HELP...handlebar wobble
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 174
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From: W KY
HELP...handlebar wobble
2012 Sportster 1200 Custom
My handlebars are really shaking at 50mph and below when slowing down. I don't feel it when both hands on handlebars but I noticed it when taking my left hand off the bars to rest it. I put 12.5 progressive 412 on 2 weeks ago so not sure if this factors. However, I put stock shocks back on and handlebars still shook.
I took it to a local shop (not HD). They checked the following: steering head bearings, front wheel bearings, tire balance, tire pressure. All checked out just added air to front tire. I also had them change fork oil while they where at it. It's still not right so I will take it back to them tomorrow. And yes, I realize that typically both hands remain on the handlebars when riding but I've had nerve issues that require me to move my hands around often due to tingling.
WHAT ELSE CAN IT BE?? PLEASE HELP!!
Thank You!!
My handlebars are really shaking at 50mph and below when slowing down. I don't feel it when both hands on handlebars but I noticed it when taking my left hand off the bars to rest it. I put 12.5 progressive 412 on 2 weeks ago so not sure if this factors. However, I put stock shocks back on and handlebars still shook.
I took it to a local shop (not HD). They checked the following: steering head bearings, front wheel bearings, tire balance, tire pressure. All checked out just added air to front tire. I also had them change fork oil while they where at it. It's still not right so I will take it back to them tomorrow. And yes, I realize that typically both hands remain on the handlebars when riding but I've had nerve issues that require me to move my hands around often due to tingling.
WHAT ELSE CAN IT BE?? PLEASE HELP!!
Thank You!!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,913
Likes: 87
From:
I had the same problem with my 2013 48 and the dealer service manager said everything checked out, bearings, etc, and said I might need a new front wheel. I took it to a different dealer and they corrected it. I asked the tech that worked on it about what it was and he said the head bearings needed to be tightened. When I told him that another dealership said they were at spec he said Harley had issued a bulletin that the bearings may need to be tightened more than to listed specs and that he had done it carefully and test rode it several times slightly tightening them each time until the wobble was gone. I have had no problems since. This was about 1k miles ago.
My bars were shaking when I removed my hands between 50 and 55mph. I could not feel it with both hands on the handlebars. Good luck.
My bars were shaking when I removed my hands between 50 and 55mph. I could not feel it with both hands on the handlebars. Good luck.
2012 Sportster 1200 Custom
My handlebars are really shaking at 50mph and below when slowing down. I don't feel it when both hands on handlebars but I noticed it when taking my left hand off the bars to rest it. I put 12.5 progressive 412 on 2 weeks ago so not sure if this factors. However, I put stock shocks back on and handlebars still shook.
I took it to a local shop (not HD). They checked the following: steering head bearings, front wheel bearings, tire balance, tire pressure. All checked out just added air to front tire. I also had them change fork oil while they where at it. It's still not right so I will take it back to them tomorrow. And yes, I realize that typically both hands remain on the handlebars when riding but I've had nerve issues that require me to move my hands around often due to tingling.
WHAT ELSE CAN IT BE?? PLEASE HELP!!
Thank You!!
My handlebars are really shaking at 50mph and below when slowing down. I don't feel it when both hands on handlebars but I noticed it when taking my left hand off the bars to rest it. I put 12.5 progressive 412 on 2 weeks ago so not sure if this factors. However, I put stock shocks back on and handlebars still shook.
I took it to a local shop (not HD). They checked the following: steering head bearings, front wheel bearings, tire balance, tire pressure. All checked out just added air to front tire. I also had them change fork oil while they where at it. It's still not right so I will take it back to them tomorrow. And yes, I realize that typically both hands remain on the handlebars when riding but I've had nerve issues that require me to move my hands around often due to tingling.
WHAT ELSE CAN IT BE?? PLEASE HELP!!
Thank You!!
It could be tire pressure, spokes, etc., but most of the time it is the neck bearing.
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DKCustomProducts.com
DKCustomProducts.com
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
Our front wheel is rather like a supermarket trolley wheel, just a bit more sophisticated! Tightening the steering head bearings 'just so' provides a measure of damping, to minimise the wobble, as does keeping both hands on the bars. Getting the bearings right is a very worthwhile thing to learn.
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From: NJ
I'm having same issue. Does the neck bearing have to do with "fall away"? Or are those 2 separate things? I've heard this issue could be due to fall away adjustment? However after reading this I'm going to go over the neck bearing again more carefully as I've tested everything else.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I'm having same issue. Does the neck bearing have to do with "fall away"? Or are those 2 separate things? I've heard this issue could be due to fall away adjustment? However after reading this I'm going to go over the neck bearing again more carefully as I've tested everything else.
