Alingment Question
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Tourer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 289
Likes: 4
From: Canada
Alingment Question
The bars/forks on my 08 Ultra when driving seem to be turned a little more to the right than to the left.
From the seat looking forward if you took a straight line across the radio left to right and then go 90 degrees down the gas tank, the fairing/bars are about a quarter inch closer to tank than on the left.
Hope that explains it.
Is this normal, if not what would the problem be.
From the seat looking forward if you took a straight line across the radio left to right and then go 90 degrees down the gas tank, the fairing/bars are about a quarter inch closer to tank than on the left.
Hope that explains it.
Is this normal, if not what would the problem be.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
It's actually quite common for the fairing to be slightly mis-aligned, giving the visual impression you're describing. I know mine is off a little and I'm aware of it, but it doesn't bother me enough to dig into it and try to straighten it out.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: HEBBRONVILLE, TX
seems to me this a common problem with all or some HD bikes, I just purchased a 2013 fatboy lo and it also has a slight misalignment to the right, but also does not pull in either direction, I'm due my first oil change next week so I plan to mention it to the service department, but in other threads I've read its correctable by replacing the rubber bushings on the bars with poly bushings, not sure if this will help you but just thought Id toss it out there.. enjoy your ride..
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
I've sensed this also since getting my bike in Aug of 2011. Dealer has had three different people ride the bike, and they either don't see it, or they are so used to it that it is "normal" for them.
On another note, when I take both hands off the bars, my bike wants to go left. I have to hang halfway off the seat to the right to get it to track straight. Irritating.
On another note, when I take both hands off the bars, my bike wants to go left. I have to hang halfway off the seat to the right to get it to track straight. Irritating.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 49
From: Northern California
Mine tracks perfect and to cure this issue I braced the front tire and gave the bars a twist, bingo problem fixed.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 13
From: NW Arkansas
I've sensed this also since getting my bike in Aug of 2011. Dealer has had three different people ride the bike, and they either don't see it, or they are so used to it that it is "normal" for them.
On another note, when I take both hands off the bars, my bike wants to go left. I have to hang halfway off the seat to the right to get it to track straight. Irritating.
On another note, when I take both hands off the bars, my bike wants to go left. I have to hang halfway off the seat to the right to get it to track straight. Irritating.
Mine has done this since it was new. Wrecked it, fixed it ($10,000 repair to front end) and it still does it. I've taken measurements from the end of the grips to several points on the bike, the two sides don't measure out the same. Same experience as you with the dealer. But, the bike rides great and I don't have any unusual tire where, so I've learned to ignore it. Last trip was just under 5000 miles out west with nary a problem. "They" say you can unhook the clutch cable from where it is fastened on the frame and it will track straight when you let go of the bars. I've never tried it, but will one of these days.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Holland, NY
As has been mentioned, you can loosen the front forks and twist the forks against something ( I have used the doorframe) until straight.
Also, you can loosen or tighten the bolts on the handlebar clamp--do the bolts that are diagonally paired. You should be able to see the handlebars move.
Also, you can loosen or tighten the bolts on the handlebar clamp--do the bolts that are diagonally paired. You should be able to see the handlebars move.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,980
Likes: 5,218
From: Michigan
I've sensed this also since getting my bike in Aug of 2011. Dealer has had three different people ride the bike, and they either don't see it, or they are so used to it that it is "normal" for them.
On another note, when I take both hands off the bars, my bike wants to go left. I have to hang halfway off the seat to the right to get it to track straight. Irritating.
On another note, when I take both hands off the bars, my bike wants to go left. I have to hang halfway off the seat to the right to get it to track straight. Irritating.
I had a new '69 BSA 750 Rocket III and it drove me nuts that it also did this.
I tried everything and finally gave up and traded it in on another bike.
The only thing I didn't try was replacing the front fork springs.
Perhaps you'll have more success than I.