Front wheel "floats"
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Front wheel "floats"
Hopefully you all have some ideas on this. 2005 FLHT, bought used with new tires. I put new tires on from HD. Dunlop stock tires. This is my fourth set on this bike. Immediately after having these installed I noticed a "floating" feeling when getting into corners at highway speeds. The tire never slides or anything but it just feels like the front end floats to the outside of the corner. I never noticed it with any of the other sets. They did adjust the neck bearings at the same time, could this be the cause? Have had it back at the dealership and get the "feels normal to me" line.
Tempted to think it may be the tires and try a set of Commander II's
Any help is appreciated!
Thanks
Tempted to think it may be the tires and try a set of Commander II's
Any help is appreciated!
Thanks
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 306
Likes: 2
I wonder if they could have mounted them backwards. Look for the direction arrows on the sidewalls. The Dunlops actually look "wrong" when they're mounted correctly.
Harris
Denver, CO
www.youtube.com/conedown
Harris
Denver, CO
www.youtube.com/conedown
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
You sure it's the front end and not the rear you felt? The rear end wobble is notorious on high speed sweeping turns. You may have felt a mild version which can feel like floating as the frame and mounts flex. Unfortunately, it's normal. That's why they sell frame braces and redesigned the frame in 09.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 7
DO NOT put commander II's on it! If you are game for another set of tires, try a pair of Avon venoms. If it's the tires at fault, avons will fix it. Lots of other possibilities but if you think it's tires, commanders will make it worse. I learned this the hard way.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
"Highway speeds". how fast?
The batwing fairing will unload the front end starting at about 80 MPH WINDSPEED. and as speed rises that becomes more of an issue.
Overloaded rear can also play into this.
I have had updrafts in canyons push on the fairing when leaned over...making the turn become something other than what I had planned setting up for it.
But, right to look at tires and alignment, motor mounts and swingarms bushings...if the drivetrain is warbling about inside the frame- it'll feel icy
Mike
The batwing fairing will unload the front end starting at about 80 MPH WINDSPEED. and as speed rises that becomes more of an issue.
Overloaded rear can also play into this.
I have had updrafts in canyons push on the fairing when leaned over...making the turn become something other than what I had planned setting up for it.
But, right to look at tires and alignment, motor mounts and swingarms bushings...if the drivetrain is warbling about inside the frame- it'll feel icy
Mike
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
Likes: 55
From: Bay Area
Subscribing. I am having the same issue on my 07 mostly going over longitudinal lines or crack while switching lanes.
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
Likes: 54
The reason those stock tires feel like that over grooves in the pavement is the tread pattern. The center portion of the treads runs forward and backward which grabs grooves in the pavement. I'd also check your tire pressure and balance.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 9
From: Scotland
In my experience the Commander II's are great tires, really feel good on the black top.