New to a fairing (control/steering issue)...
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
New to a fairing (control/steering issue)...
I feel pretty certain that I am asking a couple of silly question, but here goes...
I have owned road bikes in the past, but never a bike with a fairing until a few weeks ago. The bike in question is a '01 Electra Glide Police.
While on the highway @ 70 mph, I am feeling a "weaving" sensation in the front of the bike. Not really a wobble, but more of weave that tends to move the bike a little. I am used to putting a bike in the wind and then it holding a line without much effort, but that is not the case right now. If I push the bike to 80 mph, the weave begins to feel more like a "wobble" and prudence has dictated that I slow down to regain better control of the bike. The bike currently has a short 4'' windshield on it. I am planning to replace this shield with a taller one, once I have the new seat that I have ordered installed and can measure for what height I will need.
My first question is this. Is this something that is common with the bagger motorcycles or do I need to investigate my suspension, forks, front wheel, etc? I would imagine that the bike should be able to ride comfortably up to the 80-85 mph range.
Secondly, putting the bike into a corner on a 2-lane road, I notice that I get a slight "buzzing" sound with a very slight vibration. I notice this if I am coasting through the corner. If I am applying the throttle through the turn, I don't notice it as much, but that could be due to engine noise. I am taking these corners at safe speeds, 35-45 mph and it doesn't affect the steering or "feel" of the bike. I have never experienced this on other bikes, even cruisers.
At the risk of sounding stupid, is this normal or do I have a problem that needs to be addressed?
I have owned road bikes in the past, but never a bike with a fairing until a few weeks ago. The bike in question is a '01 Electra Glide Police.
While on the highway @ 70 mph, I am feeling a "weaving" sensation in the front of the bike. Not really a wobble, but more of weave that tends to move the bike a little. I am used to putting a bike in the wind and then it holding a line without much effort, but that is not the case right now. If I push the bike to 80 mph, the weave begins to feel more like a "wobble" and prudence has dictated that I slow down to regain better control of the bike. The bike currently has a short 4'' windshield on it. I am planning to replace this shield with a taller one, once I have the new seat that I have ordered installed and can measure for what height I will need.
My first question is this. Is this something that is common with the bagger motorcycles or do I need to investigate my suspension, forks, front wheel, etc? I would imagine that the bike should be able to ride comfortably up to the 80-85 mph range.
Secondly, putting the bike into a corner on a 2-lane road, I notice that I get a slight "buzzing" sound with a very slight vibration. I notice this if I am coasting through the corner. If I am applying the throttle through the turn, I don't notice it as much, but that could be due to engine noise. I am taking these corners at safe speeds, 35-45 mph and it doesn't affect the steering or "feel" of the bike. I have never experienced this on other bikes, even cruisers.
At the risk of sounding stupid, is this normal or do I have a problem that needs to be addressed?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
The "weaving" you experienced at 70 mph or the "wobble" at 80 or so isn't normal. The only time I experienced something like that was later diagnosed as a misaligned rear wheel; the rear axle was very slightly cocked.
If the bike is new to you, I'd service the front and rear wheels (balance, check wheel bearings, confirm front spacers are installed correctly, axle nuts torqued to spec, etc.), belt tension correct, check the fork bushings, fork oil change, etc. Bascially, go over everything with a fine tooth comb to assure yourself the bike is right.
As for the noise question, I have no idea; but, I never "coast" through curves.
Carl
If the bike is new to you, I'd service the front and rear wheels (balance, check wheel bearings, confirm front spacers are installed correctly, axle nuts torqued to spec, etc.), belt tension correct, check the fork bushings, fork oil change, etc. Bascially, go over everything with a fine tooth comb to assure yourself the bike is right.
As for the noise question, I have no idea; but, I never "coast" through curves.
Carl
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,916
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, Texas
Riding an '07 Ultra - I don't get a wobble or anything at speeds, even up to 85 or so. Not sure what might be causing that. It wasn't road grooves or anything, right? Check your tires, steering head bearings to make sure things are tight and adjusted correctly, axle nut(s) tight. Wheel alignment maybe?
As for the "buzz" through slower turns, I get that too. Got it on my Wide Glide as well, so it definately wasn't bike specific. No idea what it is, but there was a thread on it here somewhere.
As for the "buzz" through slower turns, I get that too. Got it on my Wide Glide as well, so it definately wasn't bike specific. No idea what it is, but there was a thread on it here somewhere.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 619
Likes: 2
From: Midway, UT.
I have an after market fairing on my RK, I also never get that wobble, I am wondering if you feeling the rear wheel steering that is kind of common to the early frames, short of putting a frame brace on the bike, make sure your shocks are balanced front and rear, I know on mine if I didn't have them close I would get that.
As for the buzz, what kind of tires do you have on, I have herd that E3s on the front will sound like that.
Terry
As for the buzz, what kind of tires do you have on, I have herd that E3s on the front will sound like that.
Terry
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 50
From: Gilbert, AZ
I recently added a fairing on my bike. If anything, the front end is much smoother with the fairing than with the big slab of plexiglass the fairing replaced.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,390
Likes: 2
From: Western KY
Wobble, like stated, isn't normal.
Buzzing is the tires. Mine do it as well. When I'm leaning the bike, I can hear the tires buzz. It's odd, but it doesn't bother me anymore. At first, like you, I was wondering what the hell it was.
Buzzing is the tires. Mine do it as well. When I'm leaning the bike, I can hear the tires buzz. It's odd, but it doesn't bother me anymore. At first, like you, I was wondering what the hell it was.
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31
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From: North Carolina
Thanks for the responses, guys.
The weaving is not due to road grooves, as I have noticed it on various surfaces.
I'm definitely going to get the wheels serviced as mentioned to address the wobble.
I guessed that the buzzing might be the tires, due to the "feel" of the bike not being affected. I'm glad to hear that at least there are others who have noticed this noise as well.
I'll let you know what I find out about the weaving.
The weaving is not due to road grooves, as I have noticed it on various surfaces.
I'm definitely going to get the wheels serviced as mentioned to address the wobble.
I guessed that the buzzing might be the tires, due to the "feel" of the bike not being affected. I'm glad to hear that at least there are others who have noticed this noise as well.
I'll let you know what I find out about the weaving.
