Front end wiggles when no hands on bars
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 575
Likes: 4
From: SouthWestern Ontario
If you are standing on the seat when this happens, try putting a toe on the bars or avoid the tar snakes.
Seriously, check the head bearings and make sure they are well greased and properly tightened and if the problem persists or gets worse, you may need to replace them. Lightly holding onto the bars your arms become stabilizers even if you are not conscious of the effect. Some bikes you can ride for miles on end without any noticeable change riding hands free...others not no matter what you try.
Not a wise thing to do anyhow, other than temporarily for minor tasks that require two hands.
Seriously, check the head bearings and make sure they are well greased and properly tightened and if the problem persists or gets worse, you may need to replace them. Lightly holding onto the bars your arms become stabilizers even if you are not conscious of the effect. Some bikes you can ride for miles on end without any noticeable change riding hands free...others not no matter what you try.
Not a wise thing to do anyhow, other than temporarily for minor tasks that require two hands.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 20
From: Indy
You can't get a torque wrench on the adjustment nut , how would you measure it?
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 861
Likes: 3
From: trivoli illinois
no...i understand. just wish it was possable. sure would take the guess out of the "fall away method". just saying its not very exact.... steve
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,413
Likes: 17
From: eastern oklahoma
i'd had no experience with roadglides, never even sat on one, but decided to buy a 2013 roadglide ultra a few months ago. the dealership rolled a demo 2013 RGU out for me to ride to help me make my decision. of course i let go of the handlebars like i used to do regularly on my 08 streetglide. headshake from about 20 to 40 mph. i asked them if that was common with roadglides and they told me that the roadglides require 4 lbs of pressure or weight on the handlebars. no biggie, as i don't regularly ride with both hands off the bars. so i buy the 2013, same issue. front end shake from about 20 to 40 mph. i place one or both hands on the grips, and no more shake. above 50, no shake at all with hands off the bars. i think the next time i'm at the dealership where i get work done on my bikes, i'll have them adjust my neck bearings properly.
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Joe Kucinski
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
Had the same issue with my Limited. Low speed shake and tendency to follow the snakes. Adjusted the head bearings and it all went away. On a straight, smooth road I can set the cruise and ride for a mile with hands off if I want to.
Bill
Bill
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 552
Likes: 2
From: Florida
check out service bulletin m-1246, it covers what you'll need to do. and here is all the service bulletins for the 09 on this thread https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ing-bikes.html
Last edited by vtwinbob; Jan 26, 2013 at 08:59 AM.