unstable front end
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 7
From: Bedford , Pa
unstable front end
I have been trying to figure out why my handlebars shake at low speeds and the bike has a very unstable feeling when riding with a passanger. Have had neck bearings checked, fall away checked,replaced tires and brake shoes, and nothing has helped. So I called HD and we talked for a while and he asked if the bike was lowered. It was and only the rear was done. He told me that it should have been done in the front as well. Told me that lowering the rear only changed the geometry of the bike.He also told me by lowering just the rear it has shifted the weight of the bike to the rear taking weight off the front tire and making it feel loose. So I ordered a kit to lower the front for about $125 plus labor. Has anybody went through this and had the same problem or agree with the HD tech (factory). All these repairs are starting to eat a hole in my pocket.Any feed back will be appriciated Clap
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
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From:
RE: unstable front end
Lowering the bike in the rear will increase the trail slightly making the bike steer a little heavier. No, you don't have to lower the front, if you lower the rear. You didn't say if you have laced wheels. Laced wheels, if any spokes are loose will cause a wobble effect. Also any weak or broken sidewall belts will cause a tire run out. If you loose weights for balance you will get a vibration. If the bike sits, you will get a flat spot on the tire. There are a lot of variables.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,154
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From: South Bend, In
RE: unstable front end
I can't see how a bike with just the rear lowered would have any effect. I have a SG and all the SG's have a lowered rear end and a standard front end. I'm having the front lowered this weekend but not because there are any problems. This is just what I want to do. You should also have your fork oil levels checked. I have heard of people having wobbles because the fork oil level was not right.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2005
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From:
RE: unstable front end
If it is only a low speed wobble, it could easily be a cupped tire...had that happen on RFTW a few years back....ran the pressure up to 45 and ran about 750 miles on it and the cupping smoothed out considerably....watch your tire pressures!
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From:
RE: unstable front end
That statement I would agree with. But he didn't lower his front, he lowered the rear.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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RE: unstable front end
i have a similar problem when coming to a stop especially when riding 2 up the front end kinda wobbles and it is really annoying, someone else on the site was haveing the same problem and when he lowered the fornt of his bike he said it was solved, i have not yet had the money to do it but when you do yours if it works please let me know it is really pissing me off i come to a stop with my wife and i look like its the first time im riding a bike i look like an *******.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,797
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From: NH
RE: unstable front end
it is really pissing me off i come to a stop with my wife and i look like its the first time im riding a bike i look like an ****.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
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From:
RE: unstable front end
Tire,fork oil mismatches,neck brgs,rear tire alignment,bent frame would be my first guesses.Same tires front and back?lowering one end of bike may cause this.Many have without any problems.Tire balancing is a idea too.