I have a '79 Sportster.

My handle bars don't turn smoothly from one side to the other without wanting to stop in or near the straight-ahead position. It makes steering very difficult at slow speeds. As I approach the position from either side, I must apply pressure to keep it from 'falling in the notch' too fast and when I want to turn slowly, I've got to apply extra pressure to get the handlebars to turn out of that 'notch'. I can't afford to take it to a mechanic. Any idea what the fix would be for this problem?

Mike

 

Time to replace the ball bearings and the races. Get thee a manual and the parts.

 

what skip said, and fast!

 

Thanks much.

Mike

 

Im no mechanic, but I'd aggree with Skip. Sounds like one off the ball bearings has broken or they are flattened out.

 

Skip is correct, you have a groove worn in that one spot from loose bearings, road holes and bumps.