!
Wheel Failure?
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, FL
Wheel Failure?
After having new rear rubber installed by the local dealer, I noticed an alarming wobble when blasting through a sweeping turn. Dealer initially told me they'd replace the wheel at no charge. The service manager got involved and now my service writer is telling me that all Road Kings and Softtails have a history of wearing out the rear wheels. I find that hard to believe after only 21k miles and 5 years! I mean, I rarely jump 20 buses with my hog so there's little chance I damaged the wheel to this extent.
Anybody know anything about this? I've never heard of this and I suspect it's a lot of crap to justify making me pay for a wheel the dealership totalled!
Anybody know anything about this? I've never heard of this and I suspect it's a lot of crap to justify making me pay for a wheel the dealership totalled!
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,442
Likes: 8
From: south
Well now.....I have been ridding for 35 years and the last 10 years on a softtail before buying my SG and I have never worn a wheel out yet.
I agree something happened to your wheel, but they caused it, and most likely with the tire mounting machine. It could also be a bad tire, balance, or improper install.
And you may have experienced the Bagger Wobble that is talked about on this forum a lot.
I agree something happened to your wheel, but they caused it, and most likely with the tire mounting machine. It could also be a bad tire, balance, or improper install.
And you may have experienced the Bagger Wobble that is talked about on this forum a lot.
Last edited by harley-jones; Oct 9, 2008 at 08:13 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 974
Likes: 0
From: Morrisville NC
Bearing failed but not my wheels If the dealer is replacing the wheel for free then he knows they bent it ,Tire machines are only as good as the person using them
Trending Topics
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,726
Likes: 12
Sounds like complete utter BS, but not surprising coming from the source. As for a wheel giving out, Ive never heard of it. The balancing of the tire may be an issue, however Ive ran tires both balanced and not and never noticed a difference. I would check the bearings, and wheel spacing. The spacing should be evident in that the rotor would possibly not align with the caliper. If you had a bearing problem then you should be able, with the bike in the air, to feel some movement with the wheel. I would look very heavily at the front motor mount as they seem to give out over time with oil contaminating them during oil changes. Make sure to look at the underside as this is where a separation of the rubber will more than likely be. I know from personal experience that a bad front motor mount will cause these things to wobble uncontrollably during hard cornering.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,906
Likes: 11
From: Grottoes Va.
Ive been rideing all kinds of scooters for the past 28 years and a wore out wheel is a first for me. Sounds like they know they are at fault and don't want to anti up to fix their mess. Make them prove the wheel is bad and that they didn't do it.