FWLIT, On my 04 I found swing arm play at the bearing insert/shaft gap. That let my swing arm move around a bit. New parts had the same problem, so I fixed it with some shim stock.

I've not gotten around to installing a steering head damper, but I suspect that would also help things. Stock my bike is very loose and undampened, which makes it very easy to initiate bobbling in turns. The longer I'm leaned over, the easier it is to get such bobbling started.

 

It is interesting that you say that because I have felt that while the shimmy was in the front end, it started at the rear. I haven't heard of this before and will certainly ask them to check it. Thank you very much.

 

The pressure max indicated on the sidewall of EVERY tire is the maximum psi for that tire, NOT the recommended psi for the motorcycle with the load that you are carrying. Consult MOM (motorcycle owners manual) for the correct recommended psi for your bike under the conditions that you are riding. I.E. solo, two passengers, fully loaded etc.

 

entirely disagree, the manual does not take into consideration anything but HD branded stock tires. each manufacturer is different.

 

So they recommend 50 psi and one (the front) was at 47 the rear 48. I generally check them before riding almost every time. Didn't that time. Do you that little anomaly would make a difference? Bear in mind this a shimmy it was teeth shattering. Just disconcerting.

 

I agree with what was stated above. 50 is really high and will make the ride feel the road, so to speak.

You should always start with the spec in the owner's manual and adjust from there, always a couple pounds higher for 2 up. I think I'm running 34 and 38 front and rear respectively on my 03 EG, but I run 2 up a lot and don't like changing it. I think the touring owners manual is 34 and 36 and then 36 and 38 for 2 up. Tires are tires, I've had lots of brands and the only difference felt at speed is between bias ply and radial.

As for the shocks, the stock air socks are great for 2 up when properly inflated and not leaking. 15lbs on mine and me and the wife can ride all day. Don't let anyone discourage you about the stock air shocks. The only ones I've ran that I like about the same are Progressives. That being said, I really like Progressive drop in fork springs in the front.

Now to address the lowering. If the rear was lowered and not the front, you'll feel a bit of flop. If the rear gets put back stock, the handling issues may correct themselves. It's important to keep even geometry when lowering a bike. When I lowered another bike I had I did an even front and rear, 1" and it had a very positive effect on the handling, while riding aggressively anyway.

 

So the Pirelli tire list 35 as a minimum? On the sidewalk it says 35 min to 50 max. The dealership mechanic told me the same thing above - run them at max or close to max? Anyway I have thought about the front end lower and don't honestly know if they lowered the front. Hopefully they can figure it out Friday. For a big bike she handles well with that notable exception so I hope it can be corrected. You guys really put a lot of thought into your replies and I really appreciate it, thank you.

 

Alright I actually did this myself with the help of a friend that's done it. I reinstalled a set if o em air adjustable shoei shocks. We had to run the airlines as the person that lowered the bike stripped them out. Ride home was sweet and it gives me a bit more lean angle. Didn't ride hard enough to tell about the shimmy but he did a fall away test and then tightened the front. He wasn't familiar with checking for play in the swing arm so if it still gives me problems I will have my Indy do it when it goes back in. I will let you know how it affects my handling but I really appreciate all of the advice and I am kind of proud of having done the swap myself (it really was only 4 bolts lol). The rest I credit my buddy Joe with and am buying later tonight at scooters.