Front End Wobble Help!!!
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Brandon, SD
Jack the bike off the ground so it's level. Handlebars full left and let go. Count the number of times the forks stop and swing in the opposite direction till it stops completely. Depending on you're model and year, the forks should stop after a certain number of swings. My 09 is 1-2, while my 03 was 3-4. If your bike is an 09 or 03 I can tell you how many swings you should have. If not you'll need to get that info elsewhere.
Hey, thanks again for the info. Mucho appreciated!!
Joechief
I apologize up front for this as I did search and didn't find my answer. I also posted it on the chassis / suspension section and I really need some help. My '06 RKC has developed a wobble at 70 mph to 80. It's so bad that you feel that if you dont hang on tight it could get away. I ride solo, bought the bike new and its never been wrecked, the front and rear have been lowered 1". I run screamin eagle heavy fork oil in the front. It has 8k miles on the original rubber which are still in pretty good shape and I keep the air pressure checked.
When I searched the forum on this topic, I found instructions to adjust the steering bearings as others claimed to have a similar problem. The first thing you do is lift the bike and tighten the nut on the triple tree to set the bearing preload. Well mine is so effing tight that it will not tighten even with a breaker bar. It will loosen, but seems to be extremely tight.
I really want to fix this myself, as I dont like going to the dealer.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Joechief
When I searched the forum on this topic, I found instructions to adjust the steering bearings as others claimed to have a similar problem. The first thing you do is lift the bike and tighten the nut on the triple tree to set the bearing preload. Well mine is so effing tight that it will not tighten even with a breaker bar. It will loosen, but seems to be extremely tight.
I really want to fix this myself, as I dont like going to the dealer.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Joechief
Good luck, I'm sure you'll get it fixed soon.
Rod
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 219
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From: Brandon, SD
Joechief
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,639
Likes: 2
From: Australia
Arent you supposed to disconnect the clutch cable from the left lever before you do this?
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 559
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From: La Vergne, TN
Yes, for an absolute accurate test but I found if you remove the clutch cable clip frrom the frame and the cable is free from any binding, you can still get a "within spec" test with it on. I've done both ways and with it removed, it did not make an "out of spec" difference.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 31
From: earth
I used a piece of 3/16" rod, about 10" long to make a tool to fit in the notches of the adjustment nut, and then tap it with a hammer. I've done the proceedure several times and I have found that tighter is better, I prefer to change directions once on the swing test, Keep in mind when you torque the top nut, It will add a little more tension.
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 609
Likes: 101
From: Saskatchewan
I would recommend that you get a service manual. The swing test is well documented in the manual and you can get some very useful information from it.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Also in the manual is the information on how to make the adjustment tool. On a FLTR, you have to make a bend in the tool. It tells you where and how much.
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