handling problem
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 607
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From: JAX Florida
handling problem
my 08 FLTR has developed a serious front end handling problem. I did the Hoka Hey challenge and about 3K into the ride I started having problems. If I went no hands at anything below 45 mph, the front end wobble was/is unbelievable. by the time I completed the 9K ride the wobble would occur all the way up to 65 mph. towards the end of the challenge, I thought I may be having tire balance problems as I had added Ultrseal to both front/rear tires so I paid a dealer in Wasilla AK to break down the tire and wash out the Ultra seal. Unfortunately that $108 bucks made no difference. Take your hands off the handle bar at anything less than 65 mph and the handle bar is slapping back and forth uncontrollably. although I had planned to ride back from Alaska after the challenge, the ever worsening handling problem convinced me another 5K to get home was ill advised (stupid, and or crazy). So here I sit waiting for the bike to come home and wonder what the problem is.
Having eliminated the possibility of a front wheel balancing problem, I am thinking it must be the front head bearings. Which I admit I had not pumped full of grease (did that with my Ultra and it still oozes excess grease after 2+ years).
The axle is tight, and the front bearings were/are just fine. I'm thinking it must be the front head bearings or possibly the rear pivot bearings. I doubt the rear pivot bearings as there are no other handling problems (but then again I do have the Progressive missing link installed). Two hands or one and no wobble or problems in the twisties, but take both hands of the handle bars on the straight and true and it's a wild ride.
As I sit and wait for the scoot to get home, should I be considering some other problem?
Having eliminated the possibility of a front wheel balancing problem, I am thinking it must be the front head bearings. Which I admit I had not pumped full of grease (did that with my Ultra and it still oozes excess grease after 2+ years).
The axle is tight, and the front bearings were/are just fine. I'm thinking it must be the front head bearings or possibly the rear pivot bearings. I doubt the rear pivot bearings as there are no other handling problems (but then again I do have the Progressive missing link installed). Two hands or one and no wobble or problems in the twisties, but take both hands of the handle bars on the straight and true and it's a wild ride.
As I sit and wait for the scoot to get home, should I be considering some other problem?
Last edited by oley55; Jul 26, 2010 at 08:05 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 619
Likes: 2
From: Midway, UT.
there where two threads here just latley where this was discussed, don't remember what the theam of each was but this came up, seams like the problem was the front head bearings, not under greesed, but not adjusted properly, I think they had a dealer check and adjust them.
Don't know how you would do a search for those threads.
Terry
Don't know how you would do a search for those threads.
Terry
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 607
Likes: 1
From: JAX Florida
I guess but at only 3k on a front tire seems seems questionable. wouldn't think even with moderate cupping the handle bars would be slapping back and forth. I talking uncontrollable slapping back and forth. not just some irritating wiggle here.
Last edited by oley55; Jul 26, 2010 at 07:47 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 102
From: Central Illinois
I also vote head bearings need tightened up. I am also adding too heavy of a load out back making the front end too light at speed. After your luggage is unloaded, ride it again and see how it does.
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