Head Shake
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 104
From: Mississippi
I took my new 2011 RG Ultra in for the 1k service today. I also asked them to check out the head shake I am experiencing at 40 - 45 mph.
When I picked up the bike they said the head bearing was out of adjustment and that they adjusted it. Needless to say, the head shake is still there.
It happens at 40 - 45 mph when I have an extremely light grip on the bars or am riding no hands. It happens consistently on all but the smoothest road surfaces. It happens occasionally on real smooth fresh paved road surfaces.
The service writer at Simi Valley HD said this was normal. I said that my two BMW's, my Goldwing and my wife's V-Star 1100 don't do it. His answer, if you can believe this, was that Harley uses different engineering, that the other makes cited use cartridge dampeners and Harley doesn't which can cause this condition.
He then stated that it doesn't happen on very smooth roads, only on rougher roads (he cited that he rode for 1/2 mile, no hands, on the new asphalt pavement near the shop). I countered back that it happens on the freeway on and off ramps and most other roads that aren't freshly paved. He then stated that it happens when a bump is hit at the subject speed and he restated that it is normal for this type of Harley.
I asked him to provide me a statement in writing that it is the position of Simi Valley HD that this condition is normal. He refused and stated that he would send a written statement to HD corporate.
So my question to all of you is.... Am I being overly concerned here? Is this a normal condition? Or am I justified with my concerns?
I thank you in advance for your replies
When I picked up the bike they said the head bearing was out of adjustment and that they adjusted it. Needless to say, the head shake is still there.
It happens at 40 - 45 mph when I have an extremely light grip on the bars or am riding no hands. It happens consistently on all but the smoothest road surfaces. It happens occasionally on real smooth fresh paved road surfaces.
The service writer at Simi Valley HD said this was normal. I said that my two BMW's, my Goldwing and my wife's V-Star 1100 don't do it. His answer, if you can believe this, was that Harley uses different engineering, that the other makes cited use cartridge dampeners and Harley doesn't which can cause this condition.
He then stated that it doesn't happen on very smooth roads, only on rougher roads (he cited that he rode for 1/2 mile, no hands, on the new asphalt pavement near the shop). I countered back that it happens on the freeway on and off ramps and most other roads that aren't freshly paved. He then stated that it happens when a bump is hit at the subject speed and he restated that it is normal for this type of Harley.
I asked him to provide me a statement in writing that it is the position of Simi Valley HD that this condition is normal. He refused and stated that he would send a written statement to HD corporate.
So my question to all of you is.... Am I being overly concerned here? Is this a normal condition? Or am I justified with my concerns?
I thank you in advance for your replies
I work at a dealership and had a roadglide ultra do the same thing you are saying...The first thing I did was adjust the neck bearings ...Took it for a test ride again ...No change...upon closer examination I noticed the tire seemed slightly out of round...I replaced the front tire and that corrected the problem...This was caught on the pre delivery inspection test ride...You need to call Harley customer service...As that is not a normal condition.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
My last three roads glides have done this. A 2007,2010 and the 2011. Taking the 2011 in for the 1000 mile in the morning. Dealre tighened the steering head bearing on the 2007 and it fixed it. Ignored the 2010 will see if the problem can be corrected on the new one. Only notice it when you roll on the throttle then let off then turn loose of the bars. The 2011 showed up at about 700 miles. Noticed that I am missing the center wheel weight in a group of three. May be that is the problem. Also the trottle is hanging up and you can feel a light tingle of electricy on your left hand if you do not wear gloves. The gps may mount may have a bare wire.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 410
Likes: 1
From: Reseda, CA
Talk to the service guys at Barger HD near Topanga and Sherman Way in the SFV. They have my trust and don't give me any B.S. about what is "Normal".
Don't forget that your H-D manual says riding with no hands may cause serious injury, sterility and death and will void your warranty.
http://www.bargerharley-davidson.com/
Don't forget that your H-D manual says riding with no hands may cause serious injury, sterility and death and will void your warranty.
http://www.bargerharley-davidson.com/
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 0
From: Rocky Mtn High CO
Same issue here on an 09. Dealer said they fixed it - no they didn't. Took it to a different dealer and they actually did the adjustment right. Still going to the second dealer for service and haven't set foot back in the 1st one again. I also quit being a Road Captain for them too. They have more issues than just their service department.
Account Retired
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 12
From: Here
How much air are you running? I would make sure your gauge is correct and put 40 PSI in and try it. Some of the tires they are putting on bikes now are crap. My new RK has the 408F on it. It sings like a bird when you lay it over in a curve.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
Could be the air pressure in the rear shocks or the mechanics. Try different pressures in the rear shocks and if that does not work try another dealer or better yet an independent shop that know more than R&R repair. " Remove and replace"
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
From: Central New Jersey
Call customer service I dealt with them for a year and my problem is finally repaired and they sent me a five hundred dollar credit for my troubles. believe me my troubles were much more than 500 bucks. that did not cover my 700 hundred miles and time back and forth to the dealer but I hope you have better luck than I did.