SQUIRRLEY FRONT END
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SQUIRRLEY FRONT END
Looking for your experiences. When riding on some of the rural 2-lane highways in my area, i come across pavement that has been ground for "improvement". As you all know on older roads the pavement within a lane tends to have higher and lower areas. So, some of these roads have been ground down in the high spots to level out the entire lane but this creates grooves in the direction of travel. When riding in these "improved" areas my front end tends to get squirrley and feels like I am on thin ice. I have never lost control but sometimes it feels close. I have a 1200R with 30lbs in the front and 35lbs in the back - stock wheels and tires.
So - is this about normal and how bad does it really get?
thanks
So - is this about normal and how bad does it really get?
thanks
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,306
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From: Bellville, Tx
RE: SQUIRRLEY FRONT END
Not an uncommon problem, many highways have "rain grooves" designed to give cages better traction in heavy rain. Although it may be uncomfortable, you will not loose control because of the grooves. Loosen up your grip on the bars and relax, the wobble will be there but you will still have control. Don't know what type of tire you have on the front, but one without straight grooves and more of a block pattern with lessen the effect. Relax, this is not a killer situation.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Gulf Coast of Mississippi
RE: SQUIRRLEY FRONT END
Yep... screwed again...
I've said it before... never any thought to we motorcyclers when it comes to road improvements (I use the term lightly)...
They usually turn out to be not such a great improvement for us...
But what the hell... we're a dime a dozen... not much clean up after one of us go down... so WTF!!!...
Charlie D.
I've said it before... never any thought to we motorcyclers when it comes to road improvements (I use the term lightly)...
They usually turn out to be not such a great improvement for us...
But what the hell... we're a dime a dozen... not much clean up after one of us go down... so WTF!!!...
Charlie D.
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RE: SQUIRRLEY FRONT END
1 Thing to check is your Bearings in your steering neck to make sure they are tight. If they are even just a tad loose it will act the way you are describing.. Check in your manual. But If I remember right on a dyna its between 35 and 55 Foot pounds of torque.I'm guessing it would be near the same for the sportster.
Jim
Jim
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Metro Milwaukee, WI
RE: SQUIRRLEY FRONT END
ORIGINAL: R Racing
1 Thing to check is your Bearings in your steering neck to make sure they are tight. If they are even just a tad loose it will act the way you are describing.. Check in your manual. But If I remember right on a dyna its between 35 and 55 Foot pounds of torque.I'm guessing it would be near the same for the sportster.
Jim
1 Thing to check is your Bearings in your steering neck to make sure they are tight. If they are even just a tad loose it will act the way you are describing.. Check in your manual. But If I remember right on a dyna its between 35 and 55 Foot pounds of torque.I'm guessing it would be near the same for the sportster.
Jim
For 85green; I had the same issues with the rain grooves as well but more coming from the rear tire than the front. I switched to the Metzler ME880 Marathon and haven't had the problem since.
HD7585 has it right.
R Racing's suggestion of checking the bearings on the neck couldn't hurt as well. Think of it as preventative maintainance and safety. Either of those are never overdone...
My $0.02
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