09 ultra wobble
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2006
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09 ultra wobble
I have a 09 Ultra and I am experiencing a pretty severe wobble when I release the handle bars. I know, don't let go of the handle bars. We all let go of the bars for some reason occasionally, and what I am experiencing is not the norm. At any speed, but most commonly at 35-40 MPH, if I release the bars and the speed starts to reduce, it immediately starts to wobble, and will get extremely violent within a couple of seconds. As soon as I grab the bars it stops. If under power, (like with cruise on) it does not seem to do it. I will let off throttle and lightly hang onto bars, and as soon as I just about have all tension off the bars, it will start. I have talked with other Ultra owners, and they do not experience the same. I have about 18K on the bike, but this has been doing it since the beginning, I thought is was normal until asking around. Front tire pressure is good, as is the tread. (2nd tire on scooter) I did the "swing test" and it stops on the 4th swing, but the 4th swing is only about an inch of movement, so basically the 3rd swing. Nothing in my fairing or lowers, all stock. Harley wrench at dealer said I need front end tightened, but the test shows OK. Also, the manual says if steering head bearing is too tight, can cause inability to absorb weave, too loose can cause inability to absorb a wobble. Front tire Bearings seem to be fine, no movement at all. Do you think it is the Steering Bearings being too loose? I wonder if I should tighten them? Any help is much appreciated.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: New Braunfels, Texas
swing test? do you mean fall away? Here are the common problems that cause wobble:
Steer bearings
loose spokes (if you have laced wheels they need to be checked)
front motor mount
cupped tires
Steer bearings
loose spokes (if you have laced wheels they need to be checked)
front motor mount
cupped tires
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Cruiser
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Yes, fall away test, sorry about the wrong terminology..........I did as described in manual. tires are fine, no spokes. I guess I need to check motor mounts. So, since the fall away test is within specs, no need to adjust steering bearings? HD wrench said that will be the problem without even looking at my scooter.......
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: New Braunfels, Texas
You have to be careful with the fall away test because the cables and fairings can have an affect on how the front end moves. Have you checked your steering bolt to make sure it is tight?
I guess you could try tightening it in 1/4 increments and see if it makes a difference. (the slotted washer under the head bolt)
I guess you could try tightening it in 1/4 increments and see if it makes a difference. (the slotted washer under the head bolt)
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
Tighten the steering head bearing to specs. Remember to fill the chamber with some grease till it oozes out of the top and bottom of the column. Zerk is on the left side of the neck in an (as usual) hard to get to place.
Forget the motor mount. That's not your problem.
Forget the motor mount. That's not your problem.
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Cruiser
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Ultimate HDF Member
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From: New Braunfels, Texas
2 different things. Steering head bolt is the big bolt on the top. The bearing adjustment is underneath it...it is a slotted washer
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Cruiser
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Thanks for the clarification. Should I just start with that, or since I have to remove the fairing, should I also tighten the steering head bearings? I guess the best thing is to see if the steering head bolt is properly torqued, if it is then proceed to the steering head bearing adjustment? If the steering head bolt appears loose, then leave the bearing adjustment alone? Sorry for all the questions, just want to be clear on what I need to do. Thanks very much for the replies.
Ultimate HDF Member
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From: New Braunfels, Texas
I have seen steering bolts that were so loose that I could easily turn by hand ao that would be the first check.
When you take the fairing off, check the fall away again amking sure no cables are getting in the way
When you take the fairing off, check the fall away again amking sure no cables are getting in the way