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Steering issues

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Old Aug 22, 2021 | 12:59 PM
  #1  
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JHarley2013
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Default Steering issues

I’m aware of the “fallaway test” but I’m not sure that I need to do that simply bc I already know things are out of whack.

ISSUE:
When bike is completely jacked up, I push the wheel to right until it reaches the stopper and I let go, it will correct itself back to center. When I push the wheel or bars to the left and let go, it will go PAST center and almost 1/2 way to the stopper on the right.

I took it for a ride yesterday and and the steering felt funky. I unhooked the clutch and all of the harnesses behind the fairing to make sure nothing is bound up and it’s still happening.
 
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Old Aug 22, 2021 | 09:56 PM
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Have you checked the torque on the steering stem nut, are you sure the bike is completely level when jacked up, never herd of the front end going back to center.
 
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Old Aug 23, 2021 | 04:33 AM
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I'd check the neck bearings and torque the stem nut, and then check the fall away. But as you mentioned, all cables, lines etc or things mounted on the bars or added on should be removed (detached) to prevent them from affecting the test. My HD manual has a fairly detailed description of the process.

Paul
 
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Old Aug 23, 2021 | 06:43 AM
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Originally Posted by JHarley2013
I’m aware of the “fallaway test” but I’m not sure that I need to do that simply bc I already know things are out of whack.
The fall away test is how you determine which way to adjust the steering head bearings (tighter or looser).

Tell us what you are working on, model, year, mileage.
 
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Old Aug 23, 2021 | 09:43 PM
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"Out of whack" and "steers funky" are not exactly precise descriptions of your problem. If you seriously want help with a steering/handling problem, a more precise description is required for anyone to make serious suggestions. You, most likely, unintentionally limited discussion to the steering bearings and your problem could be: wheel bearings, under inflated tires, loose spokes (if you have those kind of wheels), worn tires, wheel/tires out of balance, new equipment just mounted. Has the bike been in an accident? What kind of shocks? How many miles on the bike and on this set of tires? Are you running factory wheels or have you changed to different sizes? Year, model, changes from factory equipment (adding or removing stuff) might all contribute. YOU know all of this stuff, we are in the dark.
 
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