Front shimmy
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 59
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From: Minneapolis
Front shimmy
Just threw my tourpak back on after the summer without it. As I was coasting and slowing down for a stoplight, the front starts to wobble side to side. Reminds me exactly of my old Goldwing. I only had one hand on the bars, and was able to stop it right away. So.... I try to make it happen again, and it does. I am due for new tires, and wonder if there are better tires than the stock dunlops (which I think as they wear cause some of this). Also, is it more pronounced with the extra weight of the tourpak on the rear?
2003 flhtci, 37k on it.
2003 flhtci, 37k on it.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,356
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From: san diego
find out what mph range it happens at.
see it it also happens while excelerating at the same speed
if you hold it at that speed does the wiggle continue
i would say neck bearing need to adjusted
see it it also happens while excelerating at the same speed
if you hold it at that speed does the wiggle continue
i would say neck bearing need to adjusted
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
There are plenty of better tyres, all the major brands make suitable ones. My own favourites are Avons. If you need tyres I suggest you have them fitted, whatever you chose, then repeat the conditions to see if your bike still does it. If you do change brands check their website to ensure you use the correct pressures, as some brands use different psi to the handbook, including Avon.
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Steering head bearings need to be greased and tightened and I'll bet a new different brand tire will also make a world of difference. Try a Metzeler ME888 or Michelin Commander II and open up a whole new world of handling abilities for that bike. I'd also check the tire pressure on those tires.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,442
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From: South Carolina
+2 on the Michelins - I just installed a set last night and my ride in to work today was like being on a new bike. Rides better, handles better, smoother, quieter, and no more wandering on grooved pavement. Now granted, a lot of that may be the difference between new and old tires, but I don't remember the stock Dunlops being this nice even when they were new...
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
Likes: 54
+2 on the Michelins - I just installed a set last night and my ride in to work today was like being on a new bike. Rides better, handles better, smoother, quieter, and no more wandering on grooved pavement. Now granted, a lot of that may be the difference between new and old tires, but I don't remember the stock Dunlops being this nice even when they were new...
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 59
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From: Minneapolis
Neck bearings have been greased and checked. Front tire seems to have some odd cupping to it. Like I have said, I have seen this before with these tires. End of season is near. Time for tires of a different tread pattern when it is down for the winter.
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