unstable feeling
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 72
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From:
unstable feeling
went for a ride yesterday on my 06 sportster c, slight cross wind nothing major, back of the bike felt very unstable between 70-75 is this common with sportster? or is there something I could do to the bike? I pulled over and checked rear of bike, everything seemed normal, air pressure good, the front end was stable, maybe I was pushing the bike to its limit. I am a new rider, it has been 20 yrs since my last bike. any suggestion will help.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,338
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From:
RE: unstable feeling
Change your rear wheel. The solid disc on the rear catches the wind. Nothing else that I know of that can be done. Scared the crap out of me when I was riding a Fatboy (dual disc wheels) and had a semi go flying by me as I was slowing for a turn.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,892
Likes: 2
From: Florida
RE: unstable feeling
On my 05 1200 custom the only time I would get an unstable feeling in the rear was when the tire pressure was low. If it has a solid rear wheel that definetly will impact the stability when riding in any type of wind. To me the feeling of instability always came from the front tire.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 0
From: Burbank, CA
RE: unstable feeling
The only time i've ever had instability feeling is when i was going uphill and doing about 100mph. The front end got a little squirrely. I backed off real quick and felt good after that. OK, so I got it out of my system.
Trucks passing me rarely cause me any trouble, i usually feel a little "loose" if I'm in the wake of a big semi @ highway speeds, i either speed up or back off.
Most of my readings have confirmed that those bitchin' looking solid wheels tho are scary in serious cross winds.
Trucks passing me rarely cause me any trouble, i usually feel a little "loose" if I'm in the wake of a big semi @ highway speeds, i either speed up or back off.
Most of my readings have confirmed that those bitchin' looking solid wheels tho are scary in serious cross winds.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 2
From: Glens Falls, NY
RE: unstable feeling
crackes me up when I read this kinda stuff - "only noticed it when I was going a 100! - awsome
My bigest problem at that speed is the chin strap catching the wind and whippin - it stings like a sonofa -###
My bigest problem at that speed is the chin strap catching the wind and whippin - it stings like a sonofa -###
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,892
Likes: 2
From: Florida
RE: unstable feeling
ORIGINAL: molsenice
crackes me up when I read this kinda stuff - "only noticed it when I was going a 100! - awsome
My bigest problem at that speed is the chin strap catching the wind and whippin - it stings like a sonofa -###
crackes me up when I read this kinda stuff - "only noticed it when I was going a 100! - awsome
My bigest problem at that speed is the chin strap catching the wind and whippin - it stings like a sonofa -###
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,954
Likes: 9
From: jacksonville, nc
RE: unstable feeling
never had any problems with the sporty and it has a solid rear wheel, sometimes even a slight crosswind can be unsettleing.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
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From: Midland, TX
RE: unstable feeling
I suspect there's nothing wrong with your bike. There is also a lot of debate over solid rims and their catching wind. Some say it's a problem others say it isn't. Just consider that cross winds are difficult for all bikes and especially lighter bikes. Just slow down some until you feel comfortable. I've been in winds so bad that I've slowed down to the 50's to hit my comfort zone. Take it easy and live to ride another day, when the wind isn't blowing so hard.