Been hanging around for a little while over in the dyna section but just picked up an 05 road glide today. Bike feels fine but for some reason it feels a little squirrelly over parallel cracks in the road like the front and rear of the bike are dog tracking a little bit. Is this normal for a touring bike or is this indicative of a problem. My dyna handles like its on rails and rumor has it that the road glide is one of the best handling bikes out there so what gives?

 

What kind of tires are you running on the RG vs the Dyna? I always loved the Metzelers because they ignore the groves and tar snakes. The stock Dunlops seem to me to want to "track" in the grooves.

 

got dunlops on mine and it likes to walk on the groves. think i'll try metzelers when i have to change....

 

I've got hd dunlops front and rear on the dyna, the RG also has hd dunlops on it but the back tire is pretty well trashed. I was going to pop that tire off and get it replaced this weekend as well as going over any bearings/bushings along the way. I am sure there are a ton of threads here that cover this topic but for the sake of conversation...what is the concensus on tire brands? Seems the metzelers already have 2 votes.

 

JB, I think the tracking of grooves is endemic to the Dunlop D402's, especially as they wear. The configuration of the front end of the bike contributes to "cupping" of the front tire and that aggravates the situation. New tires will certainly help. I have been using the D402's for about five years on two bikes and consider them to be good tires - excellent load handling, good tread life, and decent performance.

 

Tire pressures??

 

The RG should give you a great ride and I think you are on track checking bearings and don't forget to check the steering head. Tires, especially if they are nearly worn, most likely suspect.

Dunlop E3's seem to be the most popular and I like Metz as they make in WWW which you probably don't need. This recent thread might help you with tire choice.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...e-is-best.html

 

Everyone that's answered so far is correct, you should check the tire condition & air pressure, inspect bushings, steering head tension, alignment, etc. But, no one has mentioned a stabilizer. Pre '09 frames need a stabilizer. It'll make a major improvement in your bikes handling.

 

I have a brand new Throttle Up stabilizer I'll sell cheap.

 

You did not like it? I put one on the 08 but can't really say I had a problem before so not sure about the need. Thought about putting one on the wife's 07 but she has not complained about handling.

That was a feeding frenzy item a year ago it seems. But then again I keep thinking it is an experience best avoided if possible.