steering on 2001 electra glide
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 103
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steering on 2001 electra glide
just got a 2001 electra glide. maybe I"m just not used to it but when you turn a corner the front end feels very heavy and really pulls hard in the direction your turning. seems to do it both right and left turns. it tracks straight at 60& 70 with no vibration or pull. do all electra glides feel like that when turning? does it need a steering head adjustment.
thanks
thanks
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
there is a "fall away" test for the neck bearings- you need to reference a manual for this and don't skip disconnecting the clutch cable and /or any wiring if it says to do this.
check tire pressure first- 40 pounds or so probably
I would guess that the front end you are turning weighs a couple of hundred pounds, with about 600 or more pounds following it.
the H-D touring front end has the forks behind the steering head, in order to enhance low speed stability- this may be what you are feeling.
Any chance you could get someone who is Harley-savvy to take a spin on yours?
Or can you go to a dealer and 'test ride" their touring bikes and see if what you are feeling is similar
Mike
check tire pressure first- 40 pounds or so probably
I would guess that the front end you are turning weighs a couple of hundred pounds, with about 600 or more pounds following it.
the H-D touring front end has the forks behind the steering head, in order to enhance low speed stability- this may be what you are feeling.
Any chance you could get someone who is Harley-savvy to take a spin on yours?
Or can you go to a dealer and 'test ride" their touring bikes and see if what you are feeling is similar
Mike
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
I think some of what you are feeling is normal, these are heavy *** bikes. Considering the mass of the wheel, tire, brakes, forks, fairing, etc.
Having another similar bike to compare to is a good idea as mkguitar suggested. And so is checking the steering head adjustment.
If you do adjust the steering head my recommendation is to go to the tight side of the tolerance, or even tighter. On my bike the specification is for 3-4 swings. I haven't adjusted mine, but when I checked it I had about 1 1/2 swings. If and when I do perform the adjustment I'll probably go even a little tighter - or actually disregard the fallaway procedure completely and simply adjust the bearing preload by feel.
Having another similar bike to compare to is a good idea as mkguitar suggested. And so is checking the steering head adjustment.
If you do adjust the steering head my recommendation is to go to the tight side of the tolerance, or even tighter. On my bike the specification is for 3-4 swings. I haven't adjusted mine, but when I checked it I had about 1 1/2 swings. If and when I do perform the adjustment I'll probably go even a little tighter - or actually disregard the fallaway procedure completely and simply adjust the bearing preload by feel.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 354
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From: Indianapolis, IN
Not sure what you rode before but it took me almost 3k miles to get really comforatable on mine. I had a Honda Magna before, about half the size of my EGC. I went on a ride with a friend who is a retired motorcycle cop and out our lunch stop he asked me if I was still nervous (I laid it down in the spring-long story but both tires went flat). I said a little. He told me to quit trying to drive the damn thing and just ride it. He pulled up a video of a Cop skills trial ride through cones and this guy slung his road king around like it was one of those two wheel razor scooter things. Anyway, I just had to loosen up a bit. I think the idea about trying out someone elses bike that is similar is a great idea. Make sure it is a pre-09. One of my friends has a 2010 SG and the longer frame makes a big difference in the ride.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
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Not quite sure what you're used to riding. My 01 EGC handles just fine in turning either direction. While it might be a heavier bike than some once you get rolling it should just a well as any other.
If you aren't mechanically savvy take it to a mech and have them check it out.
If you aren't mechanically savvy take it to a mech and have them check it out.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,101
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If you are coming from a smaller bike, then yes, the thing will feel pretty front heavy until you get used to it! Nothing wrong, it's just part of the bikes feel.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
You may just be holding on to it, in other words gripping the bars, or perhaps stiffening your arms. Relax your arms and hands and let it the thing move around. I found with my Glide (owned it 22 years now) that the bars were too high, making me stiffen up across the shoulders. I lowered them a couple of inches or so and found I could relax. Bike felt quite different and we've been getting along fine ever since! In May my wife and I rode almost 3k miles to Hungary and back from our home in the UK, with no problems.
Before long you'll be riding along, admiring the scenery, smiling at yourself and enjoying the ride!
Before long you'll be riding along, admiring the scenery, smiling at yourself and enjoying the ride!
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 7
From: Bedford , Pa
After riding my 02 E Glide for about 8 years I got on a buddies Duese and it felt weird to me like after a certain point the bars would just fall over. But it is because of the different rake. Our Glides have alot less rake and will feel totally different.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 107
From: Joplin, MO
My 06 handles like a dream. Rode a friend's Heritage and the front end did just as you said yours does. His bike is an 05 and has only 5K on it. I attributed it to the slight rake on the forks maybe?! Don't have an answer, but you are right, it sucks.
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