Handle Bar Wobble

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Oct 4, 2011 | 07:57 PM

jtsc76

Thread Starter

5th Gear

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 9

Likes: 0

From: Singapore

Handle Bar Wobble

Hi, I had a 2009 RoadKing FLHR. I noticed that the handle bar wobble at the speed between 60 to 80 kpm when I release my hand from the handle bar abit. This only happen when I installed the "original" HD chopped tour pak. Has anyone experience this issue or had an solution to this?

Oct 4, 2011 | 08:07 PM

Matt0987

Road Captain

Joined: May 2011

Posts: 545

Likes: 5

From: California

You may want to consider how much weight you have in the TP when you use it.

You may also want to review your service manual regarding your "Steering Head" grease and "Steering Head Bearing Swing Count". Depending on your road conditions and the number of miles on the bike it may be time for adjustment of the head bearings.

Oct 4, 2011 | 08:08 PM

vizcarmb

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2011

Posts: 3,482

Likes: 631

From: NorCal Rocklin

It must be a problem with all touring models because my Roadglide does that same thing when I let go during hard deceleration in 2nd gear.

Took it to the dealer and told me it was normal and would tighten up the neck bearings at 1000K service. So I won't be going to that dealer again. The same guy told me his bike did a same thing and expressed no concern.

This dealer is CITY LIMITS HARLEY DAVIDSON in Palatine IL. Do not recommend them for service.

Maybe a class action lawsuit should be done

Oct 4, 2011 | 08:37 PM

Pauljr

Cruiser

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 233

Likes: 0

From:

Friend of mine experienced a similar thing on his new Road Glide . With only around 5K on the bike we stopped in a Very large dealer near Daytona . They adjusted the neck bearings and problem solved . I was a little disappointed that this wouldn't be a warranted item .
Thinking the selling dealer may ( should ) have checked the bike over before letting us out on a 8K mile ride .

Oct 4, 2011 | 08:39 PM

stro1965

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 10,602

Likes: 721

From: Bellevue, NE

Relatively common problem with the new touring frame it seems. You hear about it more on Road Glides but my Ultra does it too. Dealer tightened my neck bearings down to "2 swings" and it didn't change a thing.

Oct 4, 2011 | 08:55 PM

jtsc76

Thread Starter

5th Gear

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 9

Likes: 0

From: Singapore

All three boxes is empty

Oct 4, 2011 | 08:59 PM

Lowcountry Joe

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 4,928

Likes: 69

From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC

Why do you guys even need a bike with handle bars if you continually insist on "letting the bars go" at various speeds and decels? What is it that compels a person to do that? There are all kinds of factors that can affect vectoring as a motorcycle moves down the road at different speeds. Some bikes can go along like they are on a string with no pressure on the bars while others will run off the road. Small variances in bike design, weight distribution, front tire condition, neck bearing condition, road surface, etc., all can contribute. Face it, the front end of most of the HDs suck, they are not stable, and have pretty shitty suspension. Bikes are different, accept it.