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Need help from experienced Batwingers

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Old Jul 13, 2008 | 08:27 PM
  #1  
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Default Need help from experienced Batwingers

This is my first batwing so I’m asking those with more experience to offer their opinions. I’m trying to resolve 2 issues with my SG that are driving me crazy. I am not sure if these issues may be considered normal or if there is a problem with the bike. Issue#1: When I’m cruising around 70 or 80 on a main highway, occasionally, I’ll feel a wobble or wiggle in the front end. Sometimes I’ll even feel it down low in the front and rear tire
&nbsp\\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ ;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\;
. I have installed a stabilizer (Alloy Art) and am thinking it is preventing a full-blown wobble that did happen one time prior to the install when I got nailed with a heavy crosswind. You see I’m not sure if this is caused by wind or road imperfection or if there is a problem, so I’m asking if any experienced batwing owners feel this wiggle at times.
&nbsp\\;\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\;\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ ;I have lowers, a 12” windshield, and wind deflectors and recently installed Dyna Balancing beads in the front tire. I’ve sort of turned the bike into an Ultra SG. I have 12K on the clock and am getting ready to replace my 402 Dunlop’s with Michelin Commanders
This issue has been occurring for as long as I could remember. Under 70 the bike is steady as a rock and always steady on back roads although I’m seldom at those higher speeds on 2 laners.
&nbsp\\;\\\\\\;
Issue 2: Now this may sound weird but it’s true. When I decelerate I smell exhaust fumes. They are strong enough that when I get off the bike my cloths smell. . My riding buddy say’s he sometimes smells it when we stop at a traffic light
 
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Old Jul 13, 2008 | 08:29 PM
  #2  
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Default RE: Need help from experienced Batwingers

What problems?
 
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Old Jul 13, 2008 | 08:31 PM
  #3  
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Default RE: Need help from experienced Batwingers

On my 08 SG I have no steering problems.&nbsp\\; #2?
 
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Old Jul 13, 2008 | 08:42 PM
  #4  
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Default RE: Need help from experienced Batwingers

Just moved from 07 Dyna Low Rider (w/detach windshield) to the 08 SG. A little more buffeting at speed when windy but still a very solid and stable ride. No shimmy or wobble.

What was your ride before the SG?
 
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Old Jul 13, 2008 | 08:50 PM
  #5  
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Default RE: Need help from experienced Batwingers

I would guess its the tires hunting on a grooved, milled, or armor coated road. that's the only time i've ever felt anything vaguely similar to what your speaking of. new tires will help but you should probably get used to it. I've never been on a bike that didn't hunt to some degree on some surfaces. possibly need tocheck your tire inflation. dunno just some thoughts
 
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Old Jul 13, 2008 | 09:09 PM
  #6  
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Default RE: Need help from experienced Batwingers

The swingarm bushings is whats adding to the problem. There are several options to fix this problem. Mine was no problem with stock bars but when I put apes on and a 21" front it got worse. It is just something I ride through because I am comfortable doing so.
 
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Old Jul 13, 2008 | 11:54 PM
  #7  
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Default RE: Need help from experienced Batwingers

#2 sounds like you may have a fuel or exhaust leak. With the batwing the air circulates up form the bottom so if your clothes smell after your ride it sounds like you are getting sprayed with one of these. I would check for leaks first of all.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2008 | 12:46 AM
  #8  
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Default RE: Need help from experienced Batwingers

#1) The only time I feel a front end wobble is due to riding surface.
#2) Agree to check for exhaust leak.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2008 | 08:36 AM
  #9  
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Default RE: Need help from experienced Batwingers

JUST AN IDEA.. MINE WERE LOOSE..&nbsp\\;
&nbsp\\;CHECK THE 4 BOLTS&nbsp\\; THAT&nbsp\\; CAP YOUR&nbsp\\; SWING ARM PIVOT&nbsp\\; AXEL!!!
REALLY!
&nbsp\\;
&nbsp\\;
 
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