Odd shifting of something while doing a slalom
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6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 11
Likes: 7
From: central lower mi
Odd shifting of something while doing a slalom
Was out for an afternoon ride on a nice country road no traffic so I got the urge to play. I did a slow slalom and all was well, but when I did this at about 35mph I could feel something shifting, like a heavy part moving while being loose, I am headed out to check my front axle to see if it is tight, then look at the forks to see if the clamps are tight. Any input from the seasoned riders out there?
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,888
Likes: 3,871
From: Cape Cod
check wheel bearings, neck, rear shocks, motor mounts, tire pressure, tire age(flat spot, high mileage tires have the flat spot in the middle where most of the wear is, when doing what you did, you're flipping the bike weight from one side to the other making it feel like something loose, newer tires roll right over.....).......etc.........
Last edited by MURPHCC1; May 26, 2024 at 03:55 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,071
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From: Kerrville, Texas
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Joined: Jan 2020
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From: Colorado
lets start with bike and year, since could be simple like timken wheel bearings that the free play was not checked last time change, and could be the problem at hand. Hence want free play in bearings to be around the .002" range side to side.
Or could be swing arm bushings/bearings shot/side rubber isolators or engine motor stablizers worn out, and the entire drive line is shifter from side to side in the corners.
Also, keep in mind that before 2006, touring bikes do not have the front and rear tires in the same line down the frame. On these, the rear tire is to the right/brake pedal side of the bike, and in 2006, HD went to the thinner belts to bring the rear tire over and in line with the front tire down the center line of the frame. And no, it take more than thinner belt and thinner back pulley and different axle spacers to bring rear tire in line with front, since the rear brake disco has to stay in stay position with rear brake caliper (that is mounted to frame).
Or could be swing arm bushings/bearings shot/side rubber isolators or engine motor stablizers worn out, and the entire drive line is shifter from side to side in the corners.
Also, keep in mind that before 2006, touring bikes do not have the front and rear tires in the same line down the frame. On these, the rear tire is to the right/brake pedal side of the bike, and in 2006, HD went to the thinner belts to bring the rear tire over and in line with the front tire down the center line of the frame. And no, it take more than thinner belt and thinner back pulley and different axle spacers to bring rear tire in line with front, since the rear brake disco has to stay in stay position with rear brake caliper (that is mounted to frame).
Last edited by Dano523; May 27, 2024 at 03:30 AM.
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Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 11
Likes: 7
From: central lower mi
I should add more info. The bike is a 2010 Ultra classic with 27.5K miles. Picked it up last August with 24K miles. Tires were too old for my liking so I took it to the dealer and had both replaced, while the rear was pulled, they came out and told me my rear brake shoes were done and needed to be replaced. I told them go ahead and replace them. They also said my shift lever seal on the trans was getting to where it is starting to leak and I should look at thinking about having it replaced. While it was not an inspection per say, I am going out on a limb so to speak, if they would have noticed a loose part or wear pattern showing up, they would have jumped on the chance for a part/maintenance sale I'm sure. I have put about 1,000 miles on it since the tire replacement. I did notice a bit of a wobble while cruising a couple times on the highway, I attributed that to the condition of the road, we had to ride diverted lanes sharing the paved shoulder. On good roads I have had the bike up to 90+mph and it felt smooth. I have changed to synthetic in all 3 holes. In thinking about my bags, I do have items in them, but nothing of any weight. I am pulling it all out and going to try the slalom again to see if the sensation repeats itself.
While it is not a retorque of the bolts, I did put a wrench on the lower fork bolts and they appeared very tight. upper bolts I'm guessing will need the fairing removed to check. Front axle nut was nice and tight, I checked front air pressure, (30 psi). going to check the rear this morning. I am looking to get a service manual for my bike, so as to have the info needed to check the fasteners. I have a half dozen air pressure gages, wouldn't you think one would fit on my stems without having to do some circus moves to get a good seal.
While it is not a retorque of the bolts, I did put a wrench on the lower fork bolts and they appeared very tight. upper bolts I'm guessing will need the fairing removed to check. Front axle nut was nice and tight, I checked front air pressure, (30 psi). going to check the rear this morning. I am looking to get a service manual for my bike, so as to have the info needed to check the fasteners. I have a half dozen air pressure gages, wouldn't you think one would fit on my stems without having to do some circus moves to get a good seal.
Last edited by boghog 7.3; May 27, 2024 at 08:33 AM.