Very bad wobble developed quickly
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Surrey,BC
Very bad wobble developed quickly
I have a 06 road king that recently developed a bad wobble as soon as I hit 120 kph. If it starts by just going over a bump I have to slow down to 90 or it'll literally knock the bike over. In high speed corners it's exceptionally bad. I replaced the tires thinking that was it, tightened spokes, had the new tires balanced but it's back again. What can I start checking to narrow down the problem?
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 149
Likes: 1
From: Randleman, NC
Both previous suggestions are good & worth checking. I always had a high speed handlebar shake between 85 & 90 mph on my 05 RK since it was new. I installed a "True-Track" swing arm anchor in 2005 & my bike is stable up to 120 mph.
About five years ago it developed a low speed shake & I found the steering head nut had loosened up. Tightened to specks shake gone.
About five years ago it developed a low speed shake & I found the steering head nut had loosened up. Tightened to specks shake gone.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 140
From: NY
I have a 06 road king that recently developed a bad wobble as soon as I hit 120 kph. If it starts by just going over a bump I have to slow down to 90 or it'll literally knock the bike over. In high speed corners it's exceptionally bad. I replaced the tires thinking that was it, tightened spokes, had the new tires balanced but it's back again. What can I start checking to narrow down the problem?
Been there done that!
Thats generally caused by loose steering head bearings (requiring adj) and or worn out steering head bearings requiring replacement along with loose & or sloppy rear swing arm bearings & or bushings that requiring replacement because as far as i am aware there is no adj to tighten rear swing arm bearings / bushings.
Worn tires along with bad motor mounts ,weak & or mushy front & rear suspension can also add to this problem in which case at very least i rec checking motor mounts & going to SE hvy wt oil in forks & change oil in stock rear airshocks to 10wt suspension /shock fluid (not fork oil !) that will tighten things up a bit too.
Last resort if doing the above doesn't fix it would be to install one of the kits that attach from the frame to trans or the motor that firms things up too.
Scott
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 307
From: mid Michigan
Swing arm isolaters not mentioned yet , they are due at that age. True track is on my wish list. I've Already done all the other stuff that's been mentioned.
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 14
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From: Surrey,BC
Some of my rear spokes are loose. I'm thinking that has to be it, I can grab the rim when lifted off the ground and shake it a bit and it's the rear tire that has a big wobble in it when spinning.
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Joe Kucinski
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,637
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From: Lake, Ms
Now would be a good time to get that spoke wheel off of your bike and replace it with a good cast wheel.
