? for 07 Custom owners
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 242
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From: Rosemark, TN
? for 07 Custom owners
You folks with the new 07 Customs (Standards too probably), do you noitice a bit of wobble or instability in the front end during crusing about 80+. I've noticed my bike seems to have a wobbly feeling at the high cruise speeds, especially in heavier traffic where the wind vorticies are produced from the big trucks.. I do have a windshield which could contribute to it I am sure, but it dont feel just right sometimes at high speed. Maybe it's that combo of the skinny 21" front tire and the big 200 on the rear? My last bike, a 1200C sporty had the skinny on the front and a 150 on the rear and it was smooth well up into the triple digits.
just curious...
just curious...
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,576
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From:
RE: ? for 07 Custom owners
I would say its the windshield.
I sometimes get a pull on my deuce without a windshield just from the wind grabbing my jacket on the left then the right.
Windshields couse alot of buffeting.
David
I sometimes get a pull on my deuce without a windshield just from the wind grabbing my jacket on the left then the right.
Windshields couse alot of buffeting.
David
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 62
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From: Gulf Breeze, FL
RE: ? for 07 Custom owners
I too traded a Sporster for a 2007 FXSTC and noticed the same thing. The handle bars try to rock as you come up behind the 18 wheelers. I always check my tire pressure before I leave out and know that that's okay. I suspected the combination of the Windshield and that light front end combination but have not yet tested it without the windshield. I don't believe its to a point of being dangerous, just kinda unexpected.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 242
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From: Rosemark, TN
RE: ? for 07 Custom owners
I suspect it's the windshield myself along with the front end design. Tire pressure is fine. I am not sure if it's dangerous or not, but it is not exactly comforting to feel it when your trucking along at 80. Techdct, it is definatly more pronounced when you are coming up behind the big trucks or are rolling along with several of them around you, it could not be a good thing 
I need to pull the windshield off and give it a try, if it's the windshield, maybe I need to look at a new one with a different design.
I need to pull the windshield off and give it a try, if it's the windshield, maybe I need to look at a new one with a different design.Trending Topics
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 62
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From: Gulf Breeze, FL
RE: ? for 07 Custom owners
I normally ony run 80 when rolling down the hills. I try to run about 72 in the flats. It might be more pronounced at the higher speed. But run a test without the windshield and let me know. If I get a chance I will try the same thing and post results.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 242
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From: Rosemark, TN
RE: ? for 07 Custom owners
10-4 techdct, I'll try to play with it this week and post back. It will be mid week before I get the chance as it's pretty cold here this weekend and I probably wont ride till Tue or Wed. I dont run 80 much myself, but do on occasion, especially when on a road trip with our riding group on the interstate and they set their baggers on high cruise, I dont want to be the guy that cant keep up with em cause I'm wobbling and have to back off 
My old Sporty could hang right there with em and then some...
My old Sporty could hang right there with em and then some...
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Gulf Breeze, FL
RE: ? for 07 Custom owners
Well I got out there today for a test without the windshield. However, the wind was blowing abou 10-12 and gusting to about 17 and at 75 MPH you really feel the wind. The wind was not on my nose but about 30 degrees to the left. I did not notice my handlebars rocking as before when behind an 18 wheeler, however, not being used to the wind at those speeds made it uncomfortable. Your arms and torso are feeling the pull and push of the wind that the windshield was keeping off you. So if you can get used to running without a windsheild then I would have to say it was an improvement over the wobble. However, for long trips it seems you would really get beat down without a windshield on the Interstate. I believe I can get used to the wobble, especially if I am expecting it. This might be a design of form over function. I believe the Custom is a sexy bike for looks, but might not be as stable some of the other bikes like the Fatboy. I have to say that for some of the Saturday morning rides we have been doing on backroad where you don't get over about 60-65, I like running without the windshield.