High speed wobble at 85+mph???
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I have a 1999 RK. I just had some new Avon Gangster tires put on and now I have a high speed wobble from 85 up. It got so bad at one point that I though I was going to loose it. I went around the bike and made sure the axles, pinch bolts and rear shocks were all tight. They were. Any ideas on what to check next?
Thanks.
Thanks.
I strongly recommend you change them without delay and don't go racing around until you have! Avon Venoms are approved for Harleys and I reckon they are excellent.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 1
From: Sunland, CA
new tires are they balanced correctly?? if you did not have this problem before
the new tires it must be the problem maybe you need a stabilizer bought one here
on a group buy for $175.00 shipped -rdie safe
the new tires it must be the problem maybe you need a stabilizer bought one here
on a group buy for $175.00 shipped -rdie safe
Novice
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: St George Utah
you know you can get bad a bad tire.
i like avons and have had good luck with them, but sometimes you can get a bad one.
if all else fails try steeling your buddies tires for a day and see if you still have the problem if not you know it is in your wheels or tires.
i like avons and have had good luck with them, but sometimes you can get a bad one.
if all else fails try steeling your buddies tires for a day and see if you still have the problem if not you know it is in your wheels or tires.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Avon make some fabulous high performance tyres. Go choose one from here!
Mario - PLEASE CHANGE YOUR TYRES!
I'm not going to sleep at night until you do....
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
Had a new tire put on the front of my Dyna, that I always let go of the bars when I let off of the gas to start my slowdown. They didn't balance the tire and the 1st time I let go of the bars it scared the $h!t out of me when it got down to 48 mph!! From 48 to 40, the bars wiggled like crazy and forced me to hold them. They came from the factory with balance weights on them because "they need balancing."
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 268
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
If it's never done it before and always does it since you put on the Avons, then it may be that your particular bike and loading configuration is incompatible with them. Your simplest, sure-fire choice might be to go back to what worked before. Personally, I've never been a fan of Avon tires - but that's just me.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 415
Likes: 0
From: Maine
Noobie here but that sure sounds like an alignment issue. Electra Glide Shuffle maybe but is the rear axle square with the centerline? All my previous bikes have had an adjustable axle dropout. Maybe that was flummoxed when the rear wheel was removed? I've been in the car and truck tire business for 34 years and when I think balance issues I think vibration not wobble. The frequency of vibration at 85+ wouldn't manifest itself in just that speed, you should feel it earlier. Loose frame bushings or misaligned rear wheel would be my offering.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
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
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
If it's never done it before and always does it since you put on the Avons, then it may be that your particular bike and loading configuration is incompatible with them. Your simplest, sure-fire choice might be to go back to what worked before. Personally, I've never been a fan of Avon tires - but that's just me.
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 741
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
These are not bad tyres, they are plain wrong for the bike! See Avon's UK website. They might be suitable for an elderly Harley, but not a modern one, travelling at 85+mph fully laden!
Avon make some fabulous high performance tyres. Go choose one from here!
Mario - PLEASE CHANGE YOUR TYRES!
I'm not going to sleep at night until you do....
Avon make some fabulous high performance tyres. Go choose one from here!
Mario - PLEASE CHANGE YOUR TYRES!
I'm not going to sleep at night until you do....
Thanks.