Front end wobble
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 133
Likes: 4
From: San Antonio, TX
Front end wobble
Trying to find out some more info the lower speed front end wobble on HD Touring. I have an 11 Ultra (just rolled 30K). When I am slow (under 35) especially in right hand corners, I get a bit of front end wobble. I talked to HD and they said it is normal. Not so sure about this. Anyone have any insight or info on correcting this?
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 5
From: North Texas
Id swear its either a balance issue or a cupped front tire.
I get it on my limited from time to time but its usually when I loaded down with gear for a rode trip.
I've have checked over and over and do not see anything our of the ordinary other than my front tire starting to show its mileage. Its at 12,365 and i noticed it at 8500 miles so until its worn to the red bar on the tire gauge I am just going to deal with it.
These bikes have so many different quirks it can drive you to serious drinking.
I get it on my limited from time to time but its usually when I loaded down with gear for a rode trip.
I've have checked over and over and do not see anything our of the ordinary other than my front tire starting to show its mileage. Its at 12,365 and i noticed it at 8500 miles so until its worn to the red bar on the tire gauge I am just going to deal with it.
These bikes have so many different quirks it can drive you to serious drinking.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,016
Likes: 277
From: East Tn Foot of The Dragon
Many things can cause or contribute to the wobble. Most often it is the steering head bearings out of adj or dry, or a front tire cupping or belt issue. That is where I would start.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 5,323
Likes: 37
From: NJ
I personally greased the neck myself
Front tire is fairly new Dunlop American elite
The rear tire however is approaching worn out status. Got about 12 k on it now with center of tire getting thin while sides have plenty of tread.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 133
Likes: 4
From: San Antonio, TX
I've had several folks mention the steering head bearing. Front tire is good, just replaced American Elite. Thanks for the info guys, I'll keep digging. If I find something I'll be sure to post.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Plainfield, Illinois
I had the same problem, wobbling at speeds of 30-45mph. Torqued neck bearings to spec, problem gone!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 132
From: Deep South, Louisiana
I just completed my 10,000 service. I checked my tire pressures, fastners, front end fall away test. Everything looed good. Went for a ride and I noticed that my handle bars shook with only one hand holding when I hit a very small bump. So I held bar lightly and bumped the end of the bar to try to make it shake. I had shake. I'm thinking this sure is soon to have to torque the steering head bearings. A few days later this is still on my mind I hit the bar again and it doesn't do it as much. Here is what I'm thinking. The first time the temp was around 100 degrees outside and the second time it was around 93 degrees. This has me thinking, we have a cool front come through and I going somewhere the other night about a week later. I slow down to 35 mph hit the bars and I have no shake. I am believing that the road temp with tire temp has influence on bar shake. Is this possible?
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
Well, metals do expand and contract with temperature swings, so I wouldn't discount your theory.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 3
From: Colorado Springs
I had the same issue with my 2012 Road Glide. The front end would wobble really bad at 40MPH adn as far as I am concerned was a serious hazard.
I tightened the steering head bearing and the wobble is completely GONE. The swing test for my bike is 1-1.5 swings and from the factory it was at 2.5-3. WAY OFF! It is now set at 1 swing and I am a happy camper.
I tightened the steering head bearing and the wobble is completely GONE. The swing test for my bike is 1-1.5 swings and from the factory it was at 2.5-3. WAY OFF! It is now set at 1 swing and I am a happy camper.