Wobble around long turns
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Joined: Feb 2011
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Wobble around long turns
I just got an 06 street glide and it seems like around long turns goin freeway speeds is gets a wobble not a full speed wobble but more like its skating around I took it to dealer and they said nothing was wrong but something sure isn't right
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From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
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From: Daytona, Fla.
Verify all the usual problem points, tire pressure, steering head tension, alignment, correct fluid in the forks, good shocks, etc. etc. Then go get one of the many stabilizers available. It'll improve your entire ride.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Illinois
Three things I would look at right away are:
1.)Tire Air Pressure - check and compare with HD recommendations. If you are >180 lbs., consider adding a psi or two for every say 20 lbs you are over that.
2.) Did the past owner(s) install a big,fat tire on the rear? This will screw up the geometry of the turn handling for sure. Check if both the front and rear tires are as OEM specifications.
3.) Is the rear tire worn flat? Meaning a flat spot very evident on the contact area of the tire? - result of many things, mainly maintaining proper air pressure, also ridng for long periods on straight, turnless roads.
That's about all the easy stuff I can think of.
Bob
1.)Tire Air Pressure - check and compare with HD recommendations. If you are >180 lbs., consider adding a psi or two for every say 20 lbs you are over that.
2.) Did the past owner(s) install a big,fat tire on the rear? This will screw up the geometry of the turn handling for sure. Check if both the front and rear tires are as OEM specifications.
3.) Is the rear tire worn flat? Meaning a flat spot very evident on the contact area of the tire? - result of many things, mainly maintaining proper air pressure, also ridng for long periods on straight, turnless roads.
That's about all the easy stuff I can think of.
Bob
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From: earth
I dont think anyone has mentioned the front motor mount yet, but it does influence the motion of the "floating" driveline. As mentionted already, check the fundamentals first; serviceability and adjustment of all OEM chassis subsystems. Then you can explore the countless aftermarket "solutions".
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From: San Diego
Common on Harley touring bikes before 09. Wobble most apparant on sweepers, going faster than posted speeds.
It feels uncomfortable, and only solution on stock bike is to slow down till it goes away : <(
Several aftermarket solutions. In 09 they changed to a stronger frame, and it pretty much went away.
It feels uncomfortable, and only solution on stock bike is to slow down till it goes away : <(
Several aftermarket solutions. In 09 they changed to a stronger frame, and it pretty much went away.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 361
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From: Staten Island
All the above mentioned should be checked. But here is my 2 cents.
Never had a problem with long sweeping turns at higher than speed limit speeds. One day, the front end started to wobble. Let off the gas, clinched my cheeks and rode it out.
Could never duplicate the feeling again.
Had it checked out and dealer said my front wheel bearings were shot. 2009 FLHX with 20K on the tires. Tech rode the bike around the parking lot and hit the kill switch to coast. You could hear the bearings grinding. Also showed me how the front tire was wearing uneven.
This all happened after my trip to Tail of the Dragon on my way home. $50 deductible fixed the bearing. When I was riding home, I felt how the tire wore uneven. Now the wobble was worse. Everytime I leaned the bike for a turn, I had a heavy vibration in the front end. Had my servicing dealer warranty out the front tire because the failed bearing made it wear uneven. They did me a solid!
Never had a problem with long sweeping turns at higher than speed limit speeds. One day, the front end started to wobble. Let off the gas, clinched my cheeks and rode it out.
Could never duplicate the feeling again.
Had it checked out and dealer said my front wheel bearings were shot. 2009 FLHX with 20K on the tires. Tech rode the bike around the parking lot and hit the kill switch to coast. You could hear the bearings grinding. Also showed me how the front tire was wearing uneven.
This all happened after my trip to Tail of the Dragon on my way home. $50 deductible fixed the bearing. When I was riding home, I felt how the tire wore uneven. Now the wobble was worse. Everytime I leaned the bike for a turn, I had a heavy vibration in the front end. Had my servicing dealer warranty out the front tire because the failed bearing made it wear uneven. They did me a solid!