Bike Wobbles
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 521
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Bike Wobbles
Hoping to get some guidance on where to start out on my 2011 Street Glide.
I have noticed a recent loosening or wobbling lately. To describe it it just feels like the whole bike is not as tight as when I first got it and this issue just started about 3 weeks ago. The bike travels straight and does not pull to either side just feels loose if that makes sense.
I have newer tires on both front and back, have not hit anything like big potholes that may screw up the alignment or front end, I'm just kind of stummped on which direction to check first.
I have around 17k on the bike now and ride daily, like I said it just started a few weeks ago.
Any advice you guys can give would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
I have noticed a recent loosening or wobbling lately. To describe it it just feels like the whole bike is not as tight as when I first got it and this issue just started about 3 weeks ago. The bike travels straight and does not pull to either side just feels loose if that makes sense.
I have newer tires on both front and back, have not hit anything like big potholes that may screw up the alignment or front end, I'm just kind of stummped on which direction to check first.
I have around 17k on the bike now and ride daily, like I said it just started a few weeks ago.
Any advice you guys can give would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
tire pressure correct? ( basic, but one rider here was gonna sue H-D cause his bike wobbles with 25 PSI)
tire tread shows no cupping or irregularities ? ( sometimes rolling through water can show weird patterns on the pavement- should be consistent)
next up would be fall away test on the front end ( disconnect clutch cable, check for electrical wires binding first)
etc.
Mike
tire tread shows no cupping or irregularities ? ( sometimes rolling through water can show weird patterns on the pavement- should be consistent)
next up would be fall away test on the front end ( disconnect clutch cable, check for electrical wires binding first)
etc.
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Sep 26, 2012 at 12:47 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 620
Likes: 2
From: Midwest City, OK
Do you have manual? I had a wobble on mine and did the steering head adjustment procedure and filled the neck with hi temp marine grade grease and it is fine now.
Hope this helps.
Oh if you fill the head with grease take a rag and zip tie it around the bottom of neck where grease comes out. Trust me on this!
Hope this helps.
Oh if you fill the head with grease take a rag and zip tie it around the bottom of neck where grease comes out. Trust me on this!
Last edited by BIGVTWIN; Sep 26, 2012 at 12:59 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 4
From: nebraska
When i picked my 2008 FLHRC up from the dealer last year . on the ride home it had a wobble . when i got home i found the front and rear tires both 10 or 12 pounds low and only 6 psi in air shocks .
i know run 42psi in rear tire 40 psi in front tire . 28psi in air shocks . no more wobble
i know run 42psi in rear tire 40 psi in front tire . 28psi in air shocks . no more wobble
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 521
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Just checked the air pressure and found that both tires are around 30 psi, not sure how that happened I am usually pretty good at checking them fairly regularly.
Thanks for the advice guy's much appreciated.
Thanks for the advice guy's much appreciated.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 34
From: Maryland
I've got a wobble as well but haven't done my due diligence yet on figuring out what it is. It feels loose like you said but doesn't pull. If I let go of bars at speed it feels like it's gonna want to start tank slapping if I let it. Bars also wanna move when I'm coming to a stop.
Checked air pressure and know I need to do the fall away test.
I have a screw in front tire but it isn't loosing air.
Bought brakes but haven't replaced them yet. Do rotors ever warp on these things?
Also ran over a good size tree branch which I'm afraid may have bent my wheel a bit but am not far enough along to conclude that yet. As much as I would love an excuse to buy new wheels, my bank account isn't ready.
Checked air pressure and know I need to do the fall away test.
I have a screw in front tire but it isn't loosing air.
Bought brakes but haven't replaced them yet. Do rotors ever warp on these things?
Also ran over a good size tree branch which I'm afraid may have bent my wheel a bit but am not far enough along to conclude that yet. As much as I would love an excuse to buy new wheels, my bank account isn't ready.
Did the air fix the issue?
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Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Southern California
Not sure if the air fixed the issue, still at work and just had my shop mechanic check and add air. I will let you guys know tomorrow after my ride home and back.
I read a lot about this fall away test, what is it and how do you perform it?
Thanks.
I read a lot about this fall away test, what is it and how do you perform it?
Thanks.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,622
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From: Topeka, KS
I had the same sort of thing. I had the 10K service done at the local HD shop then left for Colorado. All the way there it seemed "loose" and wind next to semis on the highway at 80 would blow my front end all over the place. We got to Mile High Harley in Aurora and pulled into the spot to park and front end felt really loose. I had them check it out and they said the front end needed tightened and greased. They also said both tires had 5 pounds too much air in them. I had aired them up myself before I left so my guage must be on the fritz. After that it handled like normal again.