Help with unknown wobble
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
[QUOTE=WSRyda05;9506724] Everytime I got up to 85-90mph I got a crazy wobble.
I've never experienced this before and it kind of freaked me out. Today I actually rode with my windshield on the bike (05 Road King), could this have caused some of this? Could it be my suspension in the rear? My tire psi was good (38psi in front and 40psi in rear).
/QUOTE]
I would remove the shield to see if it makes any difference.
Not that it could be the problem,but isnt the tire pressure suppose be 36/36?
I've never experienced this before and it kind of freaked me out. Today I actually rode with my windshield on the bike (05 Road King), could this have caused some of this? Could it be my suspension in the rear? My tire psi was good (38psi in front and 40psi in rear).
/QUOTE]
I would remove the shield to see if it makes any difference.
Not that it could be the problem,but isnt the tire pressure suppose be 36/36?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 31
From: earth
agreed, I'd start with neck bearings.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,463
Likes: 57,022
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Deductive reasoning would dictate that if you've not had the problem and then added the windshield .... well, you get where I'm going .... loose neck bearings are most noticeable during deceleration and usually show up as a mild slight wobble ... just my .02 cents worth.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,392
Likes: 21
From: Delaware
Even with the windscreen on it shouldn't happen, at least it hasn't on mine.
New apes? Did you change the bushings or are you still using the stock rubber ones? I've felt a lot of wiggle on some of them with the rubber bushings still in place and I'd imagine the windscreen could cause a wobble if there wasn't enough firm feedback from the bars.
If they are poly bushings and properly installed, neck bearings, fork oil, wheel balance would be all on a check list I'd have if it were my bike.
New apes? Did you change the bushings or are you still using the stock rubber ones? I've felt a lot of wiggle on some of them with the rubber bushings still in place and I'd imagine the windscreen could cause a wobble if there wasn't enough firm feedback from the bars.
If they are poly bushings and properly installed, neck bearings, fork oil, wheel balance would be all on a check list I'd have if it were my bike.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 552
Likes: 2
From: Florida
+1 with loc-tite, but if your bike doesn't have the one piece bar clamp #55918-08, you might want to give this old thread a read. has some info on ape's, check out Kbore's info. https://www.hdforums.com/forum/groups/188-ape-hangers.html
Last edited by vtwinbob; Mar 11, 2012 at 11:38 AM.
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Canton, GA
Even with the windscreen on it shouldn't happen, at least it hasn't on mine.
New apes? Did you change the bushings or are you still using the stock rubber ones? I've felt a lot of wiggle on some of them with the rubber bushings still in place and I'd imagine the windscreen could cause a wobble if there wasn't enough firm feedback from the bars.
If they are poly bushings and properly installed, neck bearings, fork oil, wheel balance would be all on a check list I'd have if it were my bike.
New apes? Did you change the bushings or are you still using the stock rubber ones? I've felt a lot of wiggle on some of them with the rubber bushings still in place and I'd imagine the windscreen could cause a wobble if there wasn't enough firm feedback from the bars.
If they are poly bushings and properly installed, neck bearings, fork oil, wheel balance would be all on a check list I'd have if it were my bike.
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Advanced
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Canton, GA
[QUOTE=1flhtk4me;9508145]
It was my first time I rode with the windshield and the first time I felt this. So today I'm going to ride without the screen and see how if goes. I'll keep you guys posted.
Everytime I got up to 85-90mph I got a crazy wobble.
I've never experienced this before and it kind of freaked me out. Today I actually rode with my windshield on the bike (05 Road King), could this have caused some of this? Could it be my suspension in the rear? My tire psi was good (38psi in front and 40psi in rear).
/QUOTE]
I would remove the shield to see if it makes any difference.
Not that it could be the problem,but isnt the tire pressure suppose be 36/36?
I've never experienced this before and it kind of freaked me out. Today I actually rode with my windshield on the bike (05 Road King), could this have caused some of this? Could it be my suspension in the rear? My tire psi was good (38psi in front and 40psi in rear).
/QUOTE]
I would remove the shield to see if it makes any difference.
Not that it could be the problem,but isnt the tire pressure suppose be 36/36?
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Canton, GA
[QUOTE=WSRyda05;9508830]So today I went out and didn't put my windshield on. Much better ride other than the wind beating me in my chest and riding white knuckled lol. I didn't experience any wobbling. I do plan on getting a stabilizer.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
[QUOTE=WSRyda05;9510689]
I suggest it is worth experimenting a little more. As an example, if you are stretching, even a little, to reach your bars, there will be some circumstances when you grip them tighter than usual, which can change the way the bike behaves. If the windshield causes increased noise that will also tend to make you grip tighter.
I recommend you try a few more rides. Check that without the windshield you really are comfortable and relaxed. A small adjustment to the bars will help if you are not. With the windshield attached study noise levels. If you think it sounds noisy and also if you feel that wobble at all, try some ear plugs. I really do mean that!
Increased noise makes us tighten up. Plugs cost a few cents at your local gun shop, even some bike dealers stock them. If the wobble goes away, adjust your bike a little at a time, to help you relax and remove the tension. It may cost you no more than a pair of earplugs and a little time!
I assume that everything else on your bike is in top shape.
I recommend you try a few more rides. Check that without the windshield you really are comfortable and relaxed. A small adjustment to the bars will help if you are not. With the windshield attached study noise levels. If you think it sounds noisy and also if you feel that wobble at all, try some ear plugs. I really do mean that!
Increased noise makes us tighten up. Plugs cost a few cents at your local gun shop, even some bike dealers stock them. If the wobble goes away, adjust your bike a little at a time, to help you relax and remove the tension. It may cost you no more than a pair of earplugs and a little time!
I assume that everything else on your bike is in top shape.