Front End Wobble
Banned
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 14,866
Likes: 31,162
From: Whiskey Falls, Texas
I doubt it would cause poor handling either....the only thing accurate in your post was accelerated tire wear.
Never get hysterical....
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 84
Likes: 17
From: Boston
I have a 2017 Limited and have the same issue, 7,500 miles on tire. I had neck bearing checked and dealer said low tire pressure and as a result cupping. I brought my expensive tire gauge (I set tire pressure every two weeks) to the dealer to calibrate and found out my gauge was too low by 3psi.
I will swap tires during winter storage as dealer provides free labor and watch tire pressure next year.
I will swap tires during winter storage as dealer provides free labor and watch tire pressure next year.
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 11,468
Likes: 3,572
From: Idaho
I run 40/42, which is a tad higher than "recommended". On the other hand, I have no issues with cupping or with poor handling, and I get great mileage.
32 is very, very, low. Ok, I'll take back "dangerously", but 32 indicates a rider who is not checking tire pressure as often as he should.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 674
Likes: 252
From: Alberta
Interesting. This problem is sounding like the front end problem that the 2001 to 2017 goldwings apparently have. From reading the wing forums some had the problem, some didn't, tire types discussed, bringing up the air pressure, fork braces, cartridges, etc. but no definitive solution.
My 2010 FLHTCU's front end dive was driving me to distraction but a change to 20 wt. fork oil helped a lot without making the ride overly harsh. No problem with front tire wear.
My 2005 Goldwing (got it this May - couldn't resist a low price low mileage machine in good condition) rides nice but the front tire is cupping on the left side. Certain bumps and I think I can feel the forks flex.
It seems like the heavy bikes are showing the limitations of what is a modern take on the 1940's suspension design.
My 2010 FLHTCU's front end dive was driving me to distraction but a change to 20 wt. fork oil helped a lot without making the ride overly harsh. No problem with front tire wear.
My 2005 Goldwing (got it this May - couldn't resist a low price low mileage machine in good condition) rides nice but the front tire is cupping on the left side. Certain bumps and I think I can feel the forks flex.
It seems like the heavy bikes are showing the limitations of what is a modern take on the 1940's suspension design.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
That may well be true, but we owners have a hand in this - maintaining correct tyre pressures being at the top of the list! We haven't heard about the rear tyre pressure, which may also be below par. If the owner/rider is very light or heavy, then we are at liberty to adjust pressures accordingly. IMHO Harley has never properly addressed this subject. I have three pressure settings for my Glide: solo, duo and touring (in other words loaded to the gunnels), all established with riding experience and experimentation.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 84
From: Southern Maine / Seacoast NH
Sounds like what my deluxe did. Changed front tire, tightened neck being to tight side of spec. Problem went away.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
OP: Motor mounts, neck bearings, fall away tests, tire pressure. Sure sounds like it could be expensive. Start with the free easy stuff. My OEM Dunlops rode "better" at 38 psi. Do you have a jack? Can you spin the tire and see if anything is warped? Rotor? Are any weights knocked off? Once on a jack, can you check for excessive play in the front end? All this is free, if you can do it.....