80mph +)
Thread Starter
|
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,747
Likes: 5
From: Central Cali
It didn't feel unsafe but definitely didn't feel smooth. I can only explain it in saying it was a swaying back and forth... almost like when the skinny front tire tries to track in road grooves or tar tracks.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,217
Likes: 90
From: Detroit
"Fallaway" is kind of a goofy test.
With the bike on the lift, pull the bottom of the front forks forward and release, and see how much play there is.
Mostly, my softail feels like it's on rails at high speed. With a strong crosswind, yeah, it can move over half a lane, but nothing squirrely feeling.
With the bike on the lift, pull the bottom of the front forks forward and release, and see how much play there is.
Mostly, my softail feels like it's on rails at high speed. With a strong crosswind, yeah, it can move over half a lane, but nothing squirrely feeling.
Last edited by Warp Factor; Aug 22, 2012 at 04:55 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,747
Likes: 5
From: Central Cali
"Fallaway" is kind of a goofy test.
With the bike on the lift, pull the bottom of the front forks forward and release, and see how much play there is.
Mostly, my softail feels like it's on rails at high speed. With a strong crosswind, yeah, it can move over half a lane, but nothing squirrely feeling.
With the bike on the lift, pull the bottom of the front forks forward and release, and see how much play there is.
Mostly, my softail feels like it's on rails at high speed. With a strong crosswind, yeah, it can move over half a lane, but nothing squirrely feeling.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
I checked before I left on the ride and I was at 40 in the rear and 38 in the front. I'm wondering if my tires might be cupping...not sure how to check or know. My tires are the originals ....and the bike only has 5000 miles buts its an 07 so they are going on 6 years old.
Lowering Ur bike could be the issue also along with all the above..
.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
Check your steering head adjustment. +1 on replacing tires that are 6+ years old. +1 tire pressure. Best combo for me is ME 880 front and Mich Com II rear. FWIW. I do 80+ a bunch and the only time my bike sways is in corners at 80+ and I need swing arm bearings and my steering head bearings are indext (bad).
Thread Starter
|
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,747
Likes: 5
From: Central Cali
I will be changing them over winter for sure. Even though they look really good, just for peace of mind.
I never thought about lowering it causing it to feel strange. You would think it would handle better, even at higher speeds. It certainly handles better at lower speeds with it lowered.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
"Fallaway" is kind of a goofy test.
With the bike on the lift, pull the bottom of the front forks forward and release, and see how much play there is.
Mostly, my softail feels like it's on rails at high speed. With a strong crosswind, yeah, it can move over half a lane, but nothing squirrely feeling.
With the bike on the lift, pull the bottom of the front forks forward and release, and see how much play there is.
Mostly, my softail feels like it's on rails at high speed. With a strong crosswind, yeah, it can move over half a lane, but nothing squirrely feeling.
Thread Starter
|
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,747
Likes: 5
From: Central Cali
Check your steering head adjustment. +1 on replacing tires that are 6+ years old. +1 tire pressure. Best combo for me is ME 880 front and Mich Com II rear. FWIW. I do 80+ a bunch and the only time my bike sways is in corners at 80+ and I need swing arm bearings and my steering head bearings are indext (bad).
Its tough because they look like they are in really good shape, still lots of tread left and no drying or cracking that I can see.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
I dont know how bike you are but the pre load on the rear shocks is set for a light guy and the fork oil in the front is light too. I went to a heavier oil in the front and adjusted my rear shocks three turns in the rear.
Thread Starter
|
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,747
Likes: 5
From: Central Cali
Also, I will have to read in the manual how to adjust my steering head.